They joined the commando when they wished, or, if they preferred it, stayed away.

But now I intended that the men who joined the commando should be under a far stricter discipline than formerly, and success rewarded my efforts.
We left Brandfort on the same evening.

My object was to surprise the little garrison at Sanna's Post, which guarded the Bloemfontein Water Works, and thus to cut off the supply of water from that town.
I started in the direction of Winburg, so as to throw every one off the scent.

On all sides one heard the question, "Where are we really going?
What can we have to do at Winburg ?" The following day I concealed my commando, and that evening some spies, on whom I could rely, and who were aware of my secret intentions, brought me all the information I required.
At this point I had a great deal of trouble with Commandant Vilonel.

It appeared that, notwithstanding the express interdiction of the council of war, there were some thirty waggons, belonging to burghers from Winburg who were under his orders.