As we drew near to the English we saw they had taken up a very good position.

The sun had already set, and nothing could be done save to exchange a few shots with the enemy.

So, after I had ordered my men to post themselves on the enemy's front till the following morning, I rode back to Kroonstad.
When I arrived there, I found that the last of the Transvaal commandos had already retreated through the town and made for the north.

I at once sent orders to the burghers, whom I had just left, to abandon their positions, and to prepare themselves to depart by train to Rhenosterriviersbrug.
At Kroonstad there was not a single burgher left.

Only the inhabitants of the township remained, and they were but too ready to "hands-up." One of these, however, was of a different mould.