I sent on Commandant J.H.
Olivier, who had joined me at Paardenkraal, to Honingspruit Station, General Froneman to America Siding, while I myself made my way to Serfontein Siding.
At daybreak General Froneman wrecked the line near America Siding, and I did the same at other places, also destroying the telegraph poles.

Each pole was first shot through with the Mauser, and then pulled until it snapped at the point where the bullet had pierced it.
Things did not go so well with Commandant Olivier.

He attacked the station, but, unfortunately, not so early as had been arranged.
Consequently he was not able to bring his gun into action before the enemy had observed him.

When I came up to him there was a strong English reinforcement from Kroonstad close at hand.

We had too few men with us to be able to offer resistance, and had to retreat, returning to Paardenkraal at nightfall.
[Footnote 53: I.e.the ruins of Kaffir stone huts, built in the time of Moselekatze.] [Footnote 54: Among these seven burghers were Willie Steyn, Attie Van Niekerk, and a certain young Botha.