These men, called by us "water draggers," correspond to the English "non-combatants." I ordered these burghers to withdraw to a spot two hours' trek from there, where there was more grass.

But before all had obeyed this order, a small camp, consisting of twenty or thirty waggons, was surprised and taken.
In the meantime, keeping my little commando entirely concealed, I spied out the enemy's movements.
On the 16th of February, I thought I saw a chance of dealing an effective blow at Lord Roberts.

Some provision waggons, escorted by a large convoy, were passing by, following in the wake of the British troops.

I asked myself whether it was possible for me to capture it then and there, and came to the conclusion that it was out of the question.
With so many of the enemy's troops in the neighbourhood, the risk would have been too great.

I, therefore, still kept in hiding with my three hundred and fifty burghers.
I remained where I was throughout the next day; but in the evening I saw the convoy camping near Blauwbank, just to the west of the Riet River.