It did not take us long to reach the camp, and there we found fifty-eight mounted men.
These prisoners I despatched that evening to join the convoy.
I then advanced with my commando another six miles, with the object of watching Lord Roberts' movements, in case he should send a force back to retake the convoy he could so ill spare.

But the following day we saw nothing except a single scouting party coming from the direction of Paardenberg's Drift.

This proved to consist of the hundred burghers whom I had sent with Commandant Lubbe to General Cronje's assistance.

I heard from Lubbe that General French had broken through, and had in all probability relieved Kimberley; and that General Cronje was retreating before Lord Roberts towards Paardeberg.

I may say here that I was not at all pleased that Commandant Lubbe should have returned.
On account of Lubbe's information, I decided to advance at once in the direction of Paardenberg's Drift, and was on the point of doing so when I received a report from President Steyn.