I had, therefore, no hesitation in ordering my men to up-saddle at midnight, and by half-past two we had joined Vice-Vechtgeneraal Philip Botha.

I had sent him word to be ready to move, so that we were able to hasten at once to General Cronje's assistance.

Our combined force amounted to three hundred men all told.
[Footnote 17: A ravine or water-course.] [Footnote 18: In the district of Jacobsdal.] [Footnote 19: Biscuits.] [Footnote 20: Mr.Philip Botha had just been appointed Vice-Vechtgeneraal.] [Footnote 21: Brother to Judge Hertzog.] [Illustration: PAARDEBERG (CRONJE'S).
FROM A SKETCH BY THE AUTHOR.].