It did not seem possible for the old President even to outspan, for I had received information that the enemy's right wing was already threatening Petrusburg.

But as the waggon had travelled that morning over twelve miles of a heavy rain-soaked road, it was absolutely necessary that the horses should be outspanned for rest.

But hardly had the harness been taken off the tired animals when a telegram arrived, saying that Petrusburg was already in the hands of the English.
President Kruger was thus compelled to return without a moment's delay.
I saw him into his waggon, and then immediately mounted my horse, and rode to the positions where my burghers were stationed.
Again I was confronted with the baleful influence of Cronje's surrender.
A panic had seized my men.

Before the English had even got near enough to shell our positions to any purpose, the wild flight began.

Soon every position was evacuated.