It had already been removed, and its retreat was covered by the strong position of Dronfield, which was held both by riflemen and by light artillery.

Finding himself unable to force it, Murray, the commander of the detachment, remained in front of it.

Next morning (Friday) at three o'clock the weary men and horses of two of French's brigades were afoot with the same object.

But still the Boers were obstinately holding on to Dronfield, and still their position was too strong to force, and too extended to get round with exhausted horses.

It was not until the night after that the Boers abandoned their excellent rearguard action, leaving one light gun in the hands of the Cape Police, but having gained such a start for their heavy one that French, who had other and more important objects in view, could not attempt to follow it..