Thence he threw himself into the hilly country some miles to the south of the Vaal River, where he lurked for a week or more while Lord Kitchener came south to direct the operations which would, as it was hoped, lead to a surrender.
Leaving the indomitable guerilla in his hiding-place, the narrative must return to that drawing of the net which still continued in spite of the escape of this one important fish.

On all sides the British forces had drawn closer, and they were both more numerous and more formidable in quality.

It was evident now that by a rapid advance from Bethlehem in the direction of the Basuto border all Boers to the north of Ficksburg would be hemmed in.

On July 22nd the columns were moving.

On that date Paget moved out of Bethlehem, and Rundle took a step forward from Ficksburg.