A line of posts existed between Thabanchu and Ladybrand, and Colonel Thorneycroft was stationed there with a movable column.

It was Knox's plan therefore to prevent the Boers from breaking to the west and to head them towards the Basuto border.

A small column under Parsons had been sent by Hunter from Bloemfontein, and pushed in upon the flank of De Wet, who had on the 12th got back to Dewetsdorp.

Again the pursuit became warm, but De Wet's time was not yet come.

He headed for Springhaan Nek, about fifteen miles east of Thabanchu.