This pass is about four miles broad, with a British fort upon either side of it.

There was only one way to safety, for Knox's mounted infantrymen and lancers were already dotting the southern skyline.

Without hesitation the whole Boer force, now some 2500 strong, galloped at full speed in open order through the Nek, braving the long range fire of riflemen and guns.

The tactics were those of French in his ride to Kimberley, and the success was as complete.

De Wet's force passed through the last barrier which had been held against him, and vanished into the mountainous country round Ficksburg, where it could safely rest and refit.
The result then of these bustling operations had been that De Wet and his force survived, but that he had failed in his purpose of invading the Colony, and had dropped some five hundred horses, two guns, and about a hundred of his men.