The two latter, meeting in a mist upon the morning of January 5th, actually turned their rifles upon each other, but fortunately without any casualties resulting.

A more deadly rencontre was, however, awaiting them.
A force of Boers were observed, as the mist cleared, making for a ridge which would command the road along which the convoy and guns were moving.

Two squadrons (B and C) of the Light Horse were instantly detached to seize the point.

They do not appear to have realised that they were in the immediate presence of the enemy, and they imagined that the ground over which they were passing had been already reconnoitred by a troop of the 14th Hussars.

It is true that four scouts were thrown forward, but as both squadrons were cantering there was no time for these to get ahead.