It was a simple ceremony, but a very touching one.

The same afternoon Colonel Plumer's force was inspected by the Colonel, prior to their departure for the North to repair the railway-line from Bulawayo.

They were striking-looking men in their campaigning kit, having been in the field since last August.

Some wore shabby khaki jackets and trousers, others flannel shirts and long boots or putties.

However attired, they were eager once more for the fray, and, moreover, looked fit for any emergency.
The next few days were a period of intense excitement, and we were constantly stumbling against friends who had formed part of the relief column, but of whose presence we were totally unaware.