But his fighting career unfortunately soon came to an end, for he was taken prisoner in a most curious way near Naauwpoort, when Prinsloo surrendered.
I must now retrace my steps, and give some account of what I myself had been doing during this time.
I proceeded to the west of Doornberg, and only halted when I reached the Zand River.

What memories does the name of that river bring back to me! It was on its banks that in 1852 the English Government concluded a Convention with the Transvaal--only to break it when Sir Theophilus Shepstone annexed that country on the 12th of April, 1877.

But this Convention was re-established by Gladstone--greatest and noblest of English statesmen--when he acknowledged the independence of the South African Republic.
Here on the banks of this river, which was so pregnant with meaning, we should stand, so I thought, and hold the English at bay.

But alas! the name with all its memories did not check the enemy's advance.
On the 10th of May Lord Roberts attacked us with his united forces; and although his losses were heavy, he succeeded in breaking through our lines near Ventersburg, at two points which were held by General Froneman.

And thus the English were free to advance on Kroonstad.
I gave orders to my commando to move on to Doornkop, which lies to the east of Kroonstad.