The following morning my scouts reported that the English were rapidly approaching from Potchefstroom in two divisions; one was at Zandnek: the other had already reached Roodekraal on its way to Schoemansdrift.

One of these divisions, my scouts told me, might be turning aside to Vanvurenskloof.
Now the road from Venterskroon passed between two mountain chains to the north of Vanvurenskloof; and I feared that the English would block the way there.

I had to avoid this at all costs, but I had hardly a man available for the purpose.

The greater part of my burghers were still to the south-east and south-west of the Vaal River.
There was nothing left for me to do except to take the burghers who remained with me, and, whilst the laager followed us as quickly as possible, to advance and prevent the enemy from occupying the kloof.
This I did, and took a part of my men to Vanvurenskloof, whilst I sent another body of burghers to Zandnek.
Everything went smoothly.

The enemy did not appear and the laager escaped without let or hindrance--and so we camped at Vanvurenskloof.
I must have misled the English, for they certainly would have thought that I would come out by the road near Roodekraal.