But with the loss of this Krupp we saved the laager.
I withdrew my burghers; I released the prisoners whom I had with me.
And now it was my task to make it as difficult as possible for my pursuers.

The winter grass on the veldt was dry and very inflammable, and I decided to set fire to it, in order that the English might find it impossible to obtain pasture for their oxen and cattle.

I accordingly set it alight, and very soon the country behind was black.
We hurried on until we reached Mr.Smit's farm, which is one hour on horseback from the southern slopes of the Witwatersrand--the great dividing chain of mountains that runs in the direction of Marico.
Crossing this range, we continued on the march the whole night until, on the morning of the 11th of August, we arrived at the southern side of the Magaliesberg.
In the afternoon we went over the saddle of the mountain and across the Krokodil River.
My idea was to remain here and give our horses and oxen a rest, for the veldt was in good condition, and we could, if it were necessary, occupy the shoulder of the mountain behind us.
General Liebenberg took possession of the position to the west, near Rustenburg; but hardly had he done so, before the English made their appearance, coming over another part of the mountain.

He sent me a report to this effect, adding that he was unable to remain where he was stationed.
Thus again we had to retreat, and I was unable to give my animals the rest I had intended to give them.
We now took the road from Rustenburg to Pretoria, and arrived the following evening close to Commandonek, which we soon found was held by an English force.
I left the laager behind and rode on in advance with a horse-commando.
When I was a short distance from the enemy, I sent a letter to the officer in command, telling him that, if he did not surrender, I would attack him.

I did this in order to discover the strength of the English force, and to find out if it were possible to attack the enemy at once, and forcing our way through the Nek, get to the east of the forces that were pursuing me.
My despatch rider succeeded in getting into the English camp before he could be blindfolded.