This information came as a great relief to the President and the members of the Government.
If I was to escape from the large force which was dogging my footsteps, it was now necessary to cross the railway.

I had made all preparation for this move.

I had left behind me, that afternoon, on the banks of Doornspruit a commando of burghers, with orders to keep the enemy back until we should have crossed the line.

And now I only waited until the darkness should come to my assistance.
As soon as the night came I ordered the waggons to proceed in four rows, with a force on each side, and with a rearguard and vanguard.
Immediately behind the vanguard followed the President and myself.

When we were about twenty minutes' march from the railway line I ordered the two wings of my force, which were about three miles apart, to occupy the line to the right and left of Serfontein Siding.
Before we had quite reached the railway I ordered the vanguard to remain with the President, whilst I myself, with fifteen men, rode on to cut the telegraph wire.