CHAPTER XX.
The Oath of Neutrality Arriving at Rhenosterpoort, I found there Commandant F.Van Aard, with his commando.

He told me that after I had left the laager, the burghers had not been troubled again by the English.

He had gone on to Waterberg, and after having stayed there for a short time, he had returned to the laager.

He still had some of his waggons with him, but in many cases the oxen had been so exhausted that the waggons had to be left behind, the burghers returning on horseback, or even on foot.

He also told me that Vice-Commander-in-Chief Steenekamp had, just before my arrival, crossed the line in the direction of Heilbron, in which district there were then no English.
Generals Fourie and Froneman, with Hertzog, were also at Rhenosterpoort, having left their commandos behind, in the district of Winburg.
They had much to tell me which I had heard already, but which I now obtained at first hand.