The night was very dark, and he had lost his way.

We crossed, as I have already said, without hindrance; but he and his companions rode into an outpost of the enemy a few miles to the north.

The English opened fire on them, with the unhappy result that the estimable Banie was so seriously wounded that he had to be left behind.

His comrades joined us the following morning, bringing the sad news with them.
We now continued our march at as rapid a pace as was possible; but the road was so soaked by rain that it was difficult for the oxen and the mules to draw the waggons and the guns.
On the 8th of February we overtook General Froneman at Lubbesdrift, six miles to the north of Philippolis.

We pushed on that evening towards Zanddrift, which we reached on the 10th of February.