By taking this road the English would not see us, on account of a ridge which lay between us and them.
My plan was to get behind this ridge and to march under its shelter until darkness came on; then, proceeding up the Orange River, to attack the enemy in the rear.

They were, however, only nine miles from us, and should their advance be rapid, they would reach the friendly ridge before night came on; and the danger would then be that before I had fulfilled my purpose, we should be hemmed in between two swollen rivers with the most fatal consequences.

The risk was great, but no other course was open to us.

There was no time to seek advice from any one; I had but a moment to spare in which to acquaint President Steyn with my scheme.

He said at once: "General, do as you think best." My mind had been already made up; but my respect for the President was so great, and we had always worked in such harmony, that I did not like to do anything without his knowledge; besides which, his advice was often of great value.