Before that could be accomplished we had to beat our track through the columns already mentioned.  And what a hearty reception they gave us!  In one day we had to pass no fewer than eleven of these.  And they did lift us up—­so much so that we scarcely lighted on the ground.  Even now I wonder how we contrived to escape these columns.  We were fortunately provided with a number of picked horses, to which we must largely ascribe our salvation.

In what a dreadful state we found the country east of the lines!  It resembled more a howling wilderness, a haunt of wild beasts, than an habitation of human beings.  It was cleared of all stock; no living thing, and not a single burgher of other commandoes came in view.  So thoroughly was the country cleared of all necessaries of life, that for six days we had to subsist on corn, coffee, and honey found in the mountains, for the bee-hives at the farms were all destroyed.  On the 7th day, having cut the wire near Springfontein, we found large numbers of springbucks in Fauresmith district, and though our supply of ammunition was very limited, we could still afford to spare as many cartridges as would provide sufficient food for men reduced to starvation’s point.

On the 15th of December we arrived at the river, and were ready to intrude once more upon British territory.  During the day the river was carefully reconnoitred, so as to ascertain the best place to ford it.  At nightfall we headed for it, and at 9 P.M. the commando was on its banks.  In deep silence lest the guards woke up on the other side, and shielded by the wings of darkness, we began to ford the stream.  Heavy rains had fallen higher up the river, in consequence of which the stream was so swollen that our horses had to swim about 150 yards.  The men who could not swim had to rely exclusively on their horses, and clung to these for all life was worth.  It was a very dark night, and as we only spoke in whispers, we succeeded in crossing the river, unobserved by the sentinels or guards, purposely stationed there to prevent our entering the Cape Colony.  We were wet to the skin, six of the men were without clothes, some lost their horses, and others their rifles and bandoliers, but none their lives.  We were indeed glad that we had attained our object.  But we did not know what was in store for us.

At dawn we left the river, and moving southwards we soon encountered the enemy not far from the river.  From early in the morning till late in the afternoon we were engaged by the enemy.  At sunset we could off-saddle and rest our tired horses for a short while, and a hasty meal was prepared.

At dusk we mounted again, and rode till 11.30 that evening, to get some fodder.  We arrived at a farm at midnight, but unfortunately it was already occupied by the enemy.  We had no sooner fastened our horses and were lying down to rest, when the enemy began firing at us.  We resaddled at once, and left the farm as quickly and quietly as possible.  One of the burghers was wounded in the arm, the rest came out unhurt.