ishman and Jingo, where the Lord then said, "Thus far and no
further." And now, my friends, you may suspect and expect that Mr.
Buller will receive the same advice, and that he may attempt to do as
the late Sir George Colley had done. Therefore, he will issue orders
either here at Colenso, at Ladysmith, Scholtz Nek, or elsewhere where
there is an English force in South Africa, to attempt a successful
action, either by means of a sortie or attack, or in some other way,
in order, if possible, to regain his good name and military fame. For
this reason we must, in firm faith in the help of our faithful and
beloved God, be on our guard against such action. I very much fear a
night attack, when our men are not alert and on their guard. The
fright in case of a false alarm, when so much ammunition is blindly
wasted, makes me fear that a disaster may be in preparation, and
demonstrates that the burghers are not organised properly on outpost
duty. On dark nights the outposts should be strengthened to such an
extent that they could almost independently hold their position. In
all cases at least the half of the outpost guard, if not two-thirds,
must remain awake, so that the men are not aroused from sleep with
fright and confusion, but, being on the alert, can independently offer
defence. Therefore, let the words of our Lord be impressed on the mind
of everyone: "Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation." Our
enemy is not only powerful, but also artful, and treason is
continually taking place, for it appears from the newspapers that the
enemy is even cognisant of our most secret plans, and we cannot
advance, but remain stationary, while the enemy is continually
strengthening himself.

Your sincere friend,

P. J. JOUBERT,
Comdt.-General.

CHAPTER XXVI.

THE ARMY MOVES FORWARD.

[Sidenote: The intended stroke.]

The first stage in the realisation of Lord Roberts' plan of campaign
must necessarily be the transfer to the neighbourhood of Lord
Methuen's camp of the army with which it was his purpose to manoeuvre
Cronje out of Magersfontein, to relieve Kimberley, and strike for
Bloemfontein.

[Sidenote: The problem. How solved.]

The problem was to carry out this transfer without allowing the Boer
General to suspect the design with which it was made, and, till this
first movement was completed, in order to gain time for it, to keep
him as