Arnott now marched in open order, with as broad a front as the country would permit, until Hlonono Mission Station was reached. Here the ridges overlooking low ground on the south-west were lined, with a front of about half a mile. The main body of the rebels, estimated at 3,000 to 4,000 strong, was presently seen about one and a half miles off, and between the station and Meseni's principal kraal, evidently trying to get round the column's right flank. As soon as it came within artillery range, fire was opened from Itshelensimbi hill. This, in a few minutes, succeeded in checking the advance.
The object of the reconnaissance having been achieved, viz. locating the position and strength of the enemy, the column began to withdraw to the camp at Otimati. During the retirement, which was carried out in good order, the field guns shelled the impi whenever it appeared, thereby preventing the rear-guard from being harassed in any way.
Some seventy Natives were killed during the engagement. The casualties among the troops were of a minor description, no one being killed.
Examination of the plan will show that the ambush was of a very ingenious character, the locality selected being exactly suited for the purpose. Troops less wary would probably have been trapped. The plan evidently was to draw them towards E, when the two impis, barely fifty yards from one another at B, would have pounced upon them front and rear.
The rebels, who were under the command of a brother of Meseni, Muziwenkosi, carried ordinary shields and assegais. One of them used a rifle, whilst others had shot-guns. All wore the tshokobezi badge.
The decoys, who were seen before the action began, openly signalled to the two impis on Peyana, visible to them, but invisible to the advancing column. This was done by sweeping the grass to right and left with their shields. Such action, of course, immediately aroused the suspicions of the troops.
On Addison galloping back to rejoin his men, the dog, a white pointer, missed him and got in amongst the rebels. These he followed, barking at them in the liveliest manner.
PEYANA (HLONONO)
SKETCH PLAN
Dispositions at the beginning of the action.
REFERENCE
A = Neck.
B = Peyana hill.
C = Gun position.
D = N.C. position.
E = Where decoys were seen.
F = Trig. beacon.
N.C., etc. See Abbreviations.
The enemy. = Scrub and swamp.
Line of troops' advance is from Thring's Post viâ F towards E.
Retreat of Impi 1 as per arrows; Impi 2 made off through bush in its rear towards Umvoti R.