Dawn at last broke on the veldt. The night had passed without any alarms, and the quietness and solitude seemed oppressive.
Mr. Lovat and the major were early astir, the former directing the "boys" in the serving out of corn to the troopers' horses, while the latter looked after his men.
The little force were able to replenish their bandoliers from the ample stores which Mr. Lovat had in stock, so that each man now carried two hundred rounds of cartridges.
Soon after dawn, the troopers moved off, after taking a hearty farewell of their host and hostess, not forgetting Mary, with whom the Irregulars left many little mementos in the shape of gold coins of the realm, and which they insisted on her accepting—although against her father's wish.
Their route would be by Langeman's Nek, a defile to the west of Rheni Kop, and Major Salkeld had promised his men some fighting before they joined the bulk of the regiment.
The road was very difficult, and progress consequently was slow. Scouts were thrown forward in front and on the flanks, but for a few miles nothing unusual occurred.
The advance guard was suddenly seen to halt and dismount.
Shortly afterwards, one of the scouts signalled, "Halt! remain where you are. We are falling back."
Major Salkeld instantly halted his men, and ordered them to see to the magazines of their rifles.
The four scouts in advance presently came riding in, and the leader at once made his report to the major.