After the rush had been broken, N.M.R. galloped in line of squadrons up Peyana, accompanied by the machine guns. It so happened that a large portion of the enemy (about 300), had taken no part whatever in the charge. They preferred to lie in wait, that, no doubt, being part of the plan. They were discovered a few yards from where the first lot had started. For the most part, they turned right about and fled, under rifle and shell fire, down the precipitous and bushy country in rear of _B_. When the position at the kop had been taken, Arnott ordered the B.M.R. (by this time strengthened by C squadron, under Capt. J.L. Gordon),[268] to descend on foot into the small valley of scrub, etc., on the right of, and below, _A_. This was thereupon driven from top to bottom by C squadron at the point of the bayonet. Gordon sighted a large _impi_ in Mvoti valley that had not been engaged; he continued to watch its movements until recalled to the column. 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.