In pursuance of the plan, Leuchars, whose column now consisted of U.M.R., N.M.R. and L. and Y., left at dusk on the 9th for Allan's store viâ the magistracy at Mapumulo. Woolls-Sampson, whose column now included B.M.R. (Arnott), in lieu of N.M.R., made for Hlungwini Drift (Tugela). Both columns were to be at the mouth of the Mati by the following dawn. Mansel got orders to move up the Tugela and assist on the Zululand side. Again, accompanying Mackay's column, McKenzie, leaving shortly before 3 a.m., entered the rebels' district by a more direct route than did the other columns. The N.R. accompanied Mackay, though, being infantry, started half an hour earlier. Woolls-Sampson's column traversed extremely difficult and thorny country. It proceeded to where the Mati joins the Tugela and close to Isiwasezimbuzi mountain. Although a thick mist added to the difficulties of the march, the force was in position at the appointed time.[292] Leuchars, after bivouacking at Mapumulo, left that place at 3 a.m. As with the other columns, strict silence was observed during the march and no lights struck. By daylight, the force had occupied positions round Allan's store. Subsequently, Capt. W.J. Gallwey was sent down Masiwele valley with a squadron, whilst another squadron, under Capt. E. Simkins, crossed the Masiwele stream and moved along a high ridge on the north. Leuchars, in the meantime, took the main body down Mati valley, where it had been arranged Gallwey and Simkins should meet him. When about three miles from the Tugela, touch was got with the columns of Woolls-Sampson, Mackay and Mansel. None of the enemy, however, were met with, though a spoor leading in a northerly direction into the next ward was found. After the columns had got into their respective positions, McKenzie directed them to drive forward simultaneously to the junction of the Mati and Masiwele streams. The country each column operated in was exceedingly rugged. Vast portions of it were covered with thorn and other varieties of trees, growing so closely together in places that it was impossible for horsemen to do otherwise than proceed in single file along narrow, stony footpaths, across which fallen trees and other obstacles were frequently found. Not a single rebel was seen throughout the day. The movement, though within ten days of the general concentration at Thring's Post, had come too late. The wily rebels, no doubt aware of what had happened at Izinsimba, had slipped, under cover of the dense forests, some ten miles or so up the river. The troops, having bivouacked for the night on the Mati, continued the operations during the following day, but met with no better success. Leuchars and Woolls-Sampson then withdrew to Mapumulo, and Mackay to Thring's Post. The infantry, including D.L.I., returned to Thring's Post viâ Isiwasezimbuzi (_the goats' precipice_).