They swerved towards the side of the house; fortunately there were some burghers there who ran in front and stopped them. It was already dark. I suggested that they had better be unharnessed; I would walk to the waggon. Just then my husband came up with his riding horse Bokkie for me to ride to the waggon. However, Bokkie’s back was too narrow; as sure as I climbed up, off I would slip. Then his other saddle-horse came up, and off we rode to the waggons. All were there now, and very hungry; it was dark and damp, but luckily, with some dry wood, we soon had big fires going to prepare food. The enemy had not come much nearer. After a good meal we went to sleep, and early next morning I went on again with the waggons. The men folk joined the commando, and at Rietfontein, where I had made up my mind to spend some time, I went into the school, then empty. There were a good many people in the place, and one could get vegetables and fruit. But I had been there for only about a week when suddenly a large number of English troops entered the Rustenburg district where we were. Off I went again in great haste, this time to the Lichtenburg district. I had to drive hard to get past. I was lucky, and came safely through. Passing Lichtenburg, I came to Badenhorst, and found a deserted shop in which I could take up my abode. Here also we had kind friends, who took care to keep us supplied with vegetables. One evening, a fortnight later, just as I had gone to bed, the report was spread that the “khakis” were coming. It was very dark and cold, but I was soon up and dressed and had the waggons packed, and off we went again on the road. Next morning it seemed true that the “khakis” were behind us; once again we drove past Lichtenburg. Now there seemed nothing left for me but to fly with all possible speed to the Zwartruggens. When I got there Mr Joubert came on with me and brought me far into the mountains. “Here,” he said, “no ‘khakis’ had found their way yet.” And there I had to stay. There were many big trees growing, and the Marico River looked lovely as it flowed along; it was a pleasant spot to stay in. I made an oven so as to be able to bake my bread. I set up my hut in the cool shade of the trees, where all looked so beautiful and green, and made a stable for my horses with some trees and a kraal for the sheep, just as if I were destined to live here a long time. My soap was all finished and I began much to feel the need of it to keep my children clean.