In consequence of Lord Roberts's proclamation, Free Staters remaining in the field now became rebels. But Mr. Steyn issued a counterblast--warned burghers to take no notice of the proclamation at their peril, and declared the country was still an International Sovereign State, with a President and properly constituted Government. The unfortunate burghers, therefore, found themselves between two fires, and their sentiments must have resembled those of the man who, torn between rival fair ones, cried, "How happy could I be with either, were t'other dear charmer away!" Botha, it was said, desired to surrender, but from sense of loyalty to De Wet was prevented from so doing, both Dutchmen having agreed to hold out so long as one remained uncaptured. De Wet was reported to be still keeping together some 6000 men in the Orange River Colony, Botha with some 5000 more, broken into marauding bands, was guarding the east of the Transvaal, while Mr. Kruger and his allies between Machadodorp and Nelspruit resided in a railway carriage, awaiting the whistle that should warn them to steam off. On the 19th General Rundle, accompanied by his staff, Colonel Maxwell and Captain George Farrar of General Brabant's Division, made a careful examination of Ficksburg and its fortifications, and afterwards, during a reconnaissance, it was discovered that a hornet's nest was concealed in a series of sinister kopjes near by. The desperadoes had guns, and without doubt intended to use them should the British be caught in the open, but they were playing a waiting game, at which pastime General Rundle decided to show himself equally proficient. Further investigations proved that the Boer lines between Ficksburg and Bethlehem were of great strength, and that the Dutchmen numbered some 5000. Besides these bands, other roving commandos flitted about mosquito-wise, seeking to draw British blood. On the 20th Colonel Dalgety at Hibernia reported that he had been surrounded. He stated that some 200 Dutchmen were ensconced on Doorn Kop near his camp, and asked for help in order to effect their capture. Off went General Rundle, with Scots Guards, Cavalry and Artillery, marching nimbly, in the fond hope of making a "bag," through the pitchy blackness of the night, and reaching the destination at dawn. When the troops arrived, however, it was found that Colonel Dalgety had retired, and the Boers in dispersed gangs were again a prowling danger to the vicinity. Meanwhile General Paget, who was holding Lindley, was attacked by De Wet, who brought five pieces to bear on him, but the guerilla chief was successfully repulsed by the 2nd Yorkshire Light Infantry, assisted later on by a battery of the City Imperial Volunteers which gave a splendid account of itself.