tornado commenced, but the line being formed we advanced forces, and, as soon as we had descended from the heights, the long grass with which the plain was covered prevented any individual from being able to see more than ten or fifteen yards ahead. When nearly opposite to the south end of Nyangwe, and, as it proved, at least a mile and a half from the river bank — though at the time it seemed much nearer — we came upon a knoll of ground rising out of the half-dry swamp in which we were marching.

From this situation we saw a long line of men advancing towards us through the grass, not more than half a mile away. We promptly laagered, and the Commandant ordered off two companies to check the supposed advance of the enemy. When we were within hailing distance, it was discovered that they were a detachment of