With fifty wagons a ring-fort was built,
Fifty huge wagons almost tilt to tilt,
Lashed end to end with trek-chains, and between
Wheel-spokes and in all openings thorn-trees green
Were tightly piled or woven—breastworks these
That with their long sharp stinging thorns would tease
The approaching foe. In this embattled ring
Four wagons were drawn up to form a square;
This, with rough planks and hides for covering,
Sheltered the women, children, household gear.
Within the fort the trekkers' horses were
Carefully tethered; whilst on plain and hill
The flocks and herds were left to roam at will.

Meanwhile the trekkers and their women toiled:
Bullets were moulded; guns were cleaned and oiled;
Small buckskin bags were made for the slugs of lead,
Which, at close range, cause havoc as they spread.
Then to each man, behind the wagon-wall,
Posts were assigned where gunpowder and ball
Were placed in dishes ready to each hand.
And so that brave, resourceful little band,
When nineteenth of October showed its light,
Was ranged and ready for a ruthless fight.