Cronje, on the other hand, had extended his position both to the right and to the left, and had strengthened the works which we had already found so formidable.

In this way a condition of inaction was established which was really very much to our advantage, since Methuen retained his communications by rail, while all supplies to Cronje had to come a hundred miles by road.

The British troops, and especially the Highland Brigade, were badly in need of a rest after the very severe ordeal which they had undergone.

General Hector Macdonald, whose military record had earned the soldierly name of 'Fighting Mac,' was sent for from India to take the place of the ill-fated Wauchope.
Pending his arrival and that of reinforcements, Methuen remained quiet, and the Boers fortunately followed his example.

From over the northern horizon those silver flashes of light told that Kimberley was dauntless in the present and hopeful of the future.