It is typical of White's chivalrous spirit that within ten days he refused to identify himself with a victory when it was within his right to do so, and took the whole responsibility for a disaster at which he was not present.
Now he rode amid the shells and watched the able dispositions of his lieutenant.
About half-past three the action had fairly begun.

In front of the advancing British there lay a rolling hill, topped by a further one.

The lower hill was not defended, and the infantry, breaking from column of companies into open order, advanced over it.

Beyond was a broad grassy valley which led up to the main position, a long kopje flanked by a small sugar-loaf one Behind the green slope which led to the ridge of death an ominous and terrible cloud was driving up, casting its black shadow over the combatants.

There was the stillness which goes before some great convulsion of nature.