Bullets fell among the men, and smacked up against the stone breastwork.

The two companies were withdrawn, and lost heavily in the open as they crossed it.

An incessant rattle and crackle of rifle fire came from all round, drawing very slowly but steadily nearer.

Now and then the whisk of a dark figure from one boulder to another was all that ever was seen of the attackers.

The British fired slowly and steadily, for every cartridge counted, but the cover of the Boers was so cleverly taken that it was seldom that there was much to aim at.