The next day, Boxing Day, I shall ever remember as being, figuratively speaking, as black and dismal as night.
I was roused at 4.30 a.m.by loud cannonading.

Remembering Captain Vernon's words, I telephoned to Headquarters to ask if the Colonel and Staff were there.

They had all left at 2.30 a.m., so I knew the projected action was in progress.

At five o'clock the firing was continuous, and the boom of our wretched little guns was mingled with the rattle of Boer musketry.

Every moment it grew lighter--a beautiful morning, cool and bright, with a gentle breeze.
In Mr.Wiel's service was a waiter named Mitchell, a Cockney to the backbone, and a great character in his way.