The Cemetery was passed, the gorge of Bell's Spruit, the series of impregnable defences built by the Liverpools and Devons along the Helpmakaar road.

At the end of those low hills the Devons were found drawn up in support, or to cover retreat.

General Hunter then took command of the whole movement, and the march went on.

Three-quarters of a mile further the road enters rough and bushy ground, thinly covered with stunted thorns and mimosa.

It rises gradually to the foot of the two great hills, Lombard's Kop and Bulwan, the road crossing the low wooded nek between them.