"Don't you know your own friends ?" The sentry either ran away, or was satisfied, and the line crept on.

The first part of the slope is gentle, but the face of the hill rises steep with rocks, and must be climbed on hands and knees, especially in the dark.

Up went the 200, keeping the best line they could, and spreading out well to the right so as to outflank the enemy when the top was reached.

Within about 100 yards of the summit they came under rifle fire, the Boer guard having taken alarm.

A picket in rear also began firing up at random.