Major Wing secured the sight, the sponge, and an old wideawake, which the gunner used always to wave to him very politely just before he fired.

Some say there was a second explosion, and I heard it myself, but it may have been a Boer gun which threw one round of shrapnel high over the hill, the bullets pattering down harmlessly, and only making a blue bruise when they hit.

As soon as the sappers and gunners had made sure the gun was destroyed, the order to retire was given, and the line began climbing down in the darkness.

The half company in support was taken up, the two companies at the foot were reached by some, when a heavy fire flashed out of the darkness on both sides.

The Boers, evidently by a preconcerted scheme, were crowding in from Thornhill's farm on our left--Mr.Thornhill, by the way, was acting as our guide--and from Bell's farm on our right.