The Boers took less precaution, and kept up a tremendous fire from both flanks, many of the bullets probably hitting their own men.

Under shelter of the dongas some got right among our companies and fired from a few yards' distance.
Then came the horror of a war between two nations familiar with the same language.

"Second R.B.! Second R.B.!" shouted our fellows as a watchword and rallying-cry.

"Second R.B.!" shouted every Boer who was challenged or came into danger.

"B Company here!" cried an officer.