To their dismay they found the gun-pit empty.

The gun had been removed perhaps for security, perhaps for the Sabbath rest.

But it was soon discovered a few yards off, and the sappers set to work with their gun-cotton.
Meantime a party was sent to the corner of the hill on the left to clear out a little camp, where the Boer gunners slept and had their meals under a few little trees.

They fired into it, and then carried everything away, some of the men bringing off some fine blankets, which they are very proud of this morning.

The great-coats were in such a disgusting condition that the soldiers had to leave them.
The fuse was long in going off.