They were all Transvaal Boers, chiefly volunteers from the commandoes of Heidelburg and Wakkerstroom.

This main body was attempting to take our left (north) side of the hill in flank, and kept edging through the thorns and dongas near the foot.

The Natal Police, supported by the Natal Mounted Rifles, had been set to prevent such a movement, but had left a gap of 500 yards between their right and three companies of Gordons stationed in front of "Fly" kraal on that side of the hill.

At last, observing the enemy in a donga, they challenged, and were met by the answer, "For God's sake, don't fire; we're the Town Guard." At once they were undeceived by a volley which killed one of them and wounded a few others.

How far they avenged this act of treachery I have not discovered.