For the moment, it seems just possible that the great force, which we vaguely hear is coming out from England (all English news is hopelessly vague), will have to send the bulk of its troops to fight up Natal for our relief.

But the south of Natal having few rocks is not suited for Boer warfare.

When the Boers boasted they were coming to Durban, a wit replied: "Then you will have to bring the stones with you." For a Boer much prefers to have a comforting stone in front of him in the day of battle.

In these districts every hill is for him a natural fortress.

His hope is that we shall venture into the mountains; ours that he will venture down to the plains.