Newcastle will then lie about thirty miles from the apex of the triangle, nearly equi-distant from both sides.

Dundee is about twelve miles from the middle point of the right side, and Ladysmith about the same distance from the middle point of the base.

Evidently a "tight place" for a comparatively small force when the frontiers to right and left are openly hostile and can pour large bodies of men through all the passes in the sides and apex at will.

That is exactly what the Boers have spent the week in doing, and they have shown considerable skill in the process.

They have occupied Charlestown, Newcastle, and all the north of Natal almost to within reach of the guns at Dundee on the west and Ladysmith on the east and centre.