But on the other hand it is against Boer tradition to attack, especially entrenched positions.

Their artillery is probably far inferior to ours in training and skill, and they don't like artillery in any case.

Nor do they like the thought of Lancers and Hussars sweeping down upon their flanks wherever a little bit of plain has to be crossed.
So the chances of attack seem about equally balanced, and only the days can answer that one question of ours: Will they come on?
Yesterday it seemed as though they were coming.

The advance of two main columns from the passes in the north-west had been fairly steady; and last night our outposts of the Natal Carbineers were engaged, as the 5th Lancers had been the night before.

Heavy firing was reported at any distance short of fifteen miles.