Their numbers and dispositions so far made were observed; but the approaching powerlessness of the British for decisive offensive action was also shown.

Upon returning to camp at 2 P.M., it was happily found that a naval brigade from the cruiser "Powerful," lying at Durban, {p.066} had reached Ladysmith with long range and heavy guns.

These were quickly got into position and soon silenced a Boer 40-pounder, which at daybreak had opened fire on the town from a hill between two and three miles to the northward.

A few hours later news came in of the reverse at Nicholson's Nek.
The naval guns arrived in the nick of time, the very day that the enemy got their first heavy piece at work, and but three days before all communication with outside was intercepted.

The closeness of the shave emphasizes the military value of unremitting activity in doing, and unremitting energy in retarding an opponent.