410.] At dawn the lines lay as described, but reinforcements {p.243} were being hurried to the British, the greater part directed on Caesar's Camp.

The Boers did not move during this critical period, relying upon their deadly fire, maintained by veterans in cover-taking and marksmanship.

More than this was needed.

In such a state of the national cause, the crests should have been attempted at all risks; and at all risks the forlorn hopes should have received immediate substantial support.

In cases like this, national temperament tells; there was by them no such rush as those in which the British officers had dared to fail.