The action, unexpected after so many passive hours, {p.245} shook the steadiness of the British opposite.

Some turned and ran down hill, but the Engineer detachment stood fast with fixed bayonets.

An infantry major beside them fell, shot dead, but their own lieutenant, Digby Jones, a youth in his twenties, led them forward to the encounter.

The parties met midway, but only one follower had kept on with Villiers.

The Boer leader was killed by Jones, who himself dropped immediately after.