were
ordered not to fire, as it was thought better to wait until the Zulus
came on in earnest. At half-past one a cloud of skirmishers advanced
from the Zulu army, and fed by supports began to scale the north front
of the English position. Here, behind the outermost line of
intrenchments, some of Buller and Russell's dismounted men, and a
portion of the band of the gallant Piet-Uys were stationed, and these
opened fire upon the Zulus. Scarcely one of them but was a dead-shot,
and no sooner did a head or a shield appear above rock or boulder or
tuft of grass than the deadly rifle rang out, and in most cases there
was an enemy the less to encounter.

The Boers particularly distinguished themselves at this work. Most of
these men are certain shots, being trained from childhood in the use of
their large single-barrelled guns, carrying an enormous bullet, and
suited for the destruction of big game. Animated by a hatred of the
Zulus, and a longing for vengeance for the death of their late leader,
the Boers picked off their foes with unerring aim. The enemy's
skirmishers now retired, and a more solid line took their place,
supported by a dense column in its rear. The cavalry remounted and fell
slowly back, and Major Russell, with twenty of his men, made a brilliant
charge on a party of Zulus who were running to take possession of a
sheltering ledge of rocks, and, after cutting down a great many,
retreated without the loss of a man.

Buller and Russell now retired slowly within the laager, their retreat
being covered by Colonel Gilbert and four companies of the 13th, who
were posted at this face of the works. One company of the 13th, under
Captain Cox, held the cattle-laager, which was situated outside the
line, and so were able to take the enemy in flank, as they attacked the
main work. This little garrison and Colonel Gilbert's men poured a
tremendous fire upon the Zulus, who still, however, pushed forward.

Major Hackett was now ordered to take a couple of companies of the 90th,
and to advance up the slope, round the rear of the cattle-laager.
Taking post here, they opened a deliberate and deadly fire upon the
enemy, and then advancing drove back the Zulus with great loss. The
Zulu general, however, led a party of his best marksmen round to his
right, and opened a heavy fire upon the 90th, as they fell back upon
their intrenchments. Lieutenant Bright fell mortally wounded, and in
running forward to pick him up