gons
were missing, these having been carried off by the Zulus, filled either
with stores or with their own wounded. Having accomplished this work
the cavalry rejoined headquarters at Landmann's Drift.

On the 27th of May the column advanced, Newdigate's division leading the
way. By two o'clock in the afternoon the men had crossed the Buffalo
and marched to Kopje-allein through a bare and treeless country. One of
the most popular figures in the camp was the Prince Imperial of France,
who, having received a military education at Woolwich, and being anxious
to see service, had applied for and obtained leave to accompany the
expedition. The young prince had been extremely popular at Woolwich,
and was indeed an immense favourite with all who knew him--high-spirited
and full of life, and yet singularly gentle and courteous in manner. He
was by nature adapted to win the hearts of all who came in contact with
him. His abilities too were of the very highest order, as was proved by
the fact that, although suffering under the disadvantage of being a
foreigner, he yet came out so high in the final examination at Woolwich
as to be entitled to a commission in the Royal Engineers. When it is
considered how keen is the competition to enter Woolwich, and that all
the students there, having won their places by competitive examinations,
may be said to be considerably above the average of ability, it will be
seen that, for one who had previously gone through an entirely different
course of education, and had now to study in a language that was not his
own, to take rank among the foremost of these was a proof both of
exceptional ability and industry.

A splendid career was open for the young prince, for there is little
doubt that, had he lived, he would sooner or later have mounted the
throne of his father, and there are few pages of history more sad than
those which relate to his death in a paltry skirmish in a corner of
Africa. To Englishmen the page is all the more sad, inasmuch as, had
the men accompanying him acted with the coolness and calmness generally
shown by Englishmen in a moment of danger, instead of being carried away
by a cowardly panic, the Prince Imperial might yet be alive.

At Kopje-allein Newdigate's column was joined by that of General Wood.
Three days were spent in carefully exploring the country, and on the 1st
of June the division, as nearly as possible 20,000 strong, with a
baggage-train of 400 native wagg