ut they were in the
best of tempers, and looked forward to some reviving dips in the Modder
on their arrival there.

Lord Methuen resumed command of the troops on the 6th of December, and
all were glad to find that the injury to their gallant commander had
been slight. It was now clear that the Boers intended to make a stand at
Spyfontein, for they were preparing for themselves fortified positions
such as their souls delighted in--deep, and long, and rocky. They had
time at their disposal, for a long halt at Modder River was imperative
for the purpose of replenishing the ammunition of the artillery
batteries and for bringing up relays of stores and food. Our expenditure
of ammunition in the fight on the 28th was said to have been 200 rounds
per gun, and consequently an extra supply was necessary before pursuing
aggressive operations.

Having deserted the river, the Boers were now planted in front of and on
the British right flank, so close indeed that daily passages at arms
took place between our patrols and those of the enemy. Several of
Rimington's Scouts were wounded, and wild rumours of approaching attack
were afloat. During the night of the 6th and the morning of the 7th the
communications by rail and telegraph at Enslin were cut.

On this occasion the 2nd Northamptonshire Regiment had a narrow escape.
They had been left by Lord Methuen to guard the line of communications
at Enslin, and there they were attacked by a Boer force 1000 strong.
Fortunately the General, hearing the news, despatched in hot haste to
the assistance of the regiment the 12th Lancers and the Seaforth
Highlanders, who had just arrived at the camp, under Brigadier-General
Wauchope, together with the 62nd Field Battery. The attack commenced at
4.30, and continued till eleven, at which time the Lancers and Seaforths
appeared. The Boers thereupon retired with all speed, the Lancers
following closely in pursuit. The British loss was one killed and six
wounded. On the same day the first train ran over the temporary bridge
which had been rapidly constructed by the Engineers, whose smart
workmanship elicited general admiration.

An interesting affair took place on the 9th of December. At night one of
the Naval 4.7-inch guns, which had been fitted with a field-carriage and
dignified with the name of "Joe Chamberlain," was hauled by a team of
thirty-two oxen to a ridge on the north side of the town. At an early
hour in the morning the Naval detachmen