here their horses were
tethered; and in less than ten minutes the major's force had swept right
through the Boer laager on to open ground, where, in response to bugle,
whistle, and cry, they rallied, ready for rushing the enemy wherever
they could see a knot gathering together to resist, or from which firing
had begun.

Another five minutes, during which there was desperate work going on
near what had been the centre of the attacking line, and the beating of
horses' hoofs and trampling feet told that the Boers were in full flight
in the direction of the next kopje, where their friends were in all
probability sleeping in as much security as had been the case where the
attack was made. And now, as soon as the major could get his men in
hand, they dropped on one knee to empty the magazines of their rifles
into the dimly seen cloud of flying men running and hiding for their
lives, the volleys completely dissipating all thoughts of rallying to
meet the attacking force; in fact, not a Boer stopped till the next
kopje was reached and the news announced of their utter defeat.

It was quick but terrible work, for the men's bayonets had been busy.
Their blood was up, and they felt that they were avenging weeks of cruel
suffering, loss, and injury. But now that the wild excitement of the
encounter was at an end, and they were firing with high trajectory at
their panic-stricken foes, the bugle rang out "Cease firing!" and they
gathered together, flinging up their helmets and catching them on their
bayonets, and cheering themselves hoarse.

The next minute they were eagerly obeying orders, with the faint light
of day beginning to appear in the east, and working with all their might
to collect and give first aid to the wounded, whether he was comrade or
enemy: no distinction was made; everything possible was done.

But before this Major Robson had selected the best runner of his men
volunteering for the duty, and sent him off to Groenfontein bearing a
hastily pencilled message written upon the leaf of his pocketbook:

"Boers utterly routed--kopje and laager taken. Many wounded; send
help."

For the attacking force had not escaped unhurt, several having received
bullet-wounds, as where the Boers could get a chance they fired well;
but as far as could be made out in the first hurried examination not a
man was dangerously injured, and in most of the cases their hurts were
cuts and bruises given by the butts of rifles. As to th