ns through the main position, was fairly pure, and
there were wells which could be made serviceable. A captive balloon was
inflated by the Royal Engineers, and was used for the purpose of making
observations, much to the annoyance of the Dutchmen, who had securely
perched themselves at points of vantage on the surrounding hills. They
were at this time on the north and east, having laagered south-east of
Modder Spruit and Vlaak Plaats, some seven miles from Ladysmith, and
were preparing to arrange a closely-linked chain of earthworks that
should effectually surround the garrison. An exchange of shots now and
then, however, was all that took place for a while between the
contending parties, though both sides were evidently gathering
themselves together for some definite move. The situation was thus
described by a captive in Ladysmith:--

"Saturday and Sunday have passed without any demonstration being made by
the enemy. The camp has again assumed its condition of readiness and
watchfulness. On Saturday afternoon it was rumoured that General
Joubert, with the commando encamped at Sunday River, was experiencing
difficulty in transporting the 40-pounders across the spruit, which was
swollen after the heavy rains. Small parties of Boers are constantly on
the alert, and are harassing the British outposts.

"Scarcely a day passes without the outlying pickets being fired upon.
The latest reports say that the enemy are gathered in considerable force
on Dewdrop Farm.

"Great excitement has been caused in the Artillery camp by the capture
of a supposed spy, who was caught in the act of tampering with the guns.
The man had eluded the vigilance of the sentry, and had opened the
breech of one of the 15-pounders when he was noticed. He was promptly
arrested. When asked what he was doing, he said he was a lieutenant in
the 18th Battery. Questioned further, he contradicted himself, and said
that it was quite by accident that he opened the breech. He admitted
that he belonged to Johannesburg. He was marched off in custody of the
guard. The sequel of the story has not been made public.

"No camp followers are allowed, and all here have been ordered to leave.
The enemy are now undoubtedly closing round Ladysmith. A large commando
is reported to be on the Helpmakaar road, and a large camp has been
formed between the Harrismith Railway Bridge and Potgieter's Farm. The
camp on Dewdrop Farm extends for four miles. The enemy have an
exceptio