ad constructed, with
their wonted cunning, long sandbag trenches and various complicated
breastworks, which afforded them splendid cover. The line extended over
some five miles, and they were discovered to be posted on both sides of
the water. Where the stream of the Riet joins the Modder there is a
small and picturesque island some two acres in extent. It has shelving
banks all fringed with willows, and thus forms an excellent natural
cover for troops. Till now this spot had been the resort of picnickers
and pleasure-seekers from the Diamond City. On the north bank were
farmhouses and hotels, which had been evacuated by their owners and had
been taken possession of by the Boers. Here they had posted guns of
every available kind, in every available spot. They had Hotchkiss guns
and Maxim guns, and the deadly, much-abhorred Vickers-Maxim quick-firer,
a machine which, by the way, was offered some time ago to the British
Government--and refused! This objectionable weapon was christened by
some "Putt-Putt," by others "Bong-Bong," and one officer styled it "the
Great Mogul," because its presence was invariably greeted with profound
salaams and Chinese prostrations. With these guns the enemy began to
show that he meant business, as will be seen.

The division, that had been strengthened by the Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders, had moved out from Wittekopslaager about 5 A.M.,
breakfastless, because it was thought that on reaching the river, which
was but a short march of five miles off, there would be ample time for a
meal. But by seven o'clock the fighting had begun. The General had
arranged with the officer commanding the Royal Artillery to prepare the
infantry attack with both batteries from the right flank, and the
Infantry Division being still some miles distant, he gave them two
distinct points to march on, which allowed of the brigades keeping in
extended order and covering a very wide front.

The Guards Brigade had orders to develop their attack first, which they
did with the 1st Battalion Scots Guards on the right, with directions to
swing their right well round in order to take the enemy in flank, the
2nd Battalion Coldstreams and the 3rd Battalion Grenadiers making the
frontal attack, the former on the left to keep touch with the 9th
Brigade; the 1st Battalion Coldstreams in reserve in the right rear.
Well, before they could look about them and settle down into their
positions, the whole force found itself facing