ued to attract a great deal of the enemy's attention,
and they expended a vast quantity of ammunition in taking pot-shots at
its tranquil form as it floated on the skyline of the hill behind the
hollow from which it was sent up. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Henry Rawlinson, of
the headquarters staff, while aloft making a reconnaissance had a narrow
escape. A shrapnel shell pierced the balloon, came out on the other
side, and burst some distance beyond. Had it exploded while traversing
the gas-bag, the balloon and its occupant would have been done for; as
it was, the balloon made a gentle and dignified descent, and the sole
casualty reported was "one balloon wounded."

[Illustration: TYPES OF ARMS--THE 5-INCH HOWITZER OR SIEGE GUN. PHOTO BY
CRIBB, SOUTHSEA]

Various commandoes were now seen advancing towards the railway bridge,
which is half a mile north-west of Estcourt, and also from a northerly
direction. Upon this General Hildyard's force stood to arms. The outpost
fired on the enemy, and one shell at 8000 yards' range was launched from
the Naval guns. The effect was good, for the enemy with all celerity
retired. At the same time around Ladysmith the Boers were continuing
their bombardment from four strong positions: the first at Wonona, the
second on Intintanyone Hill, the third on Umbulwana Hill, and the fourth
at Grobler's Kloof. Sorties from time to time took place, thus
frustrating the intention of the enemy to make the investment closer.
Sir George White's lyddite shells were discovered to be more effective
than those of the Boers, many of which were charged with sand, and
jocosely said to be "made in Germany." As a matter of fact, the shells
were charged with cordite which had probably grown stale and ineffective
from over-keeping. It may be remembered that they were stored for use
against the British after the Jameson Raid.

On the 19th November General Hildyard found that it was necessary either
to reinforce the mounted troops that were posted at Willow Grange, thus
dividing the forces at his disposal, or to evacuate the place. He
decided on the latter alternative, and thereupon the Boers, with
delighted expedition, commenced to make preparation for a triumphant
progress to Maritzburg.

The weather now grew intensely hot, and at night the fall in the
thermometer became almost dangerously pronounced. In fact, the troops
had all the discomforts of India without the conveniences commonly at
hand in that country for t