ck to camp to report the news, leaving
Gough to report the enemy's further movements."

Here it must be mentioned that General Hildyard spoke most highly of the
members of the Rifle Association and of the admirable scouting done by
them. He said also that great credit was due to Captains Symonds and
Ross and their officers for the wonderful efficiency which they had
displayed.

From the accounts received of the battle that took place outside of
Estcourt while that village was shut off, it was believed that Boer
women had come to help their lords to smash the "verdomde rooineks."
Those who are well acquainted with the Boers suggest that their ladies
were brought upon the scene to act in the place of white flags, for
certainly in the storming of Beacon Hill one of our officers ceased to
fire because he was confronted with a woman. Others declared that they
formed a portion of a trek which had come to implore the Boer generals
to cease the war. As we all know, the Boer women in ancient
history--such ancient history as the trekkers have--egged their husbands
and fathers on to warfare, loading their guns for them, and even firing
themselves when needful; therefore the idea of their being desirous of
peace was improbable. It is possible they would scorn to treat the
petticoat in the light of a white flag, and prefer to stand side by side
with their mates in their thinning ranks.

The Boers now entirely vacated their position along the Highland range
of hills, owing, it was believed, to the River Mooi being in flood, and
also in consequence of a smart engagement that had taken place with
General Hildyard's troops. Ladysmith remained calm, and though there was
some cannonading, it evoked no response. The Boers congratulated
themselves that the days of Ladysmith were numbered, that another week
would find them in possession of the place, and, though no great
humourists, they indulged in mild witticisms, christening their big guns
"Suzerainty" and "Franchise." The besieged meanwhile consoled
themselves. Their position was stronger than ever, having been made so
with redoubts and breastworks, and they awaited the coming of Sir
Redvers Buller and his forces with cheerfulness and confidence.

On the 26th of November the British troops began to advance on Colenso,
marching from Estcourt to Frere, where they found that the railway
bridge had been destroyed. The lines, however, were rapidly repaired. By
this time all had learnt to