e the stiffest on Lord Methuen's record, and have
declared that the obstinate resistance of the Highland Brigade, and the
magnificent coolness and daring of its officers, quite equalled the most
splendid deeds of British history. The Brigade about noon was reinforced
by the Gordons, and these, as they advanced towards the wire-girded
trenches, were exposed to a terrific cross-fire from the enemy, their
route having taken them past a Boer trench from which the concealed foe
promptly assailed them, and they found themselves literally battered by
volleys in front, flank, and rear.

[Illustration: SKETCH MAP OF POSITIONS AT MAJESFONTEIN]

The Guards Brigade meanwhile were taking a heavy share of the work. They
occupied the centre and right, moving due north over a level plain which
was shelled by the Boers from the ridges. The extreme right rested on
the river, where the Yorkshire Light Infantry, under a tremendous fire,
held the drift. These clung tenaciously to their position throughout the
day, even after all their ammunition was exhausted. They fired in all
some 7000 rounds, inflicting terrible damage and losing only ten
wounded.

About two o'clock, after the enemy had been reinforced, the firing,
which had temporarily slackened, began again with stertorous uproar. The
air was thick with projectiles dealing death and mutilation on every
side. Then it was that the real disaster of the day occurred. The
portions of the shattered Highland Brigade, which, in spite of the
shock to its numbers, had stuck manfully to its terrific duty, suddenly
became disorganised. As a matter of fact, though it was not at the
moment recognised, nearly all its officers had fallen. A few minutes
later and they retired, by whose order none knows. The order was given.
No shouting of counter-orders could rally them; and indeed how could it,
since the revered familiar voices of their commanders were silent, some
of them perhaps never to be heard again! Major Ewart, Brigade-Major of
the Highlanders, rode up with an order--almost an entreaty, some
say--from the commanding officer to the effect that all he asked of the
Brigade was to hold the position till dark. But the officer in this
desperate situation could actually find no other to help him to repeat
the command to the scattered remnant, and he was thankful for the
assistance of Colonel Dawney, who, as a civilian, was surveying the
battle from Horse Artillery Hill. Eventually a rally was effect