ed, and
the brigade, stiffened and supported by the Scots Guards, got back to
the guns; but their nerve was shattered by the terrific experiences of
the morning, by the losses they had sustained, and by the disappointment
of being unable to fulfil the glorious expectations which the renowned
Highland Brigade has ever encouraged and ever nobly fulfilled.

[Illustration: MAJOR-GENERAL ANDREW G. WAUCHOPE, C.B.

Photo by Horsburgh, Edinburgh.]

It will serve no purpose to dwell further on the miserable details of
mighty effort wasted, splendid lives sacrificed, and gallant hearts
crushed by mischance. There are moments when, like the Oriental, one can
but lift helpless hands to the Unseen and cry "Kismet!"

While the engagement was going forward, Major-General Pole-Carew sent an
armoured train, under cover of a Naval gun, within 2500 yards of the
Boer position. This gun during the whole day, whenever occasion
required, made itself prominent by its magnificent practice, firing
lyddite shells behind the main ridge, and searching kopjes, trenches,
and laager with amazing accuracy. For instance, at one moment a train of
bullocks drawing guns was seen by the Naval Brigade--in the next the
whole affair had ceased to exist! In the same summary way the Guards
dealt with the foe. They came on a picket of some forty Boers, who had
been left for purposes of observation, and in shorter time than it would
take to tell the tale the whole party were killed, wounded, or taken
prisoners. The troops held their own in front of the enemy, entirely
clearing them out of the upper intrenchments until darkness put a stop
to the operations. This was another of the day's misfortunes, for at the
very hour of dusk the Boers were deciding to evacuate their position.
Then our troops intrenched themselves in face of the Boer position. But
finally, on the following day, they had to retire to Modder River on
account of the scarcity of water.

Nearly all the loss was borne by the Highland Brigade, who lost
fifty-three officers either killed, wounded, or missing, and a total of
650 of all ranks. Our line was three and a half miles long, while that
of the Boers was almost double. The loss of the enemy in mounted
infantry was enormous, and their Scandinavian commando of eighty strong,
which, under Baron Faderscwold, had been removed from Mafeking, was
entirely destroyed, every man being killed or wounded except seven, who
were taken prisoners.

There se