had been strengthened. Then the Colonel joined us with all he could
command, and a fierce little battle raged. Again the Boers were
repulsed. There being no cover for their men, which is so necessary for
the practice of their marksmanship to the best advantage, the clever
cavalry manoeuvres of the Light Horse proved too much for them.

Unsuccessful attempts to recapture the wagons were kept up till they
were drawn as close to the opening in the old fortress walls as they
could be got, the enemy being kept at bay while the bullocks were driven
in. Then followed troop after troop of our men, who dismounted and
hurried to the top of the walls, where they covered the retirement of
their comrades so effectually that the enemy were soon in full retreat,
gathering up their wounded as they passed without molestation from us.

That afternoon the Boers' wagons, surmounted by a white flag, were seen
coming across the plain, their attendants being engaged for a long time
in the gruesome task of collecting the dead.

It must not be supposed, however, that our men had not suffered; we had
a dozen slightly wounded. Inside the walls that evening there was a
triumphant scene of rejoicing, in which to a man the wounded took part.
The wagons had been emptied, and grain and meal stored under cover;
horses and bullocks had a good feed, and one of the wagons was
demolished for firewood, our whole force revelling in what they called a
glorious roast of beef.

I never felt so much abashed in my life, I could not feel proud; though,
of course, I had done my best. I tried to explain that it was poor old
black Joeboy we had to thank for the success of the raid; but the men
would not listen. If ever poor fellow was glad when the sentries had
been relieved and the fires were out, so that rest and silence might
succeed the wild feast, I was that person. I felt utterly exhausted,
and I have only a vague recollection of lying down upon some bags of
mealies, and of Denham, who was by me, saying:

"Hurrah, old fellow! The chief must make you a sergeant for this."

I don't think I made any reply, for I was nearly asleep; and that night
seemed to glide away in a minute and a half.

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE.

ANOTHER DISCOVERY.

Denham and I went out early next day with a small party and an empty
wagon to go over the ground between our laager and the Boer lines,
following the route taken with the captured wagons, to make sure that no
wo