emy before them on each occasion, the lack of a
really large mobile arm, in the shape of a cavalry force, hampered them
seriously, and allowed the Boers to retire where otherwise they might
have been routed. Consequently they were far from beaten, and when the
column reached the banks of the Modder River it was to find a long line
of ridges entrenched on the other side, and the bridge blown down. In
addition, the knowledge that the British must pass on in this direction
had allowed the Boers full scope in the way of artillery, a most
important arm, and instead of the field-guns which we were forced for
the most part to make use of, they had mounted long-range weapons of
position, against which only our naval 4.7 cannon could effectively
fight.

The battle of Modder River was a murderous affair, but once again, in
spite of severe losses, we damaged the enemy to such an extent that,
though not driven from his entrenchments, he deserted them overnight,
and under cover of darkness retired on the long ridges of Spytfontein
and Magersfontein, only a few miles south of Kimberley.

It was an exceedingly formidable and well-chosen position. In spite of
the most complete reconnaissances the trenches remained hidden, and the
Boers held their fire, refusing to be drawn into showing their exact
whereabouts till an attack was made in force.

It was a crafty and exceedingly wise proceeding on their part, for when,
in the grey of dawn, our Highland Brigade advanced, they stumbled, in
close order, upon the first line of trenches before they were aware of
it. And the Boers, who were almost taken by surprise, poured murderous
volleys into their ranks as they marched in quarter column, and almost
decimated them. It was a most unfortunate affair, and though we covered
the retirement of the brigade, and indeed killed and wounded large
numbers of the Boers, we failed to turn them out of their trenches, and
retired on our camp, checked for the first time in a memorable march, in
which in seven days we had fought no fewer than three successful
engagements.

It was a check, not a reverse, though the disaster to the Highlanders
was a serious affair. But it created a sensation, and formed one of
those irritating pin-pricks which roused the British lion to do his
utmost, and caused us to pour into Africa an army larger than had ever
before been transported across the sea. How those troops were raised,
how the patriotic spirit of the nati