Captains Lafone
and Field, who were shot down as they charged at the head of their
regiment; and many gallant volunteers serving in the ranks of the
Imperial Light Horse. One company of the Gordons at the close of
the battle was commanded by a lance-corporal, who was the senior
officer unwounded. The Imperial Light Horse was commanded by a
junior captain, and could only muster about 100 men fit for duty
out of nearly 500. As to the Boer losses, it is difficult to arrive
at the truth. The Boer has to be badly beaten before he will
acknowledge having suffered a reverse, and even in such cases every
endeavour is made to hide the real facts of the case, and the
acknowledgment is tardily and reluctantly offered. As supplementing
his description of the memorable struggle, we take the following
extracts from Mr. Pearse's diary:----

_January 7._--I rode to-day over the battlefield, where dead Boers still
lay unclaimed, but bearing on them cards that left no doubt about their
identity. I learn that one of that brave little band, the Imperial Light
Horse, wounded early in the fight, was tended gently by a Boer parson,
who bound up his wounds and brought him water under a terrific fire.
Struck by these acts of humanity and devotion to a high sense of duty, I
made inquiries as to the Dutch parson's name. It was Mr. Kestel, pastor
of the Dutch Reformed Church at Harrismith, a Boer only by adoption, a
Devonshire man by birth and descent.

There was to-day a solemn service of thanksgiving in the English Church.
A _Te Deum_ was impressively sung,--Sir George White and his Staff, at
the Archdeacon's invitation, standing at the altar rails,--and was
followed by "God Save the Queen."

_January 8._--Sir Redvers Buller heliographed, congratulating Sir
George White on the gallant defence of Ladysmith by this force, giving
especial praise to the Devons for their behaviour, but making no mention
of the Imperial Light Horse. An unfortunate omission.

CHAPTER XI

WATCHING FOR BULLER

Sir Redvers Buller's second attempt--A message from the Queen--Last
sad farewells--Burial of Steevens and Lord Ava--At dead of
night--Relief army north of the Tugela--Water difficulties
surmised--A look in at Bulwaan--Spion Kop from afar--What the
watchers saw--The Boers trekking--Buller withdraws--The "key"
thrown away--Good-bye to luxuries--Precautions aga