Very heavy gun fire, night and day, was continually heard from the direction of Spion Kop and Acton Holmes, and on the 23rd a demonstration was made from Ladysmith, the mounted troops going out under cover of the fire of all the guns.  The Ladysmith guns on all the fronts opened, but were answered only by the Boer guns on Gun Hill and Bulwana.  There was but little musketry fire from Pepworth direction, and Surprise Hill seemed deserted.

Still no relief appeared, and the rations were:—­

12 oz. of beef, 1 lb. of bread.  Half ration of sugar.  Half ration of tea.

An order published on the 23rd gave hope:—­

“Sir George White has received further satisfactory news as to Sir R. Buller’s advance.  The relief of Ladysmith may be said to be within measurable distance.”

Very heavy gun fire was heard from 3 a.m. on the 24th till 2 p.m., and in the evening further encouragement was circulated:—­

“Reassuring news has been received from Sir R. Buller.”

No news from the relieving army was received on the 25th.  Heavy firing continued, and in the evening the Boers were seen trekking from the direction of Spion Kop, all the laagers on the rear slopes of the mountain clearing off and making for Vanreenen’s Pass and Newcastle.  In fact, the whole country round Spion Kop seemed about to be hurriedly abandoned by the Boers.  Great excitement prevailed in Ladysmith.

An investigation of the slopes of Spion Kop through the glasses at daybreak on the following morning proved, however, disappointing, for the laagers which had cleared off the night before were back again in their places.  Moreover, the Boers round Ladysmith were very truculent on the morning of the 26th, which necessitated the garrison standing to arms till 6 a.m.

Prices at the weekly auction had gone up considerably.

Two vegetable marrows were sold for 5s. 6d.

Pumpkins fetched 2s. 6d. each.

A small plate of potatoes reached 11s.

Whilst four sticks (4 oz.) of black tobacco, “Fair-maid” brand, changed hands at L5 10s.

From now till the end of the siege two companies of the Regiment were moved to a healthier spot, known as the “Convalescent Camp.”  It was situated at the eastern end of Convent Hill.  This post was relieved weekly, and as the men were concealed and in a healthier position the change was much appreciated.

On the morning of January 27th a native runner brought in news.  His account was:—­

“Boers lost heavily from artillery fire on Wednesday, and say that the British artillery is too much for them.  I saw six field cornets dead on one wagon.  Some English were taken prisoners, and they were from the left flank attack.  The English attacked Spion Kop and surrounded the base of the hill, and the Boers lost heavily from the English shrapnel fire.  When the English got to the top of the hill the Boers ran down the other side.  The Boers are much disheartened by their losses.”