(2) In the great battle of Spion Kop, which lasted eight days, the Boers were placed under the most terrific bombardment, and were constantly attacked by large numbers of the enemy—­yet they warded off these attacks gallantly.  On the night of the 23rd of January the English under cover of darkness scaled the mountain—­Spion Kop—­and were thus in possession of the key to Ladysmith.  It was evident to the Boer generals that Ladysmith would be relieved if Spion Kop was not retaken.  As soon as it became light the mountain was stormed from different directions by the Boers, who were determined, if possible, to wrench it from the grasp of the British.  Both parties displayed amazing bravery.  Boer and Briton fell side by side, staining the grass with their blood, and bespattering the stones and rocks with their brains.  At dusk more than half of the mountain was in possession of the Boers.  During the night the English evacuated it, and once more the Boers commanded over the entire mountain.  It cost them 35 killed and 170 wounded, but their objective was achieved.  Again the British were in command of the mountain, and were continually reinforced.  After Spion Kop was retaken, no more white flags were hoisted by the Boers.  On the contrary they lamented the loss of so many precious, innocent lives.  The Rev. R. Collins, a chaplain with General Warren’s Brigade, made the following statement re the attitude of the Boers after the battle:—­

“I venture to think it a matter of considerable importance to draw attention to the attitude of the Boers whom we met during the carrying out of our duties on these three days.  For my part I confess that the deepest impression has been made on me by these conversations, and by the manly bearing and straightforward outspoken way in which we were met.

“There were two things which I particularly noted.  As there was no effort made to impress us by what was said (they spoke with transparent honesty and natural simplicity, and in nearly all cases the conversations were begun by us), so there was a total absence of anything like exultation over what they must consider a military success.  Not a word, not a look, not a gesture or sign, that could by the most sensitive of persons be construed as a display of their superiority.

“Far from exultation there was a sadness, almost anguish, in the way in which they referred to our fallen soldiers.  I can best convey the truth of this statement, and show that there is no attempt at exaggeration in using the word anguish, by repeating expressions used, not once, but again and again by great numbers as they inspected the ghastly piles of our dead—­’My God! what a sight!’ ‘I wish politicians could see their handiwork,’ ’What can God in Heaven think of this sight?’”

By such a spirit was the Boer animated when he achieved some of his most brilliant successes.  He did not fight for honour and glory.  He fought at duty’s call as a patriot in a great cause.