When our ambulance detachments went forward at daybreak they were fired upon, though Commandant Erasmus had sent under a flag of truce asking that surgeons and burying parties should go out from our camp.  The medical staff were also made prisoners, and sent before Erasmus and Schalk-Burger, who, after many questions, released them with the most seriously wounded, among whom was Captain Paley.  Lieutenant Ferguson died before he could be brought in.  Our losses in this night attack, or rather in the fight that followed it, were 11 killed and 43 wounded, including Colonel Metcalfe slightly, Captain Paley, Captain Gough, Lieutenant Brand, and Lieutenant Davenport.

CHAPTER VIII

AFTER COLENSO

The Town-Guard called out—­Echoes of Colenso—­Heliograms from Buller—­The Boers and Dingaan’s Day—­Disappointing news—­Special correspondents summoned—­Victims of the bombardment—­Shaving under shell fire—­Tea with Lord Ava—­Boer humour:  “Where is Buller?”—­Sir George White’s narrow escape—­A disastrous shot—­Fiftieth day of the siege—­Grave and gay—­“What does England think of us?”—­Stoical artillerymen—­The moral courage of caution—­How Doctor Stark was killed—­Serious thoughts—­Gordons at play—­Boers watch the match—­A story by the way—­“My name is Viljoen”—­How Major King won his liberty—­A tribute to Boer hospitality—­General White and Schalk-Burger—­A coward chastised—­“Sticking it out.”

The week that followed the sortie to Surprise Hill must have been one of intense anxiety to Sir George White and his Staff.  The attack on the enemy’s gun positions coincided with General Sir Redvers Buller’s preparations to force the passage of the Tugela at Colenso, and to march to the relief of Ladysmith.  This, however, was not generally known in the town, which was engaged by what was taking place nearer at hand.  On 12th December Mr. Pearse wrote:—­

The big gun on Middle Hill, which the great “Twin Brethren” had put out of action some days before, was taken to Telegraph Hill and mounted in a strong position, whence its shells reached Cove Ridge, King’s Point, and other defensive works with unpleasant persistency.  Captain Christie’s howitzers were therefore removed to a bend of Klip River, with the object of subduing this gun’s fire again, if possible.  It was apparently expected that the Boers would attempt reprisals for our night attacks.  The Town Guard and local Rifle Association, having been duly embodied, were called out to line the river bank facing Bulwaan, and to assist in the defence of their town, but the Commandant still remained at Intombi Camp with sick, wounded, and non-combatants.

[Illustration:  THE BRITISH POSITION AT LADYSMITH, LOOKING NEARLY DUE SOUTH]

     On December 15, the day of the disastrous attempt at Colenso,
     General Buller’s guns could be plainly heard.  Mr. Pearse has the
     following entries in his note-book:—­