But the time seems now ripe for larger events.  On the following day the Boers made their supreme attempt upon the defences of the town.  Their best and their bravest were pitted against the siege-worn British soldier; but though they gained all the advantage of a night surprise, though their fierce energy placed them at this point and that several times within an inch of victory, they were hurled back by a foeman whose determination was greater than their own, and whose courage and spirit of self-sacrifice rose superior.

CHAPTER X

THE GREAT ASSAULT

Why the Boers attacked—­Interesting versions—­A general surprise—­Joubert’s promise—­Boer tactics reconsidered—­Erroneous estimates—­Under cover of night—­A bare-footed advance—­The Manchesters surprised—­The fight on Waggon Hill—­In praise of the Imperial Light Horse—­A glorious band—­The big guns speak—­Lord Ava falls—­Gordons and Rifles to the rescue—­A perilous position—­The death of a hero—­A momentary panic—­Man to man—­A gallant enemy—­Burghers who fell fighting—­The storming of Caesar’s Camp—­Shadowy forms in the darkness—­An officer captured—­“Maak Vecht!”—­Abdy’s guns in play—­“Well done, gunners!”—­Taking water to the wounded—­Dick-Cunyngham struck down—­Some anxious moments—­The Devons charge home—­A day well won.

When Mr. Pearse spoke of the comparative calm which marked the closing days of 1899 as deceptive, he was right, and events promptly proved him so.  On 6th January the Boers, as has been said, made a most determined attempt to bring the siege of Ladysmith to an end by storming the British defences.  Why the enemy should have allowed so long an interval to elapse since their half-hearted effort of 9th November, is difficult to imagine.  Dingaan’s Day (16th December) was originally fixed for the attack, but Schalk-Burger was diverted from his purpose by the attempt made by Sir Redvers Buller to force the passage of the Tugela.  The projected onslaught on the besieged town having once been abandoned, it was generally believed that the Boers would be too intent on watching the movements of the relief column to trouble about attacking Ladysmith in force.  According to one report an imperative order from President Kruger precipitated matters, while another story is to the effect that a bogus despatch purporting to be from Sir George White to Sir Redvers Buller, brought about the sudden change in the enemy’s tactics.  This despatch, so the story runs, asked that relief might be sent at once as the ammunition was exhausted, and it was impossible for the garrison to hold out in the event of the town being attacked.  The native runner, to whom the document was entrusted, was instructed to proceed in the direction of the Boer lines, and so faithfully complied with his orders that both runner and despatch fell into the hands of the enemy.  If the Boers were led to attack by any such ruse they