As usual, the venture was brilliantly conceived and ably carried out.  During the day a squadron of Hussars was sent forward to Maeder’s Farm, some five miles on the line of march.  There the men bivouacked under arms, and at midnight set out on a silent march to the west.  Under the screen of darkness and perfect silence the advance was speedy.  Even the regimental carts were dispensed with, lest the creaking of their wheels might betray the advance.  Not until the column was near its objective, McCracken’s Hill, did the Boers suspect its approach.  An amazed shouting and some wild rifle-fire from the outposts—­and McCracken’s Hill was in French’s hands.

The cavalry now wound round the hill towards the road.  But their commander, Colonel Fisher, found it impossible to take the hills commanding the road.  As generally happened, a complicated engagement ensued.  The Boers attempted to retake McCracken’s Hill next morning, adding a counter-attack to the north-east and an enveloping movement on the right to the already complex situation.  But French checkmated every move, although he finally thought it wise that Colonel Fisher should evacuate the hill he had so cleverly won.  That night both French and Schoeman were wiring for reinforcements in the hope of clearing up the situation.

[Page Heading:  THE FATE OF THE SUFFOLKS]

Some days afterwards came the only reverse which French ever received at the hands of the Boers.  There has been endless argument as to who was directly responsible for the disaster to the Suffolks.  It seems best simply to record the fact that the order was given by French as the result of pressure brought to bear on him by the enthusiastic colonel of the Suffolks.  The key to the Boer stronghold lay in the kopje of Grassy Hill.  Lieutenant-Colonel A.J.  Watson had frequently reconnoitred the Boer position in company with General French.  As a result, he was confident that his battalion could rush the position.  On January 5 he begged for permission to attempt the feat.  On the following day French authorised him to make the attack should he see a favourable opportunity, on condition that he first informed the General of his plans and probable time of attack.  This he failed to do, and that night, without further warning, Watson and his men crept noiselessly out of camp, walking either in canvas shoes or in stocking-soles in order to deaden the noise of their footsteps.

The foremost ranks were scrambling breathlessly towards the summit, when a withering Boer fire fell upon their panting lines.  It was clear that they were not only discovered but expected.  Watson ordered a withdrawal.  But withdrawal from that stark boulder-strewn hill-side was almost an impossibility.  The column fell into disorder, some advancing and some retreating, under a fierce fire from the enemy.  Watson himself gathered together the rear company and attempted, with reckless gallantry, to lead it to the summit.