Colonel Thorneycroft led the way with a few men, finding out the spots
at which an ascent was practicable, and scouting on either side to
discover if Boers were hidden; behind him followed Woodgate leading his
men. He was in bad health and quite unfit for such a climb, but in spite
of remonstrances he had insisted upon going, although he was obliged to
be assisted at the more difficult places. The distance was not more than
six miles, but it was not until nearly ten hours after starting that the
summit was gained. The hilltop was enveloped in mist, and they were
unseen until the Lancashire Fusiliers, who were leading, were within
fifty yards of the top. Then a Boer challenged them, and directly fired
his rifle. Almost instantly a dozen of his comrades joined him, and
bringing their magazines into play opened a fierce fusillade. But the
aim was hurried, they could scarce see their foes, and the Lancashire
men, cheering loudly, rushed up to the crest without loss.
The Boers did not await their arrival; only one of them was bayoneted
before he turned to fly, and but two or three were overtaken by the
eager soldiers. As soon as the Boers had gone, the troops set to work to
construct breastworks to hold the spot they had gained against any
attempts of the Boers to recapture.
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