“’He estimates the total loss inflicted on the enemy by Alston’s Horse at from four hundred to four hundred and fifty men. In face of such determined bravery as was evinced by every one of his late gallant comrades, Lieutenant Kershaw feels that it would be invidious for him to mention any particular names. Every man fought desperately, and died with his face to the enemy. He begs to enclose a return of the names of those lost, the accuracy of which he cannot, however, guarantee, as it is compiled from memory, the papers of the corps having all been lost. Trusting that the manoeuvres attempted by Lieutenant Kershaw under somewhat difficult circumstances will meet with your approval, I have, &c.—By order of Lieutenant Kershaw, (Signed) Jeremy Jones, _Sergeant-Major._ “Then follows the reply, dated Maritzburg, 2nd February: “‘Sir,—1. I have to direct you to convey to Lieutenant and Adjutant Kershaw, and the surviving members of the corps known as Alston’s Horse, the high sense entertained by the Officer, &c., of the gallant conduct of that corps in the face of overwhelming odds at Isandhlwana on the 22nd of January. “‘2. It is with deep regret that the Officer, &c., learns of the heavy misfortune which has befallen Lieutenant Kershaw. He wishes to express his appreciation of the way in which that officer handled the remnants of his corps, and to inform him that his name will be forwarded to the proper quarter for the expression of Her Majesty’s pleasure with regard to his services.* “‘3. I am directed to offer you a commission in any of the volunteer corps now on service in this campaign.—I have, &c., (Signed) “‘CHIEF OF THE STAFF.’” Then comes a letter from Sergeant-Major Jones, gratefully acknowledging the expression of the high opinion of the Officer, &c., and declining the offer of a commission in another volunteer corps. Next is a private letter from the Officer, &c., offering to recommend Sergeant-Major Jeremy Jones for a commission in the army. And, finally, a letter from Sergeant-Major Jones to the Officer, &c., gratefully declining the same. Ernest looked up sharply. The _raison d’être_ of the movement was gone, for he could no longer see, but the habit remained. * It may be stated here that, if this was ever done, the War Office did not consider Ernest’s service worthy of notice; for he never heard anything more about them. “Why did you decline the commission, Jeremy?” Jeremy moved uneasily, and looked through the little cabin-window. “On general principles,” he answered, presently. “Nonsense! I know you would have liked to go into the army. Don’t you remember, as we were riding up to the camp at Isandhlwana, you said that you proposed that if the corps did anything, we should try and work it?” “Yes.” “Well?” “Well, I said _we!_” “I don’t quite follow you, Jeremy.” “My dear Ernest, you can’t go in for a commission now, can you?” Ernest laughed a little bitterly. “What has that to do with it?”