The attack having been determined upon, it would have been expected that he would make use of the wing of the Berkshire regiment which had garrisoned Stormberg before its abandonment, and which knew the ground well. But that regiment was left behind to guard communications. It would have been expected that the rules laid down by military authorities for night attacks would be observed. They are as follows: That the line of advance should be most carefully reconnoitred by the general in person, full information obtained as to the enemy, and the attacking column covered by a swarm of scouts and patrols to obviate all chance of a surprise. None of these precautions had been taken, and entire reliance was placed upon guides, four in number, whom events proved hopelessly untrustworthy. This was in spite of the drill-book caution that men who know the country well by day are not to be depended upon at night unless they have often covered the road in the dark. [Sidenote: DEC. 9, 1899.] _Gatacre Decides to Risk an Attack._] [Sidenote: The forces detrain at Molteno.] On the 9th the move began. The troops entrained at Putter's Kraal at 4 a.m. They numbered 966 of the 2nd Northumberland Fusiliers, some 400 of the 2nd Royal Irish Rifles, 300 of the 1st Royal Scots, and two batteries of field artillery with twelve 15-pounders. The mounted infantry, 257 strong, moved by road with 42 Cape Police. The journey to Molteno in open trucks took two hours longer than had been expected, owing to delays on the railway. Upon the way 440 more men of the 2nd Royal Irish Rifles were picked up at Bushman's Hoek, and 100 Royal Scots dropped to guard the camp. In consequence of the vexatious delays, instead of three hours' rest being given the men at Molteno, before undertaking the march, only one hour could be spared. At 9·15 p.m. the infantry marched off into the darkness to cover by a wide detour the last nine miles intervening between Molteno and the enemy's position. To watch Molteno itself the remnant of the Royal Scots was left. [Illustration: FARRIERY IN THE FIELD. Army blacksmiths at work shoeing horses.] [Illustration: SCENE ON THE RAILWAY. Showing precipitous rocks such as checked the charge of the Northumberland Fusiliers and Irish Rifles.] [Sidenote: [DEC. 9-10, 1899.]