Fig. 1 is a percussion fuze, for exploding a shell on coming in contact with any solid object. The steel needle A forces the copper washer B against the detonating composition C, exploding the pistol powder D, thus firing the charge in the shell through the aperture E. Figs. 2 and 3 represent the exterior and interior of a time-fuze; it is prepared for use by loosening the cap A, and turning the dome B until the index C is set at the required number of seconds, when the cap is again tightened. The safety pins D D are then withdrawn by means of the cords F F attached to their heads. On being fired, the centrifugal motion causes the detonating pellet, released by the removal of the safety pins, to press against a steel needle, which fires it and thus sets light to the quickmatch. The fuze composition runs round the channel marked G, behind the index, which regulates the amount to be burnt before exploding the charge.] [Illustration: FUNERAL OF GENERAL WAUCHOPE.] CHAPTER X. THE BATTLE OF MAGERSFONTEIN. New bridge over the Modder--Lord Methuen reinforced--British communications threatened--Position of Magersfontein--Boer defences--Boer methods--Difficulty of relieving Kimberley--Skirmishing--Lord Methuen's plans--Choice of Sunday--Disposition of troops--Attack on Magersfontein kopjes--General Wauchope's premonitions--Night march--Boers open fire--Demoralisation of Highland regiments--Accounts of the fighting--General Wauchope's death--Collapse of Highland Brigade--Artillery support--Reinforcements--Heroism on the field--Protest against Lord Methuen's orders--Artillery cover Highlanders' retreat--Incidents of the battle--British retirement to Modder River--British losses--Cronje's account--Criticism of Lord Methuen's tactics--Burial of General Wauchope. [Illustration: GORDONS IN CHARGE OF A PRISONER. Showing the khaki aprons worn to hide the kilts.] [Illustration: [_Photo by Elliott & Fry._ MAJOR-GENERAL SIR HENRY EDWARD COLVILE, K.C.M.G., C.B. Commands the 1st Brigade (Guards) of the South African Field Force. He was born in 1852, educated at Eton, and entered the Grenadiers in 1870. Was Aide-de-Camp to the General commanding at the Cape, 1880-83; served in the Soudan Expedition of 1884; the Nile Expedition (D.A.A.G. Intelligence Department), 1884-5; and with the Egyptian Frontier Force, 1885-6, as Chief of the Intelligence Department. He saw service in Burma in 1893, and in the same year was sent to Uganda as Acting Commissioner, and the following year commanded the Unyoro Expedition. Major-General 1898; in command of Infantry Brigade at Gibraltar 1899.] [Sidenote: New bridge over the Modder.] [Sidenote: DEC. 2-10, 1899.] _Lord Methuen's Army Reinforced._] [Sidenote: Lord Methuen reinforced.]