The brigade, still in its close formation, was nearing the foot of the hills, which could dimly be made out looming through the darkness. The Black Watch, in the front of the column, were, unfortunately, in great confusion, having encountered first a high, wire fence, difficult to negotiate, and then a particularly dense and tangled patch of brushwood, in passing through which they were unable to avoid making much noise and losing their formation. This may have delayed the deployment, but if the statement of one of General Wauchope's staff can be believed, neither the staff itself nor the officers of the brigade had any distinct knowledge of the enemy's position, or knew that there were trenches in front of the Highlanders. Be this as it may, already Major Benson had suggested to General Wauchope that, as the hour was nearly 4 o'clock, and the day was already beginning to break, it was time to open out. The General had, it would seem, misunderstood his orders and supposed that he was to maintain close formation up to a point near to the enemy's lines. It is alleged, with doubtful truthfulness, that again and again he exclaimed, "This is madness!" At last, however, he determined to extend his brigade. The madness, if madness of others it was, had gone far enough. As the Seaforths worked round the thicket to the right and regained touch of the Black Watch, the order to extend was given to the four battalions. But just as the order was issued and before it had been executed, the bright light ahead on the left went out, and at that instant a single rifle was fired. [Illustration: [_Barnett, Photo._ BOER REINFORCEMENTS LEAVING PRETORIA: COMMANDANT SCHUTTE ADDRESSING THEM.] [Sidenote: Demoralisation of Highland Regiments.]