The three field batteries--18th, 62nd, and 75th--which had so distinguished themselves at Modder River, here also proved the salvation of the British column. But for their devoted efforts and the superb conduct of G Horse Battery, the repulse might well have been converted into a complete disaster. The field guns opened at a range of about 2,000 yards, and, as the morning advanced, gallantly pushed forward to a point only 1,200 yards from the Boer trenches, where they were without cover and exposed to the enemy's rifle fire. G Battery had simultaneously closed in to 1,500 yards, and the big howitzers to something under 3,000. At first the Boer artillery seemed inclined to engage in a duel with the British guns, but after forty or fifty rounds it ceased its fire. Our weapons were left free to sweep the sides of the kopjes and the closely-lined but invisible trenches with shrapnel. It is not probable that they inflicted heavy losses; the enemy was much too well covered for that. But they absolutely prevented any counter attack during the critical hours of the morning; they shook the accuracy of the Boer fire; they gave Lord Methuen time to make fresh dispositions; and they cheered and encouraged the Highlanders in the fighting line by the sense of moral support which their furious racket caused. The calm intrepidity of the gunners especially attracted the wonder and admiration of all on the battlefield, and, strange to say, despite their exposed position and proximity to the enemy, they suffered only the most insignificant losses. The horse artillery at first came in for a heavy shelling, but not a driver moved or dismounted. The sergeant-major walked coolly to and fro inspecting the formation and harness, as if he were on parade. Over the battlefield hovered the great war balloon which had but recently arrived, and from the car the movements of the enemy to the rear and on either side of the Magersfontein position could be at times discerned. A steady stream of reinforcements was made out coming from Spytfontein and the extreme right of the Boer lines, and there were signs that the enemy was, in his turn, preparing a flanking attack against the British right. Only the steadiness of the Guards and the accuracy of their fire foiled this purpose. To increase the pressure upon the enemy's centre, Lord Methuen about noon sent forward the Gordons to the help of the Highlanders. The Gordons had but recently arrived and had been held back, in consequence, to guard the supply train. They extended and pushed into the fight in separate half battalions, under a vigorous fire. [Illustration: GRAVES OF THE HIGHLAND BRIGADE AT MAGERSFONTEIN. The long grave on the left is that of the Black Watch. In front, the single graves of officers killed at the battles of Magersfontein and Spytfontein. General Wauchope was originally buried here (see note to illustration on page 188).] [Illustration: BOER PRISONERS AT MODDER RIVER.]