General Woodgate's on the right. On the extreme left were the cavalry and mounted infantry, who accomplished the one great feat of the day--the capture of Bastion Hill. [Illustration: [_From a sketch on the spot by F. A. Stewart._ THE IRISH BRIGADE STORMING THE KOPJES NEAR WARREN'S CENTRE. January 20, 1900.] Bastion Hill, like Three Tree Hill, ran out at right angles from the main range of Spion Kop. By Lord Dundonald's order the South African Light Horse under Major Childe were sent to examine it, and if they did not find it strongly held, to seize it. They extended, approached under a heavy fire from the Boers at over 7,000 yards--a range at which British field artillery is useless--and climbed in open order its steep, almost precipitous sides. A private named Tobin led them all. Alert and agile, he bounded up the slopes, and reached the summit ten minutes before the rest of his comrades. All watched him, expecting every instant to see him fall, but he found only a picket of Boers, who fled at his appearance. Turning round, he waved his helmet on his rifle, and the Light Horse rushed up and occupied the hill. There was something ominous in the ease with which it had been taken, and the Boer reason for leaving it unfortified was soon manifest. [Illustration: [_Photo by Caney._ CAPTAIN C. A. HENSLEY. Killed at Venter's Spruit (see page 275).] [Sidenote: JAN. 20, 1900.] _Bravery of the Irish Brigade._] [Sidenote: Death of Major Childe.] Behind it rose a crescent-shaped ridge, hardly visible from below, but which was now seen to command it. The top of Bastion Hill itself was bare of shelter, and upon it from this further crest was poured a murderous fire--shrapnel and rifle. Towards evening Major Childe was struck and killed by a well-timed shrapnel, which laid low six of his brave troopers. Upon him, in the days before the battle, the presentiment of death had sat heavily. He had asked the night before that on his grave should be placed this epitaph, with its words of eternal hope and consolation: "'Is it well with the child?' And she answered: 'It is well.'" His wish was fulfilled. Beneath Bastion Hill he lies to-day, and on the cross which marks his grave these simple words are carved. Around him, on the solemn hills, within sight of his resting-place, sleep the valiant comrades who in these sorrowful days of defeat laid down their lives for their country. And his epitaph is theirs. [Illustration: _R. Caton Woodville._] THE DANGERS OF MERCY: INDIAN AMBULANCE BEARERS UNDER FIRE.] [Sidenote: Assault ordered and countermanded.] [Sidenote: [JAN. 20, 1900.]