[Sidenote: [JAN. 24, 1900.] Far below, the main body of the British army had heard the rattle of the Boer outposts' first volley and the sound of cheering, succeeded by silence, which told that the summit was won. As the dawn broke they prepared for another day of battle, supposing that this achievement would be followed by a general assault upon the enemy's positions. But reinforcements were not promptly sent to join the forlorn hope in its cloudland. No attempt was made to push artillery up to its support; the mountain battery, which was with the army for this special work, was not sent forward--and it is possible that its weak short-range pieces firing smoke-producing powder would have been only a source of embarrassment and loss. The way was so steep that it was doubted whether heavier guns could be sent up. Already there was evident that same want of energy and determination to conquer at all costs which had exerted such a detrimental influence on the fighting of the past week. From out of the mist could now be heard the occasional crack of rifles, indicating that the outposts on the mountain were exchanging shots. It was clear that the enemy had not fallen back, but was, on the contrary, prepared to dispute the very possession of Spion Kop. [Sidenote: Botha determines to recapture the hill.] Meantime, the remnants of the Boer picket had reached General Botha's headquarters and given the alarm. With quick decision and judgment, which proved his capacity, the General ordered that the mountain should be recaptured at all costs. It was the key of the position, unlocking the door to Ladysmith. Through the mist horsemen sped to the camps of the commandos, bidding them ride hard to the rescue. From all points the Boers began to stream along the ridges which meet at Spion Kop, and prepared to assault in their turn, encouraged by President Steyn, who was present upon the field in person. Their cannon, four Krupps or Creusot weapons, one at least of heavy calibre, and four or five "Pom-Poms" were trained in readiness for the mist to lift, to shower death and destruction upon the forlorn hope. A party of forty men worked forward along the ridge, and, even before the sun dispersed the clouds, opened a sniping fire. [Illustration: [_From a photograph._ TWO OF THE DEFENDERS OF SPION KOP.] [Sidenote: Positions of the opposing forces.] [Sidenote: JAN. 24, 1900. _The Boers Bombard Spion Kop._]