The repulse at Vaal Krantz--for defeat it could scarcely be termed--marked the nadir of British fortunes in South Africa. It was the third occasion on which a British army had attempted to fight its way to Ladysmith and had failed. It was the climax of a long series of reverses--Stormberg, Magersfontein, Colenso, Spion Kop, and now Vaal Krantz--the darkest hour before the dawn. Yet already the preparations for the new campaign, which was to change disaster into triumph, were completed. By a dramatic coincidence, as General Buller's troops tramped sadly back to Chieveley, Lord Roberts and Lord Kitchener were speeding on their way to Modder River Camp to inaugurate the invasion of the Free State and to effect the rescue of Kimberley. Orders were forthwith sent by the Field-Marshal to General Buller, to relieve Ladysmith at all costs. The load of responsibility was lifted from his shoulders, and he proved in the weeks to come that he had laid to heart the lessons of his costly experience. In England, the news of Vaal Krantz only accentuated the gloom which Spion Kop and the earlier defeats had caused. It was feared that General Buller's task was an impossible one, and that Ladysmith, exhausted by hunger and ravaged by disease, must, notwithstanding its superb defence, succumb to the grimly-resolute foe. Yet England still persevered-- "Baffled and beaten back, she works on still: Weary and sick of soul, she works the more, Sustained by her indomitable will," though face to face with "the sense that every struggle brought defeat." [Illustration: A FEW GUNS FOR GENERAL FRENCH LEAVING RENSBURG STATION.] CHAPTER XV. COLESBERG AND THE WEST. General French's position--Engagements near Arundel and Rensburg--The Boers fall back on Colesberg--British camp moved to Rensburg--Fighting round Coles Kop--French's mobility--Loss of a commissariat train--Both sides reinforced--General Schœman repulsed--Death of Major Harvey--Boers driven back--Disaster to the Suffolks--Occupation of Slingersfontein--Guns and supplies hauled up Coles Kop--Small actions near Colesberg--Boer attack near Slingersfontein--Guarding the railway junctions--Gradual withdrawal of British forces--A ride for life--Accuracy of Australian shooting--Coles Kop and Slingersfontein evacuated--British retire to Arundel--Seizure of German steamers--Lord Roberts conciliates the Colonials--Reorganisation of transport--Roberts' and Kitchener leave Capetown--Lord Methuen keeps the enemy busy--Demonstrations towards Koodoesberg Drift--Roberts in camp--Preparations for the great blow--Composition of the Grand Army. [Illustration: NEW SOUTH WALES LANCERS WITH GENERAL FRENCH.] [Sidenote: General French's position.]