Lord Roberts addresses the officers--Cavalry leaders--Advance to Ramdam--French at Waterval Drift--De Kiel's Drift secured--Sunset on the veldt--Cronje's optimism--The cavalry push forward--Heat and thirst--Veldt on fire--Rondeval and Klip Drifts seized--Advance of the infantry--Halt at the Modder--Cavalry opposed--Lancers clear a nek--In touch with Kimberley--Capture of Alexandersfontein--Entry into Kimberley--Bivouac in a Boer camp--C.I.V.s' baptism of fire--Seizure of Jacobsdal--Convoy attacked by De Wet--Waggons abandoned--Cronje's retreat--The Boers carry off their big guns--Orders to head Cronje. [Sidenote: Lord Roberts addresses the officers.] As the night of the 10th fell, there was an unwonted bustle in Modder River Camp. Train after train laden with troops went rattling southward through the darkness, carrying battalions and batteries to the points of concentration down the line. The whole cavalry division was under orders to start at 3 a.m. Lord Roberts, in his plain khaki uniform, with no sign of his countless orders and decorations, had, earlier in the evening, ridden round the various camps. He now convened the commanding officers of the cavalry division and made them one of his brief speeches. They were about, he said, to start upon an expedition which he knew they would welcome as an opportunity of maintaining the traditions of British cavalry. They formed the largest British cavalry division that had ever worked together as a whole. The object of their operations was the relief of Kimberley. Things were so desperate that a dash must be made, and he would follow as best he could with the rest of the army. Lord Kitchener had put the need for sacrifice even more strongly. The cavalry, he had said, were to reach Kimberley even if they left half their strength upon the road. [Sidenote: Cavalry leaders.] Stirring words these to great cavalry leaders such as those now gathered at Modder River Camp. There was the short, quiet, restrained, unimposing figure of General French--the ablest officer that the war had hitherto revealed. There were the trim and alert Broadwood and Gordon, both with good service to their record and each commanding a brigade of three regiments of horsemen. The third brigade, until General Porter's arrival, was under Colonel Alexander. In the very note of Lord Roberts' orders to them was that touch of confidence and decision which sweeps men with it and tells them that they are being splendidly led. [Sidenote: FEB. 10-11, 1900.] _The Army leaves Camp._] [Sidenote: Advance to Ramdam.]