And now, about 3·30 p.m., as a ridge was breasted, far away over the plain the tall chimneys and mine gear of Kimberley came into sight. The column broke into a tumult of cheering. On the extreme left could be seen the kopjes of Magersfontein; over the veldt sounded the heavy booming of guns, and from time to time the puffs of smoke from bursting shells showed that an artillery fight was in progress. Broadwood moved off to the left with orders to demonstrate to the enemy that the British cavalry were behind them. General French, with the heliographers, climbed a small kopje on the right and set to work to open communication with the besieged garrison. For long his heliograph winked and flashed without attracting any notice, and all grew impatient. Then at last came an answering flash. But the garrison took General French's division for a force of Boers, and replied to his anxious signals with chaff, such as the signallers of the two opposed armies often exchanged. They lavished upon him a great deal of fictitious detail, until presently it dawned upon them that the British cavalry were in truth approaching. Then at last they informed General French that they had captured Alexandersfontein, a point seven miles from Kimberley and only five miles from the cavalry, and that the direction by which he was advancing was the best. Already, far away, the note of cheering came over the veldt. The British troops holding Alexandersfontein were rejoicing at the coming of their comrades. [Sidenote: [FEB. 15, 1900.] [Sidenote: Entry into Kimberley.] The onward movement was speedily resumed. Two squadrons were ordered to push on with all possible speed into Kimberley itself, and before them the enemy were seen to be galloping off to the east as fast as Boers could go. To cut off their retreat, if possible, General French swerved to the right, when suddenly a Boer gun to the east of Kimberley opened a sharp fire. General Porter at once brought up his horse guns and replied, but the enemy had no stomach for a fight. They hastily fell back, taking with them their gun, and unfortunately the British horses were too exhausted to pursue. Far away from the north at Kamfers Dam was heard the heavy note of the great Boer 6-in. Creusot, still showering its deadly bolts upon the town, in ignorance that its prey had already as good as escaped. Then, as night fell, and the array of troopers and guns entered into the town, weary, thirsty, sweating, but conscious of a deed done that would ring through the world and fill with exultant joy the British race, the sullen boom of this weapon ceased also, and peace returned to Kimberley. [Illustration: COLONEL RHODES HELIOGRAPHING TO HIS BROTHER, Mr. CECIL RHODES, BESIEGED IN KIMBERLEY.] [Illustration: THE NAVAL SEARCHLIGHT WHICH TALKED WITH KIMBERLEY DURING THE SIEGE, AND ONE OF THE 12-POUNDER NAVAL GUNS.]