The Gordons at once extended and replied, while the officer in charge of the convoy telegraphed to Lord Roberts detailing his position and asking for reinforcements. Some squadrons of Kitchener's Horse, the 1st Scottish Borderers, and a battery of the Seventh Division were promised, and, though well on the way to Wegdraai, received orders to march back with all speed. But already the Boers had brought up guns, and were playing upon the convoy with deadly effect. The oxen were falling fast, though the men did not suffer so much, being under cover. But when at last the boom of the British field battery to the north told that relief had arrived, the Boers ceased their bombardment, and could be seen falling back. Kitchener's Horse now came up, and attempted, but without complete success, to turn the Boer flank. The convoy had been saved--for a time. All that were left of the oxen were at once sent down to the river to be watered, a difficult process with so many beasts when the drivers could not be found. But as they came up again from the river a fresh mishap occurred. The Boers again opened fire, killed or drove away the men in charge, and the animals forthwith went grazing along the river banks, direct towards the enemy. Attempts were made unsuccessfully to head them off, but only a few could be saved. Of the 200 waggons, 176 were left helpless for want of cattle. [Sidenote: Waggons abandoned.] Lord Roberts learned these facts and made his decision. Should he save the convoy with its immense stores, and perhaps allow Cronje to escape, or should he sacrifice everything to the destruction of Cronje's army? Many generals would have wavered; the risk of continuing the advance, with what appeared to be a strong mobile Boer force well supplied with artillery in his rear, was no pleasant prospect, and if anything went wrong might prove simply disastrous. But Lord Roberts had learned that nothing great can be achieved without risk. He issued orders to the small force with the waggons to abandon them under cover of darkness and steal away. No lights were to be shown and no noise made. At 2 a.m. of the 16th the escort began its retreat. To crown the list of misadventures, half-a-dozen men of the Gordons and some small parties of stragglers were not warned of the withdrawal. Next day they were captured by the Boers, who carried off or burnt the 176 abandoned waggons. [Illustration: A BOER FARMHOUSE FLYING A WHITE FLAG. A British soldier on guard to prevent looting.] The loss of the convoy was a blow the effects of which were felt all through the march to Bloemfontein, as the forage, stores and provisions it contained could not be replaced without grave delay. Who was to blame for the utter inadequacy of this escort, it is impossible as yet to ascertain. [Illustration: DESCRIPTION CARD. Carried by every soldier sewn into the lining of his jacket. It is of white glazed calico.] [Sidenote: [FEB. 15-16, 1900.] [Sidenote: Cronje's retreat.]