What had happened was as follows. The column started at 10·30 p.m., with the Royal Irish Fusiliers leading, the six mountain guns and 208 mules in the centre, and the Gloucesters bringing up the rear. The night was very dark, but through the darkness could be heard the ominous sound of the snapping of breech-blocks on either flank, and occasionally the clear ring of a dropped rifle, indicating that the enemy was close at hand. Nearing the point which was to be seized the column had to make its way through a defile. While in the midst of this defile a shot was suddenly fired, and great boulders were rolled down from the precipitous mountain walls. On this the troops by order lay down and waited. As they were waiting a Boer picket galloped furiously through the midst of our men, and the mules took fright, easily wrenched themselves loose from the prostrate mule-drivers, and bolted back upon the Gloucesters. The Gloucesters in their turn mistook the terrified animals for a commando of Boers and fired upon them, increasing the turmoil and confusion. Nothing could stop the battery mules, and they tore through the ranks, taking with them the animals laden with the reserve ammunition for the infantry. The plight of the column was hopeless; it was in too great disorder promptly to retreat, and when daylight came it seized the nearest position available, some miles short of its original destination. This position was a flat-topped, stony hill, commanded by a ridge to the south, by a kopje to the east, and by two hills to the west, which were speedily occupied by the Boers. The British troops did the best they could; rough breastworks were built of stones and a brave resistance was offered to the terrible fire which the enemy speedily poured in from close range on all sides. But any success was out of the question; it only remained for the officers and men to be shot down till they could surrender with honour, or till Sir George White could send them help from Ladysmith. About 9 the Boer fire became very galling, and it was almost impossible for the British troops to reply. None of the enemy could be seen: there was only a persistent shower of bullets to indicate his presence. In no direction could shelter be obtained. The bullets came from east, west, north, and south. [Illustration: THE TOWN HALL. LADYSMITH.] [Illustration: LADYSMITH RAILWAY STATION. This station was shelled by the Boers while the civilians were entraining to leave the town, but little damage was done.] [Illustration: A CUTTING ON THE NATAL RAILWAY, NEAR LADYSMITH.] [Illustration: THE LAST MAIL-TRAIN OUT OF LADYSMITH.]