As it was, after a temporary success the British were blown back by the fierce Mauser fire, and lost the indomitable Scott-Turner, with twenty-one of his brave companions killed and twenty-eight wounded, all belonging to the colonial corps.

The Empire may reflect with pride that the people in whose cause mainly they fought showed themselves by their gallantry and their devotion worthy of any sacrifice which has been made.
Again the siege settled down to a monotonous record of decreasing rations and of expectation.

On December 10 there came a sign of hope from the outside world.

Far on the southern horizon a little golden speck shimmered against the blue African sky.

It was Methuen's balloon gleaming in the sunshine.