The defence had been arranged by Major Cedric Maxwell, of the Sappers; and though the huge perimeter, nearly eight miles, made its defence by so small a force a most difficult matter, the result proved how good his dispositions were.
At the same time, the Boers came on with every confidence of victory, for they had a superiority in guns and an immense superiority in men.
But after a day or two of fierce struggle their attack dwindled down into a mere blockade.

On April 9th they attacked furiously, both by day and by night, and on the 10th the pressure was equally severe.

In these two days occurred the vast majority of the casualties.

But the defenders took cover in a way to which British regulars have not yet attained, and they outshot their opponents both with their rifles and their cannon.
Captain Lukin's management of the artillery was particularly skilful.
The weather was vile and the hastily dug trenches turned into ditches half full of water, but neither discomfort nor danger shook the courage of the gallant colonials.

Assault after assault was repulsed, and the scourging of the cannon was met with stolid endurance.