A body of the latter doubled back and interposed between the British and Mafeking, but two fresh troops with a 7-pounder throwing shrapnel drove them off.

In this spirited little action the garrison lost two killed and fourteen wounded, but they inflicted considerable damage on the enemy.

To Captain Williams, Captain FitzClarence, and Lord Charles Bentinck great credit is due for the way in which they handled their men; but the whole affair was ill advised, for if a disaster had occurred Mafeking must have fallen, being left without a garrison.

No possible results which could come from such a sortie could justify the risk which was run.
On October 16th the siege began in earnest.

On that date the Boers brought up two 12-pounder guns, and the first of that interminable flight of shells fell into the town.