They could not retire and abandon the guns, yet the fire was so hot that it was impossible to remove them.

Gallant attempts were made by volunteers from the Gordons--Captain Younger and other brave men throwing away their lives in the vain effort to reach and to limber up the guns.

At last, under the cover of night, the teams were harnessed and the two field-pieces successfully removed, while the Boers who rushed in to seize them were scattered by a volley.

The losses in the action were thirty-six and the gain nothing.

Decidedly July 11th was not a lucky day for the British arms.
It was well known to Botha that every train from the south was bringing horses for Lord Roberts's army, and that it had become increasingly difficult for De Wet and his men to hinder their arrival.