Of these eight three were shot next day by order of court-martial for having resumed their weapons after surrender, while two others were acquitted.

The death of these men in cold blood is to be deplored, but it is difficult to see how any rules of civilised warfare can be maintained if a flagrant breach of them is not promptly and sternly punished.
On receiving this severe blow De Wet promptly raised the investment and hastened to regain his favourite haunts.

Considerable reinforcements had reached Barton upon the same day, including the Dublins, the Essex, Strathcona's Horse, and the Elswick Battery, with some very welcome supplies of ammunition.

As Barton had now more than a thousand mounted men of most excellent quality it is difficult to imagine why he did not pursue his defeated enemy.

He seems to have underrated the effect which he had produced, for instead of instantly assuming the offensive he busied himself in strengthening his defences.