The thirst in the sultry trenches was terrible, but the garrison still, with black lips and parched tongues, held on to their lines.

On the 22nd the attack had made such progress that the post had by the Highlanders became untenable, and had to be withdrawn.

It was occupied next morning by the Boers, and the whole ridge was at their mercy.

Out of eighteen men who served one of the British guns sixteen were killed or wounded, and the last rounds were fired by the sergeant-farrier, who carried, loaded, and fired all by himself.

All day the soldiers held out, but the thirst was in itself enough to justify if not to compel a surrender.