For the British general must have had abundant information of the coming convoy, and had taken his precautions and made his plans so accurately as to timing the advance that he had completely surrounded the long line with cavalry and mounted infantry, who now raced for the laager, heedless of the fire opened upon them by the Boers.

The enemy only fired a few shots, and then, finding themselves taken in front, flank, and rear, made for their horses and took flight in every direction, but not before the Lancers got among them and dotted the veldt with horse and man.
The Boer commander and those with gun and wagon worked well, bringing their heavy guns to bear on the main advance; but they were not directed at masses of men in column or line, but at a cloud of cavalry covering the plain and mingled with the enemy's own flying horse, so that before a second discharge could be belched forth from the two large guns which were re-loaded, the Lancers, Hussars, and Volunteer Light Horse were among the gunners, and it was every man for himself, _sauve qui peut_.
West and Ingleborough were so intent with their glasses, watching the utter rout of the Boers, that they did not see a body of Lancers bearing down upon them at a gallop, and the noise of the scattered firing kept up by the Boers drowned the trampling of hoofs, till there was a shout which made the two despatch-bearers start round in their saddles, to see a dozen sun-browned, dust-covered Lancers galloping at them with weapons levelled, headed by a young officer waving them on with his flashing sword.
"Up hands!" yelled Ingleborough, and glass and hat were thrust on high.
It was only just in time, the officer raising his sword as he reined up by West and caught his arm.
"Hallo!" he roared, as his men surrounded the pair with lances at their breasts; "who are you ?" "Despatch-riders--Mafeking to Kimberley," cried West.
"Where are your despatches then ?" cried the officer sharply.
"Here!" cried West.
"Yah!" cried the young officer.

"I thought I'd caught two Boer generals directing the fight.

What a jolly sell!" "You've got something better among you!" said Ingleborough, joining in the laugh which rose among the men.
"Have we?
What ?" "There are four heavy guns yonder, and a tremendous wagon train." At that moment trumpet after trumpet rang out, and the men burst into a wild cheer, for the mounted Boers were scattering in all directions, flying for their lives, and it was plain enough that a tremendous blow had been inflicted upon a very strong force, the capture of the convoy being complete, and those in charge who had not succeeded in reaching their horses readily throwing down their arms.
"We'll, we've whipped!" said the young officer of Lancers, taking off his helmet to wipe his streaming face.

"They can't find fault with us at home for this, my lads! Here, open out; we must join in driving these ragged rascals back on the centre.