Chapter 7

THE SORTIES OF DECEMBER

Retribution--Sir Archibald Hunter's bold scheme--A night attack-- Silently through the darkness--At the foot of Gun Hill--A broken ascent--"Wie kom dar?" "The English are on us!"--Major Henderson thrice wounded--Destroying "Leviathan"--Hussars suffer under fire--Rejoicings in town--Sir George White's address to the troops--Boer compliments--A raid for provender--A second sortie-- The Rifles' bold enterprise--An unwelcome light--Cutting the wires--Surprise Hill reached--The sentry's challenge--Rifles' charge with the bayonet--Boer howitzer destroyed--The return to camp--Cutting the way home--Serious losses 103