“May 5_th_, 12.30.—­We have just got to the big slopes overlooking Vet River.  The enemy is in a strong position along the river-bed, which is thickly wooded, and in the hills beyond.  Our left has touched them, and as I write this our pompon on that side has a couple of goes.  Kaffirs tell us that the valley is full of Boers.  Boers everywhere; in the river-bed, in the sluits on the far side, in the hills; and that they have plenty of guns.  It is something like the Modder River position, but stronger, inasmuch as there are ranges of hills on the far side of and overlooking the river; so that they have two lines of defence, the second commanding the first.  An excellent arrangement.  Walking forward to the brow, a few of us had the whole panorama at our feet.  We had no idea it was so strong, and you might notice a thoughtful look on more than one face as we walked back to our men behind the hill.

“We have now got the guns to a nearer rise, sloping to the river, and are standing in extended order waiting for the next move.  This will take the form of artillery practice, and it is prophesied that we shall get it pretty hot, as they will certainly have better guns than our twelve-pounders.  The sun is melting.  Guns unlimber (1.15).  Teams jingle back, and the guns open fire from edge of slope, each one as it delivers its shot starting back as if with surprise at its own performance.

“3 P.M.—­Our guns are blazing away merrily now.  The Boers, if they have guns, are very reticent.  They have sent us a few shells, which have done no harm, mostly falling short.  Hamilton is said to be at or near Winburg.  If this is so, he will be threatening the retreat of the Boers here soon.  Meantime a huge column, miles long, is crawling in the distance across the flattish grass sweeps far to the east.  This is the main column, under Lord Roberts.”

We thought, you see, that we were in for quite a big fight.  We thought the same often later.  At this river or this range they will make their stand.  But always, as here at Vet River, we advanced on such a wide front that the enemy had to retire betimes to avoid being outflanked, and so the “stand” was never made.  We joined Ian Hamilton at Kronstad, and while we were out with him on the east side the enemy once or twice attacked our flank or rearguard in the most determined manner.  However, we held on our way very composedly, our waggons rumbling along sleepily indifferent, while the Boers with all their might would be hanging on to our tail.  Usually, after we had towed them for a day or two, they would let go, and then another lot would come along and lay hold.  The first party would then retire to its own village and district, feeling, no doubt, that it had barked us off the premises in great style, and lay in wait for the next army of ten or twenty thousand men that should happen to pass that way.