I would acknowledge, too, in anticipation, any kindly toleration my readers may extend to me for the many shortcomings, of which I am dismally conscious, arising from the hasty preparation of this volume. When I explain that between the date of my return to England and this date—when I start for China—barely a fortnight has elapsed, I shall make good, perhaps, some small claim upon the indulgence of the critics and the public.
J. A. H.
July 21, 1900
CONTENTS
- CHAPTER PAGE
- AT SEA [1]
- A GLANCE AHEAD [11]
- ON THE ORANGE FREE STATE BORDER [22]
- BRICKS OF STRAW [34]
- DIAMONDS AND WHITE FEATHERS [41]
- TWO DAYS BEFORE WAR [49]
- THE SKIRMISH AT FIVE MILE BANK [57]
- THE FIRST DAY OF BOMBARDMENT [67]
- THE ADVENT OF "BIG BEN" [78]
- A MIDNIGHT SORTIE [88]
- CANNON KOPJE [97]
- A RECONNAISSANCE [108]
- THE TOWN GUARD [120]
- WASTED ENERGIES [130]
- SHELLS AND SLAUGHTER [140]
- A SOFT-WATER BATH [147]
- THE ECONOMY OF THE SITUATION [152]
- A VISIT TO THE HOSPITAL [158]
- A LITTLE GUN PRACTICE [165]
- THE ATTACK UPON GAME TREE [175]
- THE ADVENT OF THE NEW YEAR [188]
- NATIVE LIFE [196]
- BOMBAST AND BOMB-PROOFS [202]
- SOME SNIPING AND AN EXECUTION [212]
- LIFE IN THE BRICKFIELDS [220]
- FROM BAD TO WORSE [225]
- THE FIRST ATTACK UPON THE BRICKFIELDS [232]
- THE SECOND ATTACK UPON THE BRICKFIELDS [240]
- THE NATIVE QUESTION [247]
- POLITICAL ECONOMY [253]
- "A HISTORY OF THE BARALONGS" [261]
- 'TIS WEARY WAITING [271]
- TWO HUNDRED DAYS OF SIEGE [278]
- THE EPICUREAN'S DELIGHT [283]
- THE LAST FIGHT [290]
- RELIEVED AT LAST [311]
- THE END [319]
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS AND PLANS
- PAGE
- THE COLONEL AT WORK. [Frontispiece]
- MAJOR LORD EDWARD CECIL, C.S.O. [45]
- OUTPOSTS AND ENTRENCHMENTS, SOUTHERN FRONT. [55]
- HEADQUARTERS [68]
- CANNON KOPJE [98]
- MAJOR GODLEY ON THE LOOK-OUT [112]
- EFFECTS OF SHELL FIRE. I. BEFORE [144]
- EFFECTS OF SHELL FIRE. II. AFTER [146]
- BOERS INSPECTING BRITISH KILLED [184]
- THE COLONEL ON THE LOOK-OUT [192]
- WAR CORRESPONDENTS AND THEIR BOMB-PROOF SHELTERS [212]
- PLAN OF THE BRICKFIELDS [222]
- CAPE BOYS HURLING STONES AT THE BOERS [224]
- KILLING HORSES FOR THE GARRISON [292]
- THE BRITISH SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE FORT [298]
- "MAFEKING," THE AUTHOR'S DOG [324]
- PLAN OF MAFEKING [338]
CHAPTER I
AT SEA
R.M.S. Dunvegan Castle, September 16th, 1899.