Over the battlefield hovered the great war balloon which had but recently arrived, and from the car the movements of the enemy to the rear and on either side of the Magersfontein position could be at times discerned. A steady stream of reinforcements was made out coming from Spytfontein and the extreme right of the Boer lines, and there were signs that the enemy was, in his turn, preparing a flanking attack against the British right. Only the steadiness of the Guards and the accuracy of their fire foiled this purpose. To increase the pressure upon the enemy's centre, Lord Methuen about noon sent forward the Gordons to the help of the Highlanders. The Gordons had but recently arrived and had been held back, in consequence, to guard the supply train. They extended and pushed into the fight in separate half battalions, under a vigorous fire.
GRAVES OF THE HIGHLAND BRIGADE AT MAGERSFONTEIN.
The long grave on the left is that of the Black Watch. In front, the single graves of officers killed at the battles of Magersfontein and Spytfontein. General Wauchope was originally buried here (see note to illustration on page [188]).
BOER PRISONERS AT MODDER RIVER.
Dec. 11, 1899.] No Food, no Water.
The wounded of the Highlanders, lying close to the Boer trenches, were able to see a good deal of the enemy's movements. One of the Boers, a German in appearance, attracted great attention. Faultlessly dressed, with patent leather boots, and a cigar in his mouth, he was seen walking among the ant hills, alternately using field glasses and rifle, and picking off the British officers. The volleys and individual fire of our men failed to bring him down. He seemed to bear a charmed life.
