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The defence had been
arranged by Major Cedric Maxwell, of the Sappers; and though the
huge perimeter, nearly eight miles, made its defence by so small a
force a most difficult matter, the result proved how good his
dispositions were.
At the same time, the Boers came on with every confidence of
victory, for they had a superiority in guns and an immense
superiority in men. But after a day or two of fierce struggle their
attack dwindled down into a mere blockade. On April 9th they
attacked furiously, both by day and by night, and on the 10th the
pressure was equally severe. In these two days occurred the vast
majority of the casualties. But the defenders took cover in a way
to which British regulars have not yet attained, and they outshot
their opponents both with their rifles and their cannon. Captain
Lukin's management of the artillery was particularly skilful. The
weather was vile and the hastily dug trenches turned into ditches
half full of water, but neither discomfort nor danger shook the
courage of the gallant colonials.


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