as the trains passed.

A remark frequently heard was "How glad they are to see us," and it was
evident that these people at least, who were interested and possessed
homes in Natal, had not underrated the power and intentions of the
Transvaal. The Regiment had an enthusiastic reception, as indeed did all
troops passing to the front, flags and handkerchiefs being waved from
every house farm and village. At some stations where a short stop was
made to allow of other trains getting on ahead, tea and refreshments
were given out free, by willing hands, to the soldiers in the trucks.

Trains were running with about 500 to 600 yards distance between them.

On October 6th between 7 and 8 a.m. the trains conveying the Regiment
reached Pietermaritzburg, and here the men had breakfast. Pushing on
again with as little delay as possible and passing Estcourt at about 3
p.m., and Colenso about 4 p.m., Ladysmith was reached at 6 p.m.

Detraining took place at once, and the Regiment marched off to Tin Town,
about two miles distant, where camp was pitched in the dark.

The infantry at this time in Ladysmith consisted of:--

The Gordon Highlanders.
The Devonshire Regiment.
The Gloucester Regiment.
The Liverpool Regiment.

Rumours of war and warlike preparation on the part of the Boers were
continually being circulated, and at daybreak on October 11th the