284 THE DIAMOND MINES OF SOUTH AFRICA
spelled
out, " Please inform the Remount Department, Wynberg, the number marked
on the hoof of horse issued to Surgeon O'Gorman of the Kimberley
Garrison."
Imagine
the disappointment upon receiving this seemingly frivolous message
after the long ten weeks' investment. It was later reported that this
communication was simply a test to ascertain whether the signals were
passing between friends or enemies.
On December nth Lord Methuen met with his first reverse in his march to Kimberley, where he was defeated by Cronje.
