But the time of relief was drawing near. Lord Roberts had appeared upon
the scene, and his great flank movement was being carried out. General
French, at the head of his cavalry division, was making one of the most
famous marches in history. The days of inaction were over. Cronje and
his forces were saying a hasty good-bye to the hills at Magersfontein,
which had so long defied Lord Methuen and his troops, and were flying
for their lives.

On Thursday, February 15, huge clouds of dust appeared upon the
horizon, and the tidings spread throughout the town that the relief
column was in sight. Every available eminence was speedily crowded with
people eager to catch a glimpse of the coming troops. Bugle warnings and
shells were things of the past. Here they come! They have travelled far
and fast! Look at them! Worn and weary, they can hardly sit their
horses. But they are here, and at their head is the most famous cavalry
officer of the war--our Aldershot cavalry leader, General French. Ahead
of his troops, fresh and vigorous, as though he had only just started,
he proudly rides into the town. The people gather round and cheer; they
almost worship the soldiers who have brought them relief, and then,
secure for the first time for four long months, they turn to greet
friends and relatives, and the glad intelligence spreads far and
wide--Kimberley is relieved!


=Christian Work after the Relief.=

Very speedily a branch of the South African General Mission was
established in Kimberley, and was soon in good working order.

The tent of the S.C.A. was opened in Newton Camp, Kimberley, on March