ever, that our
father has sent to Maritzburg, and my hope is that they will put off the
attack until we get assistance, and they will have to hurry away as fast
as they can run. I have no wish to see the poor savages killed. They
are urged on by their chiefs, and know no better."

Lionel was right in his conjectures that the fort would not be attacked,
for the sun rose once more, and the whole country looked peaceful and
smiling as ever. Not a Zulu was to be seen with the naked eye, and the
only sign of their having been near the fort was the trampled grass,
stained here and there with the blood of their wounded warriors.

Percy took a look through the telescope. He observed that a body of men
remained at their former camping-place at the foot of the hills to the
eastward, and in the distance to the south he made out several black
heads on the move, showing that the Zulus were still waiting for an
opportunity either of attacking the farm to advantage, or of capturing
the fugitives. They were of course not aware of the powerful instrument
which enabled the garrison to watch their movements, while their sharp
eyes could scarcely see even the fort itself.

Percy having taken his observations, called his father, as he had been
desired to do. The captain's first thought was about the cattle. The
fodder stored in the farm was barely sufficient to last more than a
couple of days. It would be necessary to collect a further supply. The
grass, however, in the neighbourhood of the farm had already been cut
for that purpose, or had been trampled down by the Zulus, and the men
must therefore go to a considerable distance to obtain it.

This undertaking would be hazardous; for should they be perceived by the
Zulus, attempts would certainly be made to cut them off.

Crawford, on hearing what was required, at once volunteered to go out in
charge of a party, promising to keep strict watch, and should any
enemies be seen, at once to return.

Captain Broderick accepted his offer. He thought it wiser to go
mounted; and the waggon, with horses harnessed to it, was sent to bring
back the grass.

Vermack went as driver, and four other men accompanied him to cut and
load the waggon. The captain gave Crawford his field glass, to assist
him in keeping a watch on the enemy. Percy promised also to be on the
look-out, and to fire guns as signals, should he observe any movement
among them.

As there was no time to be lost, the p