e, the suspicions of the Zulus would be raised, and the bush in
which I was concealed probably surrounded. The day passed very slowly;
and, after a short time, not a Zulu was to be seen. I knew that this
meant that they were all on watch in the bush; and I thought how easily
ignorant white men, who knew nothing about spooring, or who never
watched other indications, would be surprised and killed by these
so-called savages. I knew that a large body of Zulus were in the bush
near where the boat lay, because two or three vultures kept circling
over the place. I also saw other vultures circling over the bush where
the white men had been killed, and I was very much afraid that they
might circle over me. If they did, I was lost. The sun seemed to move
very slowly this day, but at last it touched the hills near the Umlass
river, and soon after it became dark. I at once left the bush, and
moved cautiously towards a marsh near the coast. It was by my ears I
must now save myself, and perhaps by my legs. I moved through the long
reeds of the marsh, and entered the bush beyond. In the darkness it was
impossible to move silently in the bush; but I stopped occasionally to
listen; and, hearing nothing, again advanced. I passed through the bush
and came on the open beach, about a mile to the east of the entrance to
the bay. I stopped again to listen, but could not hear any noise which
indicated the presence of the Zulus; and, it was so dark, that I could
see but a short way ahead or round me. Still advancing slowly and
silently, I moved along the beach towards the point where the schooner
was at anchor, when I saw before me a group of Zulus standing together
talking in a very low tone. They saw me as soon as I saw them: and,
calling to me, asked who I was. I replied in Zulu, "Don't make a noise;
I have news for you presently." I then turned to the right, where there
were several sand-hills between the beach and the bush--amidst which I
should be lost to sight. The dense bush beyond also prevented the
outline of my figure being seen against the sky; and I thus hoped to
pass the Zulus and get a start of them. They, however, suspected
something, and turned after me. Seeing that the only chance of escape
was a run, I moved quickly among the sand-hills; and then jumping on to
the hard beach, which was better suited for running, I dashed off at
speed. I had no fear of any single Zulu catching me in a straight race,
for I ha