shall all be assagied or made prisoners."

It was no use, however, talking to the captain. He was one of those
dull men who never can see a danger before it really occurs; and
probably would have gone and sat down in a mealie garden to eat his
lunch in an enemy's country, and so have been surprised and assagied;
whereas, had he selected a wide open space, he could have seen an enemy
approach, and could either have retreated, or prepared for defence.
Englishmen, however, are never fit for bush warfare with savages, until
by long experience they have been taught what to do, by the savages
themselves.

It was some time after sunrise when the captain and four men started in
his largest boat with his barrels to procure fresh water. I went with
him to show him where the Umbilo river was situated, and took with me a
double-barrelled pistol and ten rounds of ammunition. I cautioned them
all to converse in very low tones, because voices are heard from the
water at very long distances, and it was not advisable to give an
enemy's ears the chance of discovering us in case he was so situated as
not to be able to see us. I felt certain that if any Zulus were near
the bay, they would keep watching the ship, and would have seen the boat
leave, and would make their plans accordingly. It took us a long time
pulling to the river, and I had scanned every part of the country to try
and discover some sign of an enemy: not that I had much hope of seeing
one, even if he was there. We reached the mouth of the river, and
tasted the water, which was quite fresh. I suggested that we should
examine the bush a little way, to see if there was any sign of the
Zulus; for if they attacked us when we were busy with the casks, we
should be taken at a disadvantage.

"There are none of your niggers here," said the captain, "never fear;
let's get our water without more delay." So the barrels were filled,
and placed in the boat, and we were preparing to re-embark, when a
rustling in the bush near us attracted my attention. On looking round I
saw three or four Zulus crouching behind some bushes and watching us.
Pointing my pistol at them, I said to the captain, "Zulus are here, get
into the boat at once." I would not fire for two reasons: first, if I
discharged my pistol, I could not reload again before they could close
with me; secondly, I knew that a Zulu would retreat to some cover when
he saw a pistol pointed at him; and there would thus be tim