e by the captain was a blue flannel
jersey, blue trousers, and a jacket. To be seen in this dress at any
distance by a Zulu would have been fatal, for he would have recognised a
white man's attire. I therefore cut up the jacket to make "tails,"
which I hung round my waist. I kept on the jersey because it made me
look dark-coloured, but I dispensed with the trousers. People who have
worn clothes all their lives do not know how imprisoned a man feels in
clothing, when he has been accustomed to live without any. When I had
on a jersey and a jacket I felt as though I could not cast an assagy;
and as to running with trousers on, it was simply impossible. When I
had divested myself of my unnecessary raiment, I felt much more as if I
could take care of myself than I did when I was in sailor's clothes.
The weather was warm, but the nights were chilly. I had become so
accustomed to be without clothes that I suppose I was like an
Englishman's face, which he never covers with clothes even in the
coldest weather.

I did not long remain on the beach, but made my way into the bush to a
thick part where there were some large trees; I then sat down to think
what should be done. I knew there would be great danger in attempting
to make my way down to the Umzimvubu; and, once there, I could not
expect to get away in a ship, as no ships ever came near the coast at
that part. I believed it possible that when the news reached Cape Town
that white men had been murdered at Natal, some soldiers might be sent
up in large ships, either to revenge the death of the murdered men, or
to obtain particulars of the massacre, so if I remained near the bay I
should stand the best chance of getting out of the country. I suppose
it was on account of my white blood, if I may use the term, that made me
wish to go again to civilisation, as also the desire to see my father.
For there was much to attract me among my old companions. If I returned
to my old residence, I should at once take my place again as a chief and
have everything I wanted. My companions of years would be again with
me; and I should rest, as it were, on the laurels I had won in my
various adventures. I had already discovered that white men did not
seem to value or even understand the qualities I possessed, whilst my
being unable to read or write well was looked upon as indicating
ignorance. When I lived among youths of my own age in England, I
believed I should be laughed at beca