er.

I should explain that Hans acted as cook to our party and it was a
grievance with him that the Zulus ate so much of the meat which he was
called upon to prepare. Indeed, there is never much sympathy between
Hottentots and Zulus.

"What is the little yellow man saying about us?" asked Umslopogaas
suspiciously.

"He is saying that if it comes to battle, you and your men will make a
great fight," I replied diplomatically.

"Yes, we will do that, Macumazahn, but I thought he said that we should
be killed and that this pleased him."

"Oh dear no!" I answered hastily. "How could he be pleased if that
happened, since then he would be left defenceless, if he were not killed
too. Now, Umslopogaas, let us make a plan for this fight."

So, together with Robertson, rapidly we discussed the thing. As a
result, with the help of the Zulus, we dragged together some loose
stones and the tops of three small thorn trees which we had cut
down, and with them made a low breastwork, sufficient to give us some
protection if we lay down to shoot. It was the work of a few minutes
since we had prepared the material when we camped in case an emergency
should arise.

Behind this breastwork we gathered and waited, Robertson and I being
careful to get a little to the rear of the Zulus, who it will be
remembered had the rifles which the Strathmuir bastards had left behind
them when they bolted, in addition to their axes and throwing assegais.
The question was how these cannibals would fight. I knew that they were
armed with long spears and knives but I did not know if they used those
spears for thrusting or for throwing. In the former case it would be
difficult to get at them with the axes because they must have the longer
reach. Fortunately as it turned out, they did both.

At length all was ready and there came that long and trying wait, the
most disagreeable part of a fight in which one grows nervous and begins
to reflect earnestly upon one's sins. Clearly the Amahagger, if they
really intended business, did not mean to attack till just before dawn,
after the common native fashion, thinking to rush us in the low and
puzzling light. What perplexed me was that they should wish to attack
us at all after having let so many opportunities of doing so go by.
Apparently these men were now in sight of their own home, where no doubt
they had many friends, and by pushing on could reach its shelter before
us, especially as they knew the roads an