of us would have been the work of a moment to them, but
I realised that boldness was the only line to adopt under the
circumstances. Even then I don't know how the matter would have ended,
but some sort of diversion seemed to be in the air, for heads were
turned, and murmurs went up. Still no weapon was raised against us.

"I've drawn his teeth now, at any rate, the sweep!" said Falkner with a
grin, as he returned and threw down the discomfited man's weapons. "I
say Dolf, old sportsman," he sung out banteringly. "Feel inclined for
another spar? Because if so, come on. Or d'you feel too groggy in the
nut?"

But now I had taken in the cause of the diversion. The opposite ridge--
that between us and the river--was black with Zulus. On they came, in
regular rapid march, hundreds and hundreds of them. They carried war
shields and the large _umkonto_ or broad stabbing spear, but had no war
adornments except the _isityoba_, or leglet of flowing cow-hair.

Those of our molesters who had been most uproarious were silent now,
watching the approach of the newcomers. Dolf Norbury sat stupidly
staring. The roaring bark of Arlo tied within the waggon rose strangely
weird above the sudden silence.

"I say," broke out Falkner. "Have we got to fight all these? Because
if so, the odds ain't fair."

For all that he looked as if he was willing to undertake even this.
Whatever his faults, Falkner Sewin was a good man to have beside one in
a tight place.

"No," I said. "There's no more fight here, unless I'm much mistaken.
This is a King's impi."

It was a fine sight to see them approach, that great dark phalanx. Soon
they halted just before the waggons, and a shout of _sibongo_ went up
from the turbulent crowd who had been mobbing and threatening us but a
little while since.

The two chiefs in command I knew well, Untuswa, a splendid old warrior
and very friendly to the whites, and Mundula, both indunas of the King.

"Who are these?" said the first, sternly, when we had exchanged
greetings. "Are they here to trade, Iqalaqala?"

"Not so, Right Hand of the Great Great One," I answered. "They are here
to threaten and molest us--and it is not the first time some of them
have visited us on the same errand. We are peaceful traders in the land
of Zulu, and assuredly there are many here who know that this is not the
first time I have come into the land as such."

A hum of assent here went up from the warriors in the b