ot long left in uncertainty as to the change
in the Matabili's proceedings, for from the bush below there came the
loud report of a gun, followed by a second, and then half a dozen at a
time. The threatening yells of the Matabili were changed into shrieks
of agony, as they felt the deadly effects of the double-barrelled guns
of nearly thirty experienced hunters. For a few minutes the black
warriors stood their ground, and even attempted a charge; but their
ox-hide shields offering no resistance to the bullets of their
opponents, the boldest among them were soon shot, and the remainder fled
in disorder, staying not until they had reached the more open plain, or
when exhausted and out of breath they could run no more.

The hunters were not yet aware whether their friends and connexions were
all safe, but they determined to revenge themselves on their savage
foes; so, signalling for their horses, which had been left concealed in
the ravines below, and in charge of five of their party, about twenty
hunters mounted their steeds, and galloping after their retreating
enemies, shot them down without mercy. Out of that yelling and exulting
band, which an hour before had been threatening Hans' party with instant
death, not half a dozen men remained to sneak by night over the plain,
and to report to their chief the disasters that had occurred to them.

Bernhard's anxiety was so great to ascertain the fate of Katrine's
sister and the others of the party, that he no sooner found the Matabili
in retreat than he came back to the rock from which he had heard the
firing, and there recognised Hans and Victor, who with Katrine and her
sister were watching their enemies driven rapidly before their friends
and brethren.

Upon recognising Bernhard, Hans threw his cap in the air and shouted for
joy.

"Come up, Bernhard," he exclaimed. "Come and see our strong kraal; two
hundred Matabili could not take it from us. Come up, that we may
welcome you."

Guided by the numbers of slain to what he supposed must be the place for
the ascent, Bernhard, with considerable difficulty, managed to climb up
the rock; but he would not have been able to secure a footing on it had
it not been for the aid of his two friends, who pulled him up when no
other means of ascent existed. Bernhard's welcome was a hearty one. No
formalities or rules laid down by cold-hearted reasoners checked the
natural affection of these people: Katrine threw her arms round