e behind when Hans reached
the bank of the river, which he found steep and rocky, the river itself
running rapidly over a stony bed. This was just the condition he
required; for although he could swim well, yet Hans knew that he could
not swim with his heavy gun, nor could he keep his powder dry, and that
therefore his last defence would be taken away. On examining the bed of
the river he concluded it was not out of his depth, so he instantly
decided to cross. Taking his powder-horn in one hand, and his gun in
the other, he scrambled down the bank, and selecting those parts where
there seemed most ripples on the water, he waded to the opposite bank,
the depth in no part being greater than to cover him above his waist,
although the rapidity of the stream rendered it difficult for him to
retain his footing. He succeeded, however, in reaching the opposite
bank without wetting his gun or powder, and he here determined to make a
stand: for he thought it possible that some of the farmers might be in
the neighbourhood, and that the sound of a gun would call them to his
aid. He was also indisposed to give up so good a defence as the river
offered. So concealing himself behind some bushes, he waited for his
enemies' approach.

Hans had not long to wait. As hounds follow the scent of their game, so
came the Zulus to the banks of the river, looked for a moment at the
bank, and then leapt into the stream. Four. Kaffirs who had
outstripped the others in speed, were the first to enter the stream,
which was at this point about eighty yards wide; they could only advance
at a slow pace in consequence of the slippery nature of the rocks and
stones on which they had to tread, and also of the rapidity of the
stream. So entirely did they look upon their adventure in the light of
chasing a feeble enemy, that they had no idea of any risk as they thus
ventured into the stream. They believed the white man's only chance of
escape was his speed or cunning in throwing them off his spoor, and they
fancied themselves more than a match for these.

Hans watched the men enter the stream, and had noted the leader, a tall,
thin, long-legged man, who had invariably taken a decided lead whenever
the Zulus had run any distance. He was the first to enter the river,
and was midway across before any of the others had advanced twenty
yards. Resting his gun on the branch of a small acacia, Hans aimed from
his cover at this man, and in another insta