hind. As they
were being built at a dozen different points, and we had but seven guns,
before we could reload, a particular schanz, of which perhaps the first
builders had fallen, would be raised so high that our slugs could no
longer hurt those who lay behind it. Also, our supply of ammunition was
limited, and the constant expenditure wasted it so much that at length
only about six charges per man remained. At last, indeed, I was obliged
to order the firing to cease, so that we might reserve ourselves for the
great rush which could not now be much delayed.

Finding that they were no longer harassed by our bullets, the Quabies
advanced more rapidly, directing their attack upon the south end of the
house, where there was but one window, and thus avoiding the fire that
might be poured upon them from the various openings under the veranda.
At first I wondered why they selected this end, till Marie reminded me
that this part of the dwelling was thatched with reeds, whereas the rest
of the building, which had been erected more recently, was slated.

Their object was to fire the roof. So soon as their last wall was near
enough (that is, about half-past ten of the clock) they began to throw
into the thatch assegais to which were attached bunches of burning
grass. Many of these went out, but at length, as we gathered from
their shouts, one caught. Within ten minutes this part of the house was
burning.

Now our state became desperate. We retreated across the central passage,
fearing lest the blazing rafters should fall upon our natives, who were
losing heart and would no longer stay beneath them. But the Quabies,
more bold, clambered in through the south window, and attacked us in the
doorway of the larger sitting-room.

Here the final fight began. As they rushed at us we shot, till they went
down in heaps. Almost at our last charge they gave back, and just then
the roof fell upon them.

Oh, what a terrible scene was that! The dense clouds of smoke, the
screams of the trapped and burning men, the turmoil, the agony!

The front door was burst in by a flank onslaught.

Leblanc and a slave who was near him were seized by black, claw-like
hands and dragged out. What became of the Frenchman I do not know, for
the natives hauled him away, but I fear his end must have been dreadful,
as he was taken alive. The servant I saw them assegai, so at least he
died at once. I fired my last shot, killing a fellow who was flourishing
a ba