Then, seeing that the matter was urgent and that it was a question of my

life or theirs, I came into action.

In my hand I held a double-barrelled shotgun loaded with what we used

to call "loopers," or B.B. shot, of which but a few went to each charge,

for I had hoped to meet with a small buck on my way to camp. So, as

these soldiers came, I lifted the gun and fired, the right barrel at

one of them and the left barrel at the other, aiming in each case at the

centre of the small dancing shields, which from force of habit they held

stretched out to protect their throats and breasts. At that distance, of

course, the loopers sank through the soft hide of the shields and deep

into the bodies of those who carried them, so that both of them dropped

dead, the left-hand man being so close that he fell against my pony, his

uplifted kerry striking me upon the thigh and bruising me.

When I saw what I had done, and that my danger was over for the moment,

without waiting to reload I dug the spurs into my horse's sides and

galloped off to Nodwengu, passing between the groups of struggling men.

On arriving unharmed at the town, I went instantly to the royal huts and

demanded to see the King, who sent word that I was to be admitted.

On coming before him I told him exactly what had happened--that I had

killed two of Cetewayo's men in order to save my own life, and on that

account submitted myself to his justice.

"O Macumazana," said Panda in great distress, "I know well that you

are not to blame, and already I have sent out a regiment to stop this

fighting, with command that those who caused it should be brought before

me to-morrow for judgment. I am glad indeed, Macumazahn, that you have

escaped without harm, but I must tell you that I fear henceforth your

life will be in danger, since all the Usutu party will hold it forfeit

if they can catch you. While you are in my town I can protect you, for I

will set a strong guard about your camp; but here you will have to

stay until these troubles are done with, since if you leave you may be

murdered on the road."

"I thank you for your kindness, King," I answered; "but all this is very

awkward for me, who hoped to trek for Natal to-morrow."

"Well, there it is, Macumazahn, you will have to stay here unless

you wish to be killed. He who walks into a storm must put up with the

hailstones."

So it came about that once again Fate dragged me into the Zulu

maelstrom.




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