“Then there were a whirling crowd of men, and the smack of sticks—and the ‘thud—thud—thud,’—and groans—and out of the pack Oll lurched, carrying Willie, whose head lay back limp.
“He came along like a tipsy man—rolling—with his mouth fixed in a smile, and the blood running from his head.
“When he were near the door a Kaffir stabbed him in the back, and the ole baas shot the Kaffir.
“Then Oll reeled back, and he spoke in gasps, ‘I can’t—go—any—further—father—take Will—he’s hurt,’—then he jes’ sank to the ground, and rolled over.
“Seth brought Willie in, and laid him down on the floor.
“And ole man Tolver stood outside the door calling for a loaded gun; and then he sprang at a Kaffir who were stooping to stab Oll, and broke the stock of his gun.
“I were by the door, ’cause I had no strength to move, and I seed someone pass.
“‘Get into the house, father,’ he sed, ‘and hold it.’
“It were Jake; and in his hand he held the axe he took away in the morning.
“He put his hand on his father’s shoulder a moment ‘Get back,’ he sed, ‘for the sake of the boys,’ and then he ran up to where the Kaffirs still swarmed around Harry. He opened a lane with his axe. I tell you I thought it were like splitting water-melons, and I laughed, and Jimmie, he cried. The Kaffirs gave way, crouching and holding their shields up. Then Jake lifted Harry, who were on his knees, and carried him down. As he came, the whole lot of them—maybe five hundred—came with a rush; then Jimmie dashed out, and took Harry from his brother, and Jake stood out alone.