Hume brought out the glass and examined the group.
“There is the Induna,” he said, shutting the glass and turning with a set face to Webster and Miss Anstrade.
“Well,” said Webster, “of course he is there; but you have paid him, and he will send the oxen back.”
“No, they mean trouble. They came here prepared to kill Klaas, and they have stolen our oxen so that they can attack us at their leisure. What do you say, Klaas?”
“Yah, sieur. They think Kaffir too quick, and they want to kill him first, then kill masters after. Chief tell his people now that we hurt one of his men. That is enough.”
“It is pretext enough,” said Hume bitterly; “and I should not have allowed the fight.”
“We have four guns,” said Webster, “and plenty of ammunition and provisions if they attack us.”
“And if they don’t,” said Miss Anstrade quietly, “we must leave the waggon and walk.”
“We have first to think of defence,” said Hume gloomily, eyeing the waggon and the great tree. “We shall want time to talk over our plans and get together the articles we want. They may attack to-night.” He paced off the width of the tree, then did the same to the waggon. “That is it, we must draw the waggon up parallel with the trunk, leaving a space of twelve feet between, then build a turf wall with an outer fence of thorns.”
This was done. After strenuous efforts the heavy waggon was drawn up, and with pick, shovel, and axe they set to work in feverish haste.