The Amaswazis who had first surrounded the waggon were largely armed with rifles; but in spite of the superiority this gave them, they gave way before the determination of the assegai-armed Zulu warriors, who came trooping by the waggon, the greater portion of them thorough counterparts of the General, till some fifty remained about the waggon in company with three fierce-looking chiefs.
“What are we to do, General?” said Dick stoutly, as he stood there with his rifle— “fight?”
“Wait and see,” said the General calmly; and followed by Coffee and Chicory, he walked out from the waggon to meet the Zulu chiefs.
A short conference ensued, and then the three chiefs came back with the General, to hold out their hands to Mr Rogers and his sons.
“They say I am to tell you that they thank you in the name of our people for making us your brothers in the hunt,” said the General quietly, “and that they will all fight for you and see you safe.”
Then, in obedience to the General’s directions, the oxen were in-spanned, ready to go forward if necessary, or to retreat with the Zulu tribe should it be beaten.
This latter misfortune, however, did not occur, for before a quarter of an hour had elapsed the Amaswazis tribe was being
chased by the Zulus, and seeking safety in flight; while after making presents to the chiefs, to the General’s great pride and gratification in spite of his calm demeanour, they parted with mutual feelings of goodwill.
“Saved from wreck,” said Dick, who had made the principal chief happy, by taking off his belt with the stout, keen hunting-knife and sheath, and himself buckling it on, the others receiving similar gifts from Mr Rogers, and Jack.