“Ask him, Congo,” said Willem, “if he thinks we can drive the enemy back.”
The Kaffir made the inquiry, and was told, in reply, that Moselekatse’s men were never driven back except by superior numbers, and that they certainly would not be defeated by a few.
“But what means that? Is he going to stay here for all of us to be killed?”
To this question the chief answered that he and his men were going to act according to the desire of his friend Willem.
“Then they shall be off as quick as possible,” said Willem. “None of them shall lose their lives on my account, if I can help it.”
Not a moment was lost in getting away from the ground and so sudden was the departure that the Makololo had to leave behind them the dried meat they had taken so much trouble in curing.
The retreat was not commenced one moment too soon. As Groot Willem and Hendrik remained a little behind the others, they beheld the enemy approaching the spot that had been relinquished by the Makololo, apparently eager for a conflict.
There was no longer a doubt of the real object of their visit. They had come for the purpose of taking vengeance. Their cries and angry gestures proclaimed it; and, without waiting to see or hear more, the young hunters put spurs to their steeds and joined Macora in the retreat.