The fodder was now running very short. There was scarcely enough for the animals for another day. They might, to be sure, yet live a day or two without food, although they would suffer in consequence; but that was better than allowing them to fall into the enemy’s hands.
Two days more passed. Every particle of food was gone. It was determined as a last resource to turn out the cattle at night. Two of the Hottentots bravely volunteered to drive them towards the mountains; but Vermack expressed his opinion that that was more than they could do, as the poor animals, having been so long starved, were certain to remain feeding on the first pasture land they came to. “It would be better to slaughter them at once than to let them fall into the hands of the savages,” he added.
It was resolved therefore to keep them another day. Crawford had not neglected his little zebra, which, as it was able to live on milk, was better off than any other of the creatures, although the supply afforded by the poor cows, for whom a small amount of fodder had been reserved, was becoming less and less.
Another night approached. The garrison were beginning to get worn out with watching, although they had to make no great exertions in other respects.
“I suppose we shall have another night’s useless watching,” observed Crawford; “I don’t believe that the Zulus will venture to attack the fort.”
“Don’t trust to that belief, Mr Crawford,” said Vermack. “If they don’t come to-night, they will to-morrow or the next day; perhaps in the day-time, if they think that we are off our guard; but it is our business to expect that they will come to-night.”
The old Dutchman refused to turn in, though it was not his watch, and wrapped in his blanket he took his post on the platform.
The night was cloudy and unusually dark. Denis had bestowed Raff as a parting gift on Percy, who had taken the dog up with him.
For some time Raff lay perfectly still, but at length he rose from his recumbent position, and began to move away to the right side of the fort.
Percy observing this followed him, and on his way he found Vermack going in the same direction. Presently Raff gave a low growl, then another, and began to run backwards and forwards.