But he was the swifter of foot, moreover he knew the path, so that before they could come up with him he reached the great stone walls which were built about the source of the river, and was dragged over them by the defenders.
A while later this man appeared upon the top of the mountain and proved to be none other than Zinti, who had returned from his errand, and, having news to tell, risked his life to pass through the impi before the stronghold was altogether surrounded.

Sihamba received him at once, Suzanne standing at her side, and bade him be brief for she had little time to listen to long stories.
"I will be brief," Zinti answered.

"Lady, as you bade me I crossed the mountains by the road of which you told me.

It is a good road for men on foot or horseback, but waggons could not travel it.

Having reached the plain on the further side I followed the bank of the river, till suddenly I came in sight of thirty waggons drawn up in a laager upon a knoll of ground, and among the waggons I saw Boers with their wives and children.