When they were within ten yards Ralph held out the gun in one hand and fired it, killing a man.

Then he cast it away as useless, and placing his right arm about the waist of Suzanne, he bent his body over her to protect her if he might, urging on the horse with feet and voice.
Now they were in them and ploughing through their ever-thickening ranks, throwing their black bodies to this side and to that as a ship throws the water from its bows.

Here, there, everywhere spears flashed and stabbed, but as yet they were unhurt, for the very press saved them, although an assegai was quivering in the flank of the _schimmel_.

Ah! a pang as of the touch of red-hot iron and a spear had pierced Ralph's left shoulder, remaining fast in the wound.

Still lower he bent his body till his head was almost hidden in the flowing mane of the _schimmel_, but now black clutching hands caught feet and bridle rein, and slowly the great horse lost way and stopped.