But he did not.

When within fifty yards of the laager suddenly he began to lurch and roll in his stride; then with three bounds he stopped, and standing still, looked round with piteous blood-shot eyes, and whinnied faintly as though he heard some voice that he knew and loved.
Ralph slipped from his back, dragging Suzanne after him, and watched.
For a moment the _schimmel_ stood, his head touching the ground, till presently a bloody foam came upon his mouth, and blood poured from his eyes and ears.

Now for the last time he arched his neck and shook his mane, then roaring straight up on his hind legs as he had done when he beat down the Zulus, he pawed the air with his fore feet and fell over upon his back to move no more.
Suzanne had fainted, and Ralph carried her to the camp.

There they drew out the spear from his shoulder and tended them both, though beyond gasping the words "Prepare, for the Zulus are upon you," it was long before either of them could speak.
Yes, yes, they beat off the impi with the loss of only one man, but Ralph took no part in that fight.

Indeed, when we joined them four days later, for after burying Sihamba Jan and I trekked round through the waggon pass, by the mercy of Heaven escaping the Zulus, they still lay prostrate on a cartel, clasping each other's hands and smiling, but speaking little.