So did several others.

But the Major shouted, angrily: "Who fired?
Don't shoot, boys, till you hear the word of command! Back, sentries, to laager! Not a shot till they're safe inside! You'll hit your own people!" Almost before he said it, the sentries darted back.

The Matabele, crouching on hands and knees in the long grass, had passed between them unseen.

A wild moment followed.

I can hardly describe it; the whole thing was so new to me, and took place so quickly.