"How could he be pleased if that happened, since then he would be left defenceless, if he were not killed too.

Now, Umslopogaas, let us make a plan for this fight." So, together with Robertson, rapidly we discussed the thing.

As a result, with the help of the Zulus, we dragged together some loose stones and the tops of three small thorn trees which we had cut down, and with them made a low breastwork, sufficient to give us some protection if we lay down to shoot.

It was the work of a few minutes since we had prepared the material when we camped in case an emergency should arise.
Behind this breastwork we gathered and waited, Robertson and I being careful to get a little to the rear of the Zulus, who it will be remembered had the rifles which the Strathmuir bastards had left behind them when they bolted, in addition to their axes and throwing assegais.
The question was how these cannibals would fight.

I knew that they were armed with long spears and knives but I did not know if they used those spears for thrusting or for throwing.