Billali, I noticed, remained in his litter.
The convenience of the bearers did not trouble him; he only ordered an extra gang to the poles.

I could not imagine how we were to negotiate this precipice.

Nor could Umslopogaas, who looked at it and said, "If we are to climb that, Macumazahn, I think that the only one who will live to get to the top will be that little yellow monkey of yours," and he pointed with his axe at Hans.
"If I do," replied that worthy, much nettled, for he hated to be called a "yellow monkey" by the Zulus, "be sure that I will roll down stones upon any black butcher whom I see sprawling upon the cliff below." Umslopogaas smiled grimly, for he had a sense of humour and could appreciate a repartee even when it hit him hard.

Then we stopped talking for the climb took all our breath.
At length we came to the cliff face where, to all appearance, our journey must end.

Suddenly, however, out of the blind black wall in front of us started the apparition of a tall man armed with a great spear and wearing a white robe, who challenged us hoarsely.
Suddenly he stood before us, as a ghost might do, though whence he came we could not see.