Their master, Robertson, ordered them to come and after a glance at the Zulus they concluded that the command was one which would be enforced and that if they stopped behind, it would not be as living men.

Also some of them had lost wives or children in the slaughter, which, if they were not very brave, filled them with a desire for revenge.

Lastly, they could all shoot after a fashion and had good rifles; moreover if I may say so, I think that they put confidence in my leadership.

So they made the best of a bad business and got themselves ready.
Then arrangements must be made about the carrying on of the farm and store during our absence.

These, together with my waggon and oxen, were put in the charge of Thomaso, since there was no one else who could be trusted at all--a very battered and crestfallen Thomaso, by the way.
When he heard of it he was much relieved, since I think he feared lest he also should be expected to take part in the hunt of the Amahagger man-eaters.