I pointed out also that unhappily for myself I could not prove my words, since Dingaan was not available as a witness, and all the others were dead.

Further, I produced my letter to Marie, which was endorsed by Retief, and the letter to Retief signed by Marais and Pereira which remained in my possession.
By the time that I had finished my speech the sun was setting and everyone was tired out.

I was ordered to withdraw under guard, while the court consulted, which it did for a long while.

Then I was called forward again and the commandant said: "Allan Quatermain, after prayer to God we have considered this case to the best of our judgment and ability.

On the one hand we note that you are an Englishman, a member of a race which hates and has always oppressed our people, and that it was to your interest to get rid of two of them with whom you had quarrelled.