"There is a rumour that some of your Zulu brothers have come across the Tugela again to hunt us, which, if you want to know the truth, is why we visited this place.

Well, the commandant has taken his men for a ride to see if he can meet them by this bright moonlight.

Pity he could not take you, too, since you would have known so well where to find them, if they are there at all.

Now please talk no more nonsense to us, which it makes us sick to hear, and don't think that you can slip away because we are only two, for you know our roers are loaded with slugs, and we have orders to use them." "There," I said when I had shut the door, "now you have heard for yourselves.

As I thought, there is nothing in this fine story, so I hope you are convinced." Neither the vrouw nor Marie made any answer, and Hans also held his tongue.