I saw that they must catch us before we reached the gate, for now Baleka could go but slowly.
Then a thought came into my head.

I had brought her here, I would save her life if I could.

Should she reach the kraal without me, Chaka would not kill a girl who was so young and fair.
"Run on, Baleka! run on!" I said, dropping behind.

Now she was almost blind with weariness and terror, and, not seeing my purpose, staggered towards the gate of the kraal.

But I sat down on the veldt to get my breath again, for I was about to fight four men till I was killed.