We were encamped upon a rise of ground a quarter of a mile from the river, and the impi, or those of them whom we could see, were at the foot of this rise about a hundred and sixty yards away.

The light was growing now, and when I was within fifty paces of them they saw me.

At some word of command a number of men rushed toward me, their fighting shields held over their bodies and their spears up.
"We are dead!" exclaimed my Kaffir in a resigned voice.

I shared his opinion, but thought I might as well die standing as running away.
Now I should explain that though as yet I had never mixed with these Zulus, I could talk several native dialects kindred to that which they used very well indeed.

Moreover, ever since I had hired men of their race at Delagoa, I had spent all my spare time in conversing with them and acquiring a knowledge of their language, history and customs.