So by this time I knew their tongue fairly, although occasionally I may have used terms which were unfamiliar to them.
Thus it came about that I was able to shout to them, asking what was their business with us.

Hearing themselves addressed in words which they understood, the men halted, and seeing that I was unarmed, three of them approached me.
"We come to take you prisoners, white people, or to kill you if you resist," said their captain.
"By whose order ?" I asked.
"By the order of Dingaan our king." "Is it so?
And who told Dingaan that we were here ?" "The Boer who came in front of you." "Is it so ?" I said again.

"And now what do you need of us ?" "That you should accompany us to the kraal of Dingaan." "I understand.

We are quite willing, since it lies upon our road.

But then why do you come against us, who are peaceful travellers, with your spears lifted ?" "For this reason.