"Why, that it is a lie or a misunderstanding.

I never shot at Heer Allan in any kloof.

Is it likely that I should have done so when he had just nursed me back to life?
I never plotted with the Zulus for his death, which would have meant the deaths of my uncle and my cousin and of all their companions.
Am I mad that I should do such a thing ?" "Not mad, but bad," screamed the vrouw.

"I tell you, Heer Retief, it is no lie.

Ask those with me," she added, appealing to the others, who, with the exception of Marais, answered as with one voice: "No; it is no lie." "Silence!" said the commandant.