That hardened me, and so did the reflection that after all they outnumbered us enormously and very likely would prove victors in the end.

Anyhow it was too late to repent.

What a tricky and uncomfortable thing is conscience, that nearly always begins to trouble us at the moment of, or after, the event, not before, when it might be of some use.
I raised myself upon the rock and fired both barrels of my gun into the advancing horde, though whether I killed anyone or no I cannot say.

I have always hoped that I did not; but as the mark was large and I am a fair shot, I fear that is scarcely possible.

Next moment, with a howl that sounded like that of wild beasts, from either side of the gorge the fierce Amangwane free-spears--for that is what they were--leapt out of their hiding-places and hurled themselves upon their hereditary foes.
They were fighting for more than cattle; they were fighting for hate and for revenge since these Amakoba had slaughtered their fathers and their mothers, their sisters and their brothers, and they alone remained to pay them back blood for blood.
Great heaven! how they did fight, more like devils than human beings.
After that first howl which shaped itself to the word "Saduko," they were silent as bulldogs.