Surely, therefore, they would run less risk in the Black Kloof than here at Ulundi, if ever they got so far.
All this went through my brain in an instant, with the result that I made up my mind to say nothing.

As the issue proved, this was a terrible mistake, but who can always judge rightly?
Had I spoken out it seems to me probable that Cetewayo would have granted my prayer and ordered that these two should be escorted out of Zululand before hostilities began, although of course they might have been murdered on the way.

Also, for a reason that will become evident later, it is possible that there would never have been any hostilities.

All I can plead is, that I acted for the best and Fate would have it so.

Another moment and the chance was gone.
The gate opened and a body-servant appeared announcing that one of the great captains with some of his officers waited to see the king.