Not a shot to be fired.

Forward!" There was a low murmur as of many drawing a deep, long breath.

Then the column was in motion, and I felt a thrill of excitement running through me like a wave, while unconsciously I nipped Sandho's sides so that he began to amble.

This brought back the knowledge that I must be cool, so I gently checked the brave little horse, and softly patted his arching neck, when he promptly slowed to a walking pace like the others.

Then I found that Joeboy had crept round to my right side, between me and the next trooper, and, assagai in hand, was holding on to my saddle with his left hand.
All was perfectly still; and though we had gone on fully a hundred yards, there was nothing to be heard or seen of the enemy in front.
Suddenly Denham leaned towards me, and gripped my shoulder for a moment before loosening his grasp and holding his right hand before me.
"Shake," he said in a low whisper.
Our hands pressed one another for a brief moment or two, and then we both sat upright, listening.
All was yet silent.