By now the battle had raged for about an hour and a half, and it was reported to the king that the first of the women and children had passed the archway into the valley, and that nearly all of them were clear of the eastern gate of the town.
"Then it is time that we follow them," said the king, "for if we wait here until the warriors of Hafela are among us, our retreat will become a rout and soon there will be none left to follow.

Let one company," and he named it, "hold the fence for a while to give us time to withdraw, taking the wounded with us." "We hear you, king," said one of that company, "but our captain is killed." "Who among you will take over the command of these men and hold the breach ?" asked Nodwengo of the group of officers about him.
"I, King," answered old Hokosa, lifting his spear, "for I care not whether I live or die." "Go to, boaster!" cried another.

"Who among us cares whether he lives or dies when the king commands ?" "That we shall know to-morrow," said Hokosa quietly, and the soldiers laughed at the retort.
"So be it," said the king, and while silently and swiftly he led off the regiments, keeping in the shadow of the huts, Hokosa and his hundred men posted themselves behind the weakened fence and wall.

Now, for the fourth time the attacking regiment came forward grimly, on this occasion led by the prince himself.

As they drew near, Hokosa leapt upon the wall, and standing there in the bright moonlight where all could see him, he called to them to halt.