Then, seeing that the matter was urgent and that it was a question of my
life or theirs, I came into action.
In my hand I held a double-barrelled shotgun loaded with what we used
to call "loopers," or B.B. shot, of which but a few went to each charge,
for I had hoped to meet with a small buck on my way to camp. So, as
these soldiers came, I lifted the gun and fired, the right barrel at
one of them and the left barrel at the other, aiming in each case at the
centre of the small dancing shields, which from force of habit they held
stretched out to protect their throats and breasts. At that distance, of
course, the loopers sank through the soft hide of the shields and deep
into the bodies of those who carried them, so that both of them dropped
dead, the left-hand man being so close that he fell against my pony, his
uplifted kerry striking me upon the thigh and bruising me.
When I saw what I had done, and that my danger was over for the moment,
without waiting to reload I dug the spurs into my horse's sides and
galloped off to Nodwengu, passing between the groups of struggling men.
On arriving unharmed at the town, I went instantly to the royal huts and
demanded to see the King, who sent word that I was to be admitted.
On coming before him I told him exactly what had happened--that I had
killed two of Cetewayo's men in order to save my own life, and on that
account submitted myself to his justice.
"O Macumazana," said Panda in great distress, "I know well that you
are not to blame, and already I have sent out a regiment to stop this
fighting, with command that those who caused it should be brought before
me to-morrow for judgment. I am glad indeed, Macumazahn, that you have
escaped without harm, but I must tell you that I fear henceforth your
life will be in danger, since all the Usutu party will hold it forfeit
if they can catch you. While you are in my town I can protect you, for I
will set a strong guard about your camp; but here you will have to
stay until these troubles are done with, since if you leave you may be
murdered on the road."
"I thank you for your kindness, King," I answered; "but all this is very
awkward for me, who hoped to trek for Natal to-morrow."
"Well, there it is, Macumazahn, you will have to stay here unless
you wish to be killed. He who walks into a storm must put up with the
hailstones."
So it came about that once again Fate dragged me into the Zulu
maelstrom.