United States or Panama ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Presently Rupert and Vermack appeared, urging on the slow-moving and obstinate animals with all their might. Just then Percy, who was looking through the glass, cried out "The Zulus are moving. They are marching this way. I can see them clashing their shields and shaking their assegais over their heads, with their chiefs leading them. I must let Rupert know, that he may hasten on with the animals.
Captain Broderick possessed but a small garrison to defend such extensive fortifications as those of Falls Farm against the numerous horde of savages now threatening to assault it. But he could trust thoroughly to the vigilance and courage of most of his men, and old Vermack was a host in himself, while his sons and Crawford had already shown the stuff they were made of.
Few, however, got higher; for Vermack, clubbing his musket, struck out right and left, hurling down the greater number into the ditch, while the rest were shot or struck down by the other men in the same fashion. The garrison now opened fire on the mass of dark objects moving about below them. While thus engaged, Percy's voice was heard shouting "Come to the front! come to the front!
"I should have been caught, however, had I not heard your signal guns," he answered; "for the Zulus were creeping up so noiselessly, that they were almost upon us before the men had time to jump into the waggon; and even though Vermack lashed on his horses, we had great difficulty in keeping ahead of them."
I will take Vermack and Matyana, and we will bring in as many as we can, while the herdsmen who remain with the rest drive them off in the meantime to the mountains. If we are seen by the Zulus, they will suppose that the whole have been driven into the fort, and will not go and look after the others."
Captain Broderick and Lionel, having unslung their rifles, also opened fire on the enemy. This gave the men time to reload, as also to enable Vermack and the Kaffir to get out of the reach of the assegais, they and the horses having fortunately escaped the first shower. "What! did you expect the farm to be attacked?" asked Captain Broderick, looking up at the walls.
Two of the Hottentots bravely volunteered to drive them towards the mountains; but Vermack expressed his opinion that that was more than they could do, as the poor animals, having been so long starved, were certain to remain feeding on the first pasture land they came to. "It would be better to slaughter them at once than to let them fall into the hands of the savages," he added.
"It was no easy matter for Denis and me, with our rifles in our hands, and well accustomed to tramping. If my father will let me go, with Vermack, and Matyana, and Denis, and Umgolo, I am sure I can persuade Hendricks to let Lionel return with me." To this Mrs Broderick objected.
"There's one will go with you," exclaimed Vermack, "and that's myself. Give me some ammunition, and let me get sight of the fellows, and I'll make every bullet do its work." Four of the garrison only were capable of accompanying Hendricks, who without loss of time led his party out of the fort.
"All very well," observed Vermack, in his usual dry way; "but, friends, don't be trusting those fellows. They have found us better prepared than they expected, but they're not beaten yet. They'll bide their time, and wait till they can see a chance of getting in with less risk to themselves." "Vermack gives you good advice, my lads," said Captain Broderick.
Word Of The Day