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Updated: May 11, 2025
The regiment was to embark at eight o'clock on board the transport Zungeru for active service in the vast stretch of country known as "German East," where the Huns with their well-trained Askaris, or native levies, were putting up a stiff resistance against the Imperial and Colonial troops of the British Empire. On his way to the mess Wilmshurst ran up against Barkley, the P.M.O. of the garrison.
The answers received were far from satisfactory, for MacGregor seemed to make a point of "switching off" the subject of Rupert Wilmshurst and dwelling at length on his own adventures. "Not at all," replied the Rhodesian. "As regards your brother you may get in touch with him, but German East is a whacking big country. Are you part of a brigade?" he asked. "We're just the 'Waffs," replied Dudley.
Greatly to the curiosity of the blacks, who watched the descending message with undisguised wonderment, the object did not explode on reaching the ground as they fully expected it to do; and it was with an absurd display of caution that Tari Barl and Blue Fly went to receive it. "The C.O sharp!" ordered Wilmshurst. "Don't hold the thing like a snake it won't bite."
Deliberately and cautiously Wilmshurst glanced along the sights of his rifle. He would wait, he decided, until Fritz was some distance from his lair. It would give him a chance to get in a couple of shots if the first perchance should miss. With his body from the waist upwards showing clearly against the copper-hued clouds the Hun offered a splendid target.
At first, too utterly astonished to realise that they were hopelessly trapped and outnumbered, the Huns stood stock still, gazing stupidly at the converging ring of steel. The Askaris for the most part attempted to bolt, but finding their retreat cut off, grovelled in the dust. "Hands up!" shouted Wilmshurst. The three bearded Huns obeyed promptly and meekly.
Most of the Haussas, utterly worn out, were sleeping in easy yet undignified postures upon the ground, the only men keeping awake being Bela Moshi and the other section commander and sentries posted before Wilmshurst gave the word to stand easy. Even the subaltern found his head drooping.
"What d'you call this?" holding up the cartridge case. "If it isn't circumstantial evidence, what is?" At that moment an orderly put in an appearance. "Macgreg him horse am come back, sah," he reported, saluting. The adjutant, picking up a sheaf of papers and putting on his sun-helmet, hurried to the lines where the horses were picketed, Wilmshurst following and the orderly bringing up the rear.
You have half an hour to make preparations," resumed the C.O. "Take a batman with you a man who can ride well. You will rejoin your battalion at Kossa in three days' time, circumstances permitting." Wilmshurst saluted and withdrew to make his brief preparations. Having given Tari Barl instructions to pack his kit the subaltern sent for Sergeant Bela Moshi.
"That won't do, corporal," said Wilmshurst. "We must send him back. Take five men with you. It will be only two hours' trek." Accordingly the Haussas set to work to make a stretcher, performing the task with wonderful celerity. They were on the point of lifting the helpless man when the shout was raised. "Bush-cow, him come!"
As he fell his fingers closed convulsively against the trigger of his rifle and the bullet intended for Wilmshurst sung past the subaltern's left ear. A loud yell from the other young Hun proclaimed the fact that he, too, was hit. A bullet fired at the resisting German had been deflected, passing through the fleshy part of his comrade's left arm.
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