Part 12 (1/2)
Such rapid slaughter caused a panic a those ere exposed to the deadly aiave up their first attest the bushes and trees
”Now, Hans,” said Victor, ”let us push these trees down: it will take theain”
The two men pushed the tops of the trees which reached to their position on one side, and then by aid of their long bamboos shoved them so ht to the ground
Having accomplished this, they were able to turn their attention to their nuether for a second rush, and another attehold The whole force had now asse for the signal of the chief as to direct them At this instant Hans heard the voice of Katrine, which was audible a that she would not take off his attention unless for a special reason, he called out--
”What is it, Katie?”
”Help is near, Hans: I aallop over the far ridge, and enter the bush I just looked there, and as I looked I saw these three an instant before they disappeared”
”Are you certain, Katie? But three htered if they get into the bush”
”There one out of sight before I looked up; but they must come here in a very few minutes
Oh, the fiends, how they yell!” exclai for their rush, shrieked at the top of their voices
”Don't let us waste a shot, Victor: we et aid Rate has seen white men near”
”The Matabili are very numerous, Hans: I hope there will be plenty of aid, if it does co?” exclai their yells, turned from the rock, and ran rapidly into the bush
The two besieged e in the Matabili's proceedings, for froun, followed by a second, and then half a dozen at a tied into shrieks of agony, as they felt the deadly effects of the double-barrelled guns of nearly thirty experienced hunters For a few round, and even atte no resistance to the bullets of their opponents, the boldest a the not until they had reached the more open plain, or when exhausted and out of breath they could run no more
The hunters were not yet ahether their friends and connexions were all safe, but they deternalling for their horses, which had been left concealed in the ravines below, and in charge of five of their party, about twenty huntersene and exulting band, which an hour before had been threatening Hans' party with instant death, not half a dozen ht over the plain, and to report to their chief the disasters that had occurred to thereat to ascertain the fate of Katrine's sister and the others of the party, that he no sooner found the Matabili in retreat than he ca, and there recognised Hans and Victor, ith Katrine and her sister atching their enemies driven rapidly before their friends and brethren
Upon recognising Bernhard, Hans threw his cap in the air and shouted for joy
”Co kraal; two hundred Matabili could not take it from us Come up, that we may welcome you”
Guided by the numbers of slain to what he supposed must be the place for the ascent, Bernhard, with considerable difficulty, ed to climb up the rock; but he would not have been able to secure a footing on it had it not been for the aid of his two friends, who pulled him up when no other means of ascent existed Bernhard's welcome was a hearty one No formalities or rules laid down by cold-hearted reasoners checked the natural affection of these people: Katrine threw her arms round him, and amidst her tears and kisses thanked hih less demonstrative, were not less sincere in their welcoratitude to their preserver, and thankfulness for their escape
”How did you e to return so soon, Bernhard?” inquired Hans: ”we feared you could not return under a week”
”I luckily came across all our people as they were out on a patrol
They expected so near thee body, both to hunt and to look out for an enemy We are not safe any where froive him a lesson, we shall be eaten up by him What weapon is this?”
exclai lance which Hans had y and the bamboo stick
Hans explained how he had ainst their assailants, whilst he led Bernhard round the small rock, and showed him the method he had adopted to make his retreat secure
All his expedients were fully appreciated by Bernhard, who listened attentively to Hans' description of the Bushmen's death, the attempt of the Matabili to cast rocks upon him, and their last endeavour to climb the rock by aid of trees
”The rock is not easy to ascend even when friends help you,” said Bernhard; ”and when you are to be rewarded with a thrust from that lance the instant you reach the suet up You could not have slept hts, nor have you had very good dinners When thethose rascals, ill have a good feast; and you must tell the Mensch all your adventures We have been lucky, Hans: few h such scenes as we have, and live to tell it Poor Katie looks worn out, and no wonder; and her sister too is ill But we have horses for theht, for there will be plenty to watch”