I 24 TALES OF A NOMAD. 



The enemy's bullets began to fly about rather un- 

 pleasantly, for they had got the range now and began 

 to make themselves objectionable. I was comfortably 

 seated behind a big boulder, taking a peep over now and 

 then. 



One of our men about five yards from me lower down 

 the face of the hill called out, " I say, mister, don't you 

 think you had better come down out of that ? " 



I replied, "What for?" 



He said, " Well, I think it is healthier down here where 

 I am." 



"Why so?" 



" Well, there is a Basuto out there (pointing to the 

 left as he spoke) who is getting ready to take a shot 

 at you." 



At that instant a ball whizzed close to my ear, and I 

 became aware that this Basuto was in a position to en- 

 filade my stone, so I took the man's advice and moved 

 to healthier quarters. 



At last we began to hear a few dropping shots on the 

 top of the hill. A few minutes later the fire became 

 general along the top, and we saw the Basutos running 

 back from the crest, and now waving plumes and shields 

 began to appear. Soon, like a huge irregular semi-circle, 

 the Amaswazi came into full view r , driving the Basutos 

 down the hill before them. 



The ground was very broken and the resistance 

 obstinate, but they continued their steady advance. 

 The commandant now ordered an advance against the 

 town, for he desired the honour of capturing the king's 

 own kraal. 



I must here make a digression. I had once been sent 

 by Colonel Clarke on an embassy to the Amaswazi king. 



