chap. xiv. THE AFFAIR OF THE GOOLAH HEIGHTS. 109 
proceeded about a mile after this, and had entered into 
a long narrow glade, with high forests on each side of 
us, varying from fifty to eighty yards from the wagon- 
track, this open being interspersed with thorn-trees 
(mimosa) and rocks. This narrow ridge extended for 
about another mile, and it was quite impossible to see 
a single yard into the thick bush on each side. The 
Kafirs very wisely allowed us to pass some distance into 
this narrow glade, when suddenly a strong party of them 
extended across the open behind us and at the same time 
commenced to fire all along the edge of the forest on 
both sides. There was no alternative but to draw the 
two wagons up, dismount our party, get under cover of 
rocks and bush, and so endeavour to beat off the enemy. 
During all this time naked black fellows were seen run¬ 
ning along the edge of the bush to our front, towards 
the identical spot where Muller had been attacked ; and 
it was amusing to hear their jeering cries, such as 4 You 
must look at the sun, for it is the last time you will 
see it.’ 6 You are like a mouse in a calabash: you 
have got into it, but you cannot get out.’ By this 
time we had pretty well beaten off the Kaffirs in our 
rear, except those holding the ground, like us, from 
behind rocks; and I had ordered the men to mount, 
that we might push on. One horse was hit while the 
trooper was mounting, and swerving threw the rider, 
upon which there was a great shout of exultation. 
