136 
SPOET AND WAR. 
CHAP. XVII. 
I felt the shock as if struck by a sledge-hammer, and 
my horse even staggered with the blow, but it gave me 
time to fire at the Kafirs, who were now exposing them¬ 
selves. Unfortunately, my first shot struck the top of 
the rock, whence I saw the splinters fly in all directions ; 
but the second one told in • the breast of a petty chief. 
Strange impulsive utterances cannot be restrained under 
great excitement. As I was shot the Kafir exclaimed, in 
his native language, 6 I have hit him ! 5 and I could not 
resist replying, 6 1 have got it.’ But to proceed. After 
T had fired my horse plunged forward, and I very soon 
met the infantry, who were pushing their way through 
the rugged path as best they could. The first thing 
that pulled me up was seeing a friend of mine, Dr, 
Stewart, Cape Mountain Kifles, leaning against a rock, 
the blood pouring from his chest, from the loss of which 
he was very faint. The Kafirs were keeping up a per¬ 
petual fire on the troops, which was returned in the 
most gallant style ; but not a sable enemy could be seen 
in. the dense wood from which they fired. At this 
moment a second ball struck Dr. Stewart in the head, 
and his brains were spattered all over my face and 
jacket. 
To make a standing fight in the position in which 
the troops then were was impossible, the footpath wound 
round the great rocks and forest-trees in such a manner 
that you could not tell whether it was friend or foe that 
