Hendricks the Hunter; Or, The Border Farm: A Tale of Zululand

by William Henry Giles Kingston

  CHAPTER TEN.

  A BATTLE IN ZULULAND.

  Cetchwayo's army, like a devouring host of locusts, advanced across thecountry in an extended line, burning the kraals belonging to the chiefswho had sided with Umbulazi, or were supposed to have sided with him,trampling down their mealy fields, and destroying their crops. Old men,women, and children were indiscriminately put to death when found withinthe huts. The greater number had fled to die in the woods of hunger, orto be devoured by wild beasts. No mercy was shown to those who werecaptured. The warriors believed victory was certain, for the prophetesshad declared that all the auguries were favourable. One morepreliminary performance had to be gone through--a grand war dance of thewhole army, to excite their enthusiasm, and to warm up their courage tothe highest pitch. The scouts had brought the information that theenemy were still some distance in advance, and that there was no fear ofthe performance being interrupted. The army had been drawn in onpurpose, and were assembled on a level plain backed by a hill to theeastward, which they had just crossed. On either side were woods, whilea stream ran in front. On the slope of the hill, Cetchwayo took hisstand, with Hendricks and his other prisoners--for such they werecompelled to consider themselves--near him.

  The regiments, headed by their respective chiefs, or colonels, as theyreally were, advanced from the woods on either side in due order; thetall plumes of the chiefs, their skin cloaks, and ox-tail adornments,fluttering in the breeze. They advanced, singing a monotonous chant,describing the heroic deeds they were about to perform, till eachregiment in turn came in front of Cetchwayo, when halting, the menformed a semi-circle, and began slowly moving their feet and arms. Asthey grew more excited, their action increased in energy and fierceness,and their songs became louder, until at length there was a perfect stormof singing, yelling, and stamping. At the same time the utmostregularity was kept up; their feet, for they did not move from theirpositions, leaving deep dents in the ground. Notwithstanding theturmoil and apparent disorder which prevailed, they kept perfect timewith their voices, arms, and feet. At length, when well-nigh exhaustedfrom their exertions, having received the approval of their general,they moved on to give place to another regiment, which performedprecisely the same manoeuvres, except that the men endeavoured to outdotheir predecessors in loudness of voice and vehemence of action.

  Ten regiments were thus passed in review, forming a force of as manythousand men.

  "I suspect poor Umbulazi will have very little chance against thesefellows, if they once come up with him," observed Denis to Crawford."His best chance will be to escape across the border, where I do notsuppose that Cetchwayo will venture to follow him."

  "From your account, he and his followers are perfect savages, and thesefellows are much of the same description," answered Crawford. "For mypart, I wish we were out of the country. I am surprised that CaptainBroderick should have ventured to settle in the neighbourhood of suchpeople. I had formed a very different notion of them before I cameout."

  "Of course they are very much like other Kaffirs," said Denis. "Theyhave no more regard for human life than they have for that of theanimals they chase. They have become formidable from the way they havebeen trained by a succession of clever chiefs like Cetchwayo, though Idon't suppose that old Panda has ever done much to maintain gooddiscipline in his army. However, as Cetchwayo is well disposed towardsthe English, he will not give much trouble to the colony."

  "Not as long as he considers it to his advantage to keep friends withthe English," remarked Crawford. "But suppose they offend him, how willhe act?"

  "A few red coats and our colonial militia would soon keep him in order,should he show any inclination to quarrel," said Denis.

  The conversation was interrupted by a loud shout from Cetchwayo orderingthe army to advance, when they spread out as before, forming one vastsemi-circle, that is, the wings were in advance of the main body, sothat should an enemy be encountered, they might close in and surroundhim. In this order they advanced until dark, when they halted, each mancarrying his provisions, so that there was no necessity for forming acamp or lighting a fire, which would have shown their position to theenemy. Our friends, who had also brought some food in their holsters,lay down on the ground near Cetchwayo.

  The night passed quietly, with only an occasional alarm from wildbeasts, who however speedily decamped on finding themselves in theneighbourhood of so vast a concourse of people, and at early dawn thearmy again advanced. In a short time much excitement was caused amongthe ranks, for scouts came continually hurrying back with informationrespecting the movements of the enemy.

  A line of hills of no great elevation rose in front, extending north andsouth for a considerable distance. These had to be surmounted, whenCetchwayo told Hendricks that he expected to find Umbulazi's force onthe other side. Not a word was spoken along the whole line; foralthough the warriors themselves could not have been heard by the mainbody of the enemy, the scouts might have discovered their advance.

  Cetchwayo now told Hendricks and his companions to dismount and lead ontheir horses, keeping a short distance in the rear of the army.

  The Zulu warriors advanced in the same order as before, as fast as thenature of the ground would allow, concealing themselves as much aspossible, by taking advantage of the trees and bushes and tufts of tallgrass, so that a person standing on the summit of the hill, if he hadperceived them at all, would have had no conception of their numbers.Whenever shelter was wanting, they stooped down, and very often crawledalong the ground like snakes amid the grass.

  The two wings could now be seen creeping up the hillside. Shortlyafterwards the main body reached the bottom, and also began to ascend.Occasionally a herd of deer or smaller game, driven out of theircoverts, started off, some making for the hill, others darting to theone side or the other, probably to fall victims to the noiselessassegais of the warriors.

  Hendricks, although as resolved as ever not to engage in the fight, wasstill compelled to move forward. The hill covered with trees affordedas much shelter as the lower ground had done. On gaining the summit, inthe rear of the troops, he was able to obtain a view over the countrybeyond. It was a comparatively level region, with a broad river runningacross it. On the nearer side of the river, and at no great distancefrom the bottom of the slope, could be seen the forces of Umbulazi. Itwas tolerably evident from the movement among them that they had justobtained information of the approach of Cetchwayo's army. The chiefswere marshalling their men, some facing the hill, some preparing for theassault on either side, but it appeared to Hendricks that they wereuncertain in what direction they might be attacked.

  Slowly, and still keeping themselves concealed, Cetchwayo's warriorsdescended the hillside. Nearer and nearer they drew to the foe, thewings being gradually extended, and at the same time closing in towardseach other.

  Thus, even before the attack had commenced, Umbulazi's force was almostentirely surrounded. It had probably been Cetchwayo's intentioncompletely to hem in his enemies; but before there was time to do so,they had discovered his right wing, and apparently supposing it to bethe main body, advanced to meet it. On this he gave the signal to hiswhole force to commence the attack, and in an instant, from the hithertosilent woods and thickets, hideous shrieks and yells arose, and thewarriors, no longer taking pains to conceal themselves, rushed on atheadlong speed, clashing their shields and quivering their assegais.

  The rear of Umbulazi's force was completely taken by surprise. To flywas impossible, either to the right hand or to the left; their ownpeople engaged with the enemy in front, preventing them from moving inthat direction. Their only resource was to face about and endeavour todrive back their assailants, or to defend themselves to the last. Nowthe main body appearing rushed down on what had been their right flank,and the slaughter commenced.

  Vastly outnumbered and completely surrounded, they fought with theenergy of despair. Some few of the younger men, seeing relatives andfriends among their assailant
s, pleaded for mercy, but they pleaded withthose to whom mercy was unknown. The sharp assegais of Cetchwayo'swarriors did their death work rapidly and surely. His victorious bandspressed forward, closing in on their victims.

  Hendricks stood observing the battle through his telescope, which heoccasionally handed to Crawford and Denis. The scene enacted on theground near the foot of the hill could be clearly observed with thenaked eye, but through the glass alone could be distinguished what wastaking place in the distance.

  One path leading towards the river alone remained open, and towards it afew who had been posted in that direction were seen endeavouring to maketheir escape. The greater number were pursued and overtaken; but onewarrior, who had exhibited wonderful activity, kept those chasing him atbay, and hurling his assegais with unerring aim, brought one after theother to the ground; then once more resuming his flight, he gained theriver, and, plunging in, was no more seen.

  "Well, I'm glad that poor fellow got off," exclaimed Denis, who had beenwatching him anxiously. "I hope he'll make his escape; for he must bevery brave, or he would not have turned round and fought his enemies inthe way he did. It is dreadful to see what is going on below us."

  The battle-field had now become a scene of indiscriminate slaughter.Here and there a few groups could be discerned standing amidst theirfallen comrades, supporting one of their chiefs, and hurling back theassegais aimed at them, which they had caught on their shields, andwhich had fallen at their sides; but the numbers in these groups wererapidly diminishing: first one man fell, then another, then another,until several were seen to fall together, and at last their enemies,rushing on with triumphant shrieks, and hurling their assegais, broughtthe remainder to the ground, finishing those who had fallen withrepeated thrusts of their sharp weapons. At length but one groupremained in the midst of the corpse-strewn field. They gazed fiercelyround them, well knowing that ere long they must be like those lyingdead at their feet. Still they fought on, keeping their assailants atbay. In their midst was a chief, known by his tall plume and stalwartfigure, a very Ajax in appearance. Cetchwayo, seeing the determinedresistance offered, and that numbers of his men were falling, summoned acompany of his own regiment, and led them on to the attack. Thestruggle was fierce, but of short duration. Scarcely a minute elapsedbefore he was seen to sweep over the spot, trampling on the bodies ofthe slain, into which his followers were fiercely plunging theirweapons. Of the adherents of Umbulazi, who in all the pride of manhoodhad a short hour before occupied that now blood-stained field, not a manremained alive.

  "Now is our time to make our escape from this fearful scene ofslaughter," exclaimed Hendricks. "The savages will be too much engagedin rejoicing over their victory to think of us, and we are not bound toremain here longer than we choose."

  Their guards, it should have been said, excited beyond all control atthe scene of bloodshed, had rushed down to join in the work ofslaughter. Not a moment was to be lost. Tightening theirsaddle-girths, the party mounted. "You go ahead, Denis, and lead, and Iwill bring up the rear," said Hendricks. "We shall gain the waggon, andbe able to push on towards the border, before Cetchwayo sends in pursuitof us, if he thinks it worth while to do so. Having gained a victory,he will be in an especially good humour; but if we remain now, he willperhaps take it into his head to detain us for the purpose of compellingus to witness his triumph."

  This was said as the party were preparing to mount. They had retainedtheir arms, and as their horses had moved only at a slow pace, and hadhad plenty of time to feed, they were prepared for a long ride.

  Hendricks gave the word, and Denis leading, off they started. They weresoon down the hill and across the plain which they had before traversed,making a direct course for the spot where the waggon and its guards hadbeen left. Hendricks occasionally turned his head to ascertain if theywere pursued; but as no one was to be seen, he felt satisfied thatCetchwayo had not discovered their flight, and the probability was thathe would not do so for many hours to come. As much of the ground waslevel, they did not spare their steeds until they reached the waggon,some hours before sundown.

  The Hottentot and Kaffir servants welcomed them with every sign of joy.Not aware of the superiority of Cetchwayo's army over that of his rival,they had feared that he might have been defeated, and that the pursuingenemy had attacked them in revenge for their being associated with him.

  Hendricks instantly gave the order to inspan, and bestowing presents onthe Zulus who had been left to assist in guarding the waggon, he advisedthem immediately to return home.

  They, without demur, took their departure, well satisfied with thepresents they had received, and the oxen were urged on at as rapid arate as they could be got to move. The ground was fortunately level, sothat good progress was made, and several miles were got over beforesunset.

  They camped in a hollow, the ground round which was covered with trees,so that the light of their fire could not be seen to any distance.

  The chirrup of the cricket on the hearth is not more familiar to theinhabitants of an old country house in England, than is the roar of thelion to the ears of the traveller in Africa. Our friends had become soaccustomed to the low mutterings, as well as to the loud roars of theking of beasts, that, provided the sounds came from a distance, theyscarcely interrupted their slumbers. Occasionally, however, when abrute more savage and hungry than usual, ventured up to the camp,evidently on a foraging expedition, it was not only difficult butimpossible for any one to sleep; indeed, common prudence required thatall should be on the watch, with their weapons ready to defendthemselves or the cattle, should they be attacked.

  As there was still nearly an hour of daylight to spare, Hendricks, withLionel and Denis, who were always ready to start on a huntingexpedition, went off in search of game, accompanied by the dogs, who,although they have not often been mentioned, had always faithfully donetheir duty in giving due notice of the approach of strangers or anyanimals.

  They had not got far from the camp when Hendricks shot an antelope, andto save the necessity of returning at once, it was hoisted up on to thebranch of a tree to prevent its being eaten by the jackals and hyenaswhich would quickly have found it out. They went on for some distancefarther, when Lionel, looking ahead, exclaimed--

  "See, see! the grass is moving; there is some beast within." Andscarcely had he spoken, than out sprang a lion, which, however, insteadof coming towards them, made its way in the direction of the camp.

  "It's as well we secured our game, or the brute would have had it,"observed Denis, as they followed the lion. "I only hope our friends incamp will be on the look-out, or that brute will be among them and dosome mischief."

  As soon as the lion had turned tail, the three dogs set off in pursuit,Hendricks and his companions following. The lion at first went alongleisurely; but when he heard the barking of the dogs and the shouts ofthe hunters, who wanted him to turn so that they might get a shot athim, he increased his speed.

  In a short time Fangs got ahead of the other two dogs, and at lengthalmost reached the heels of the lion. This showed his courage more thanhis discretion; for had the lion turned suddenly, he would have paiddearly for his boldness; but probably the lion was scarcely aware howclose his pursuer was to him. On coming to the antelope in the tree, hestopped and evinced a strong inclination to try and pull it down. Hesaw, however, that it was beyond his reach, and again went on, until hewas in sight of the waggon and oxen; but fortunately he was seen, andthe Hottentots and Kaffirs began shrieking and shouting to drive himoff, while Crawford and Percy seized their guns, ready to fire as soonas he should come near enough.

  Fangs had kept all this time close after the chase, but well knew thatone kick from those powerful hind-paws would send him flying into theair with a cracked skull.

  Still, carried away by the excitement of the chase, he was on the pointof springing forward to throw himself on the lion's quarters, when thelatter became aware of his being so near, and making a bound forward,stop
ped, turned, and crouched. Fangs saw his danger, and turned toflee, barely in time to escape the claws of the lion who sprang afterhim. Away Fangs went, however, fleet as the wind, followed by the lion,with his mane flowing, his ears pricked forward, and his tail erect.The dog took the direction in which his master was coming; but the lionapparently did not perceive the hunters until he was within range oftheir rifles.

  "Now, my lads, show what you can do!" cried Hendricks. "I will reservemy fire in case you should miss, you couldn't have a finer opportunity.Denis, do you fire first."

  Denis, highly pleased, raised his rifle and fired. His bullet merelygrazed the back of the lion, which at that instant, taking alarm, turnedaside and bounded off up the hill. The dogs made chase after him; butHendricks, fearing that they would perhaps encounter the lioness andcome to grief, called them back. Unwillingly they obeyed, and althougheven Fangs, the bravest, would not have ventured to encounter the lionface to face, they were all eager to go in chase of him when turningtail.

  Getting down the antelope, they now returned to camp. As it was veryprobable that the lion would come back as soon as darkness set in, anadditional fire was lighted. The horses were secured to the waggonwheels, and the oxen were brought in and also made fast. The antelopeflesh was cooked, and eaten with good appetites by the travellers.Scarcely was supper concluded when several roars were heard, some on oneside at a short distance, some on the other, close to the camp.Directly afterwards the horrid chorus was increased by the howl ofhyenas and the crying of jackals, more numerous than at any previousoccasion during the journey. There was no necessity to order theHottentots and Kaffirs to be on the watch; for they all well knew therisk they ran of an attack from the lions. Even the animals seemedaware of their danger. The men replied to the roars by shrieks andcries, every now and then firing off a rifle in the direction from whichthe sounds proceeded. Hendricks, however, considering that three of theparty were sufficient to keep watch, ordered the remainder to lie down,either under or close to the waggon, and thus the first part of thenight passed unpleasantly by.