and yours also."

Then of a sudden a company of the king's men rushed from the shelter of
the wall upon the attackers driving them back to the koppie and killing
several, so that in the confusion and gathering darkness Hokosa lost
sight of her, though a man at his side declared that he saw her fall
beneath the thrust of an assegai. Thus ended the second day.

Now when the watch had been set the king and his captains took counsel
together, for their hearts were heavy.

"Listen," said Nodwengo: "out of five thousand soldiers a thousand have
been killed and a thousand lie among us wounded. Hark to the groaning of
them! Also we have with us women and children and sick to the number of
twelve thousand, and between us and those who would butcher them every
one there stands but a single wall. Nor is this the worst of it: the
spring cannot supply the wants of so great a multitude in this hot
place, and it is feared that presently the water will be done. What
way shall we turn? If we surrender to Hafela, perhaps he will spare the
lives of the women and children; but whatever he may promise, the most
of us he will surely slay. If we fight and are defeated, then once
his regiments are among us, all will be slain according to the ancient
custom of our people. I have bethought me that we might retreat through
the valley, but the river beyond is in flood; also it is certain that
before this multitude could reach it, the prince will have sent a force
to cut us off while he himself harasses our rear. Now let him who has
counsel speak."

"King, I have counsel," said Hokosa. "What were the words that the
Messenger spoke to us before he died? Did he not say: 'Even now the
heathen is at your gates, and many of you shall perish on his spears;
but I tell you that he shall not conquer'? Did he not say: 'Be faithful,
cling to the Cross, and do not dare to doubt your Lord, for He will
protect you, and your children after you, and He will be your Captain
and you shall be His people'? Did he not bid you also to listen to my
counsel? Then listen to it, for it is his: Your case seems desperate,
but have no fear, and take no thought for the morrow, for all shall yet
be well. Let us now pray to Him that the Messenger has revealed to us,
and Whom now he implores on our behalf in that place where he is to
guide us and to save us, for then surely He will hearken to our prayer."

"So be it," said Nodwengo, and going out he stood upon a pillar of ston