ir charges; and though mowed down by
scores in their advance, still those in the rear leapt over the bodies
of the slain in front, and endeavoured to force an entrance through the
rampart made by the Dutchmen.

In their second charge, several Zulus reached the waggon on which Hans
was standing; and he, having discharged both barrels of his gun with
fatal effect, was for an instant unarmed. The Zulus seemed to be aware
of this, and boldly leapt on to the wheel, and with a yell of triumph
raised their assagies above their heads, as they prepared for their next
spring. Victor and Bernhard, however, saw the danger, and with rapid
aim, such as sportsmen alone can take, the savages were dropped from
their advanced position; whilst Katrine, pushing a freshly-loaded gun
into Hans' hands, grasped his empty weapon, and was soon ready again to
supply him with his loaded gun.

Many times did the Zulus renew their charges on their foes, but without
avail; and from sunrise to sunset the Dutchmen maintained this unequal
contest. As the day advanced the ammunition began to grow scarce, and
there was a general demand for powder and bullets, but none were
forthcoming; many men having placed their last charge in their guns.
Should the Zulus again charge, the fate of the whole party would be
slaughter; for if a hand-to-hand fight occurred, the numbers being about
forty to one, there could be no doubt as to the result. Fortunately at
this crisis a shot was fired from the three-pounder into the midst of
the Zulus, and this shot striking some of the Zulu chiefs at a great
distance, caused a panic, and a rapid retreat of the whole body, leaving
the Boers masters of the field, though their cattle were nearly all
carried off.

As soon as the Zulus retired, the Dutchmen assembled, and mounting their
horses, sallied out to learn the fate of those emigrants who were
scattered about in various parts. Whenever the Boers had been able to
collect and form a lager with their waggons, they had beaten off their
savage foes; but in other cases the slaughter had been complete.

That night was one of deep sorrow at the lager of Bushmen's river.
Fortunately the loss on the part of the Dutch had been very slight, and
their victory complete; but the intelligence brought in from all sides
was most disastrous. At least 600 men, women, and children had been
slaughtered, in addition to the party of Retief. Men with whom most of
the survivors had been in