Zulus were seen fleeing over the plain with speed, pursued by a host of
relentless enemies, who returned before long, shouting triumphantly, and
carrying the shields and assagies of their enemies.

Not one out of the party had escaped, and thus Hans, who would be no
party to this slaughter, saw the whole of those who had so nearly
terminated his existence cut up to a man at the instant that they were
under the belief that they were in such force as to be formidable to the
small party they were pursuing. Such are the changes which often occur
in savage warfare, the strong party becoming the weak, and being again
outnumbered unexpectedly.

"It will not be safe for you to join your people by walking from here,"
said Berg to Hans. "There are many spies out from Dingaan, and you
would not be likely to reach Bushman's river. You had better return to
the bay with us; then we can talk about our best plan of acting, and you
can carry the news up to your people."

Hans agreed to this proposal, and joined his new friends on their return
journey to the bay, on reaching which he was delighted at the beauty of
the country and the fertility of the soil. Though the settlers had as
yet done little towards cultivating the land, yet it was evident that
there were immense capabilities for agricultural pursuits, and it was
thus considered a place likely eventually to become of great importance.
The vicinity of their treacherous neighbour Dingaan alone seemed to be
a drawback, but the emigrants had no doubt that with more caution and
fresh strength they would be able to overcome this despot, and prevent
him from in future molesting the white men.

Hans remained at Natal Bay for a week, and then started on horseback for
the head-quarters of his people, which he reached in four days. Hans
was received like one risen from among the dead, for his loss had been
mourned by his friends, and by Katrine, so that his return was never
expected, and was as much a surprise as any thing could be. He found
the camp in a sad state, a want of food being actually felt. Having
informed the leaders of his party what were the views of the few
residents at Natal, and having pointed out the necessity for maintaining
a system of espionage on the Zulus, he made preparations for a hunting
expedition into the plains under the Draakensberg for the purpose of
supplying his people with eland beef. It is a common practice of those
farmers who reside in the vi