_Esemkofu_, as we have got meat enough, and can't carry his head."

So they started back towards the open country. As they threaded their
way slowly through the tree trunks, a new idea came into Hadden's head.
Once out of this forest, he was within an hour's run of the Zulu border,
and once over the Zulu border, he would feel a happier man than he did
at that moment. As has been said, he had intended to attempt to escape
in the darkness, but the plan was risky. All the Zulus might not
over-eat themselves and go to sleep, especially after the death of their
comrade; Nahoon, who watched him day and night, certainly would not.
This was his opportunity--there remained the question of Nahoon.

Well, if it came to the worst, Nahoon must die: it would be easy--he
had a loaded rifle, and now that his assegai was gone, Nahoon had only
a kerry. He did not wish to kill the man, though it was clear to
him, seeing that his own safety was at stake, that he would be amply
justified in so doing. Why should he not put it to him--and then be
guided by circumstances?

Nahoon was walking across a little open space about ten spaces ahead of
him where Hadden could see him very well, whilst he himself was under
the shadow of a large tree with low horizontal branches running out from
the trunk.

"Nahoon," he said.

The Zulu turned round, and took a step towards him.

"No, do not move, I pray. Stand where you are, or I shall be obliged
to shoot you. Listen now: do not be afraid for I shall not fire without