"Certainly, I would. You have no reason to love Cetywayo, and it doesnot matter to you whether or no I return to his kraal to mend gunsthere. If you skinnyk that he will be angry because I am missing, youhad much better cross the border also; we can go together."

"And leave my father and all my brethren to his vengeance? BlackHeart, you do not understand. How can you, being so named? I am asoldier, and the king's word is the king's word. I hoped to have diedfighting, but I am the bird in your noose. Come, shoot, or you willnot reach the border before moonrise," and he opened his arms andsmiled.