As we passed that mound on our homeward journey, the
Zulus who remained alive, including two wounded men who were carried
in litters, stopped and saluted solemnly, praising the dead with loud
songs. We white people too saluted, but in silence, by raising our
hats.
By the why, I should add that in this matter also Mavovo's "Snake" did
not lie. He had said that six of his company would be killed upon our
expedition, and six were killed, neither more nor less.
After much consulting we determined to take the overland route back to
Natal, first because it was always possible that the slave-trading
fraternity, hearing of their terrible losses, might try to attack us
again on the coast, and secondly for the reason that even if they did
not, months or perhaps years might pass before we found a ship at
Kilwa, then a port of ill repute, to carry us to any civilized place.
Moreover, Brother John, who had travelled it, knew the inland road
well and had established friendly relations with the tribes through
whose country we must pass, till we reached the brothers of Zululand,
where I was always welcome.
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