The main body of the pursuers meantime lined the banks, lustily cheering on their more adventurous comrades. Suddenly there rang out the simultaneous reports of half a dozen rifles, and as the smoke cleared away two or three arms raised above the blood-dyed waters of the torrent, which whirled the bodies of the baffled Zulus down and away from view, testified to the skill of the marksmen. As the surviving savages regained the opposite bank they gave a yell of defiance, which was answered by a volley which rendered several others _hors de combat_. The horsemen then mounted, and rode down to meet the rescued runners, who turned out to be messengers from headquarters, and the bearers of most welcome despatches from the Commander-in-Chief to General Wood, in which his lordship, in the most cordial, kind, and flattering manner, sent his congratulations and thanks to the latter, and those under his command, for the manner in which his camp had been defended in the last attack. A general parade was at once ordered, and the commander having formed up the entire force--horse, foot, artillery, and native contingent--read out in firm and ringing tones the welcome and honourable terms in which his lordship had expressed himself. By permission of the commandant three ringing cheers for the Queen were then given, followed by three as hearty for the Commander-in-Chief. CHAPTER V. Organization of column for relief of Ekowe--The march--Heliographic signals--Camp at Ginghilovo--Disposition of the troops--Zulu advance--The battle--English victory--Death of Colonel Northey--English losses--Zulu force and loss--Relief of Ekowe--Meeting of Pearson and Chelmsford--State of Ekowe garrison--Barrow's cavalry raid on Dabulamanzi's kraal--British sentry firing on British troops.