Most of them, I observed, as they halted, carried on their backs black ox-hide shields, interlaced with white thongs; they were armed with two or three assegais apiece and a knobkerry.
"Hilda Wade A Woman With Tenacity Of Purpose"
Grant Allen
Each of them, however, bore in his hand a large knobkerry of red-wood, and they marched four by four in martial fashion.
"Allan and the Holy Flower"
H. Rider Haggard