these his new brothers; but we, watching, thought: "Can these
people be such fools as to think we shall give them half our country in
exchange for a few miserable beasts like this?"

Then, while talking about the cattle, Dingane asked the Amabuna to show
him how they took cattle from other people in war. This they were very
ready to do, and the King having sent the herd some little distance away
over the plain, the Amabuna sprang upon their hones and galloped to the
place. They dismounted and fired their guns--loaded with powder only--
leaping into the saddle again and reloading as they rode; then returning
and firing again upon our people, who had been told off to take part in
this mimic war. Finally, while some kept on firing, others got between
the cattle and our men, and, with shouts and yells, swept the beasts
forward. On they came at full gallop, then letting the herd rush wildly
by, these three-score and ten Amabuna, as they came before the King,
drew up their horses suddenly and in line, and fired their guns in the
air in royal salute.

It was well and cleverly done, _Nkose_, and Dingane was delighted with
it, and so, indeed, were we--looking at it as a spectacle. But more
than ever were we agreed that men who could make war in that fashion
were not the people to welcome as neighbours in a country as large as
our own, and with nothing but a river between us and them. Oh, no!

For two whole days the Amabuna remained in their camp outside, and most
of the time was spent in talking over the question of the large piece of
our country they expected to swallow up. They were well entertained--
for many oxen were slaughtered--and the King ordered abundance of beef
and beer to be supplied to them--and, indeed, everything they should
want. But during this time our spies and runners had reported that
their main camp, where the bulk of their people, with their cattle and
women, were left, was peaceful and unsuspicious, and that the men were
spread out over the country far and wide, hunting and looking at the
land--_our_ land--which they hoped should soon be theirs.

On the third night, when all men slept, the King took secret counsel of
his principal _izinduna_, and among them was I; for by reason of having
met these people in battle, whereas as yet the Amazulu had not, my
opinions carried weight.

"Now I think the time has come to stamp out this locust swarm," said
Dingane.

"We have here the head of the snak