rst step taken by the two principal _izinduna_, Tambusa and
Umhlela, was to send out and muster every available man throughout the
land. All were enrolled, even those whose youth would have precluded
them from bearing arms yet awhile, and several new regiments were
formed; and while this was going on, a careful watch was kept upon the
movements of the Amabuna, for we knew not what they might attempt next.
It was intended to attack them again before more could join them, but
the idea was abandoned, for careful observation showed that we should
stand but small chance of success, so warily did they move; scouting the
land far and wide, and camping in such strength. So our people watched
and waited, biding their time.

Now all this, _Nkose_, in no wise helped forward my plans. I had hoped
that we should have made an end of these invaders, and that then Dingane
would have sent forth a strong _impi_ to crush Umzilikazi. So should I
have obtained my revenge. But with such a formidable foe upon our
borders as these Amabuna, the King would not have a single regiment out
of call; wherein, of course, he was wise.

All of which did not help me, for now there was no more fighting my
heart grew heavy once more as I thought of Lalusini and how she was lost
to me; of my high position among my former nation forfeited for ever.
And, indeed, my position among the parent stock was becoming daily far
from secure, and I was looked coldly on by many who had been most
friendly before, and even by the King himself. This I attributed to the
influence of Tambusa, who had always hated me, and would be glad if by
any means he could compass my death. Afterwards I learned that I was
right, for, in his jealousy of me, Tambusa never lost a chance of
poisoning the mind of Dingane against me, more than hinting that the
repulse of the _impi_ was due to my presence in the battle in a position
of command. More and more then did I feel that I was stumbling upon the
edge of a very high cliff. More and more did I awaken each morning to
wonder if I should see the setting of another sun.

Then something occurred which still farther deepened my forebodings. On
returning from an expedition which had lasted but a few days, I found
that one of my Swazi wives had disappeared. None knew what had happened
to her, but I could see by their looks that it were better not to
inquire too closely. Well, it mattered not. One girl was as good as
another since the