rs of long training and experience,
mostly middle-aged. The other two consisted of young men, unringed,
carrying shields of all sorts of colours, black-and-white,
red-and-white, black or red, but none entirely white. These were the
Ngobamakosi warriors, fiery young fellows, burning to be led against
some enemy, no matter who, in order that they might prove their valour
and thus win distinction. The leader of these, Gcopo, walked with
Sobuza during the march, and the towering stature of the two chiefs was
conspicuous even in that muster of splendidly built men.

Beyond their shields and weapons, there was little or no attempt at
martial display or personal adornment; for this being an expedition
against their own countrymen, though on a large scale, came more within
the category of a police undertaking than an _impi_ sent forth to war,
and thus ceremonies and paraphernalia which would have figured in the
latter event were dispensed with. But bound round his head, every man
wore a narrow strip of hide; the Udhloko, white; the Ngobamakosi, red.
This was to distinguish them from the Igazipuza, and that they should
not fall upon each other by mistake in the thick of the battle. Thus
viewed against the open hillside, marching in splendid order, a forest
of bristling spears and tufted shields, a thousand eager and disciplined
warriors burning for action, the _impi_ was an imposing sight indeed,
and Gerard felt his heart thrill at the consciousness of going into
battle for the first time with such men as these.

Suddenly a gasp of wonderment went like a wave through the ranks. All
came to a standstill, and every eye was turned upon the same point.
There, bounding down the hillside, making straight for the _impi_, came
two men, Zulus. Who were they? Runaways? Refugees? Some of the
trader's people who had escaped? Such were among the conjectures that
rose to the minds of the astonished spectators. But, as they drew
nearer another and deeper gasp of wonder heaved through the _impi_, for
on forehead and chest of the approaching warriors was now discernible
the red mark of the Igazipuza.

On they came, bounding like bucks, heading straight for the _impi_, and
it was seen that they were young men and unringed, and fully armed with
shield and assegai. The king's troops watched them in grim silence.

"We are Igazipuza, the cubs of the Lion. Who are you?" began the
spokesman, as the two pulled up within twelve paces of