lion was prowling in the
neighbourhood. He was just about to return to the waggon, when he
observed emerging from behind a clump of trees in the valley below him
numerous dark figures moving slowly over the ground. He watched them
attentively, and was convinced that they were a party of Zulus bent on a
warlike expedition. Others followed, until a large number had assembled
in the open. Whether or not their object was to attack his camp he
could not tell; but he resolved, should they do so, to defend his
property to the last. He at once called up Umgolo, and in a low voice
ordered him to arouse his companions, but on no account to allow them to
show themselves or to make the slightest noise. These orders were
obeyed, and the trader retired to the shade of his waggon, where he
could watch what was going forward without himself being seen. The
fire, from which a few flames occasionally flickered up, must, he knew,
have shown the Zulus the position of the camp.

Though he took these precautions for prudence' sake, he did not consider
it likely that the Zulus, who had hitherto been friendly, would venture
to attack him. His followers, however, appeared not to be so well
satisfied on that point as he was; for each man, as he lay on the
ground, examined his arms to be sure that they were ready for instant
action.

The dark figures moved slowly on, then halted.

"They are considering whether they shall venture to come against us,"
whispered Umgolo. "If they do, we will give them a warmer welcome than
they expect."

Such might have been the interpretation of his remarks.

"I still doubt whether they will attack us," answered his master. "They
know too well the power of the white man's powder and lead."

At that time comparatively few firearms had been introduced among the
Zulus, and they had but an imperfect knowledge of their use.

Again the black figures began to move, but instead of drawing nearer the
camp, apparently supposing that they had not been observed, they
directed their course towards the kraal which had been observed by the
travellers on the hillside just before they unspanned.

"They are about to work no good to yonder kraal, or they would not be
moving thus silently at this time of night," observed Umgolo. "Before
morning dawns, not a man, woman, or child will be left alive, and not a
hoof remain inside."

"I would then that we could give the inhabitants notice of their
impending doom, or s