whole had passed in review, they dispersed in different
directions, some to bring in wood, and others to slaughter some oxen
which had been driven into the camp for the purpose.

So occupied had Umbulazi been with this extraordinary review of his
troops, that he had apparently forgotten all about his prisoners, who
meantime stood watching the proceedings, much interested with the
curious spectacle. Denis at length proposed that they should make off,
catch their horses, and gallop away. Percy was opposed to this, as it
was nearly certain they would be seen and followed.

"I'm afraid you are right," said Denis; "and there's another strong
argument in favour of staying--I'm so desperately hungry, that I don't
think I could ride far without food; and as these fellows will soon be
having breakfast, I conclude that they will have the grace to offer us
some. If they don't, I shall make bold to go and take it, for they
won't object, even though they may intend to assegai us directly
afterwards."

They waited until the review was over. Denis then advised Percy to go
back into the hut, while he set off on a foraging expedition.

"If we two were to go together, they would wonder what had become of
Lionel, but if I alone appear, they will suppose that you are both
inside the hut," he said. "The chances are, they don't put in their
heads to find out; for everybody is so busily employed that they won't
trouble themselves about us."

Percy agreed to the proposal, and creeping in, sat down to wait the
return of Denis.

"There's nothing like putting a bold face upon the matter," thought
Denis; and seeing Umbulazi standing in front of his hut, he walked
boldly up to him.

"_Unigane_!" he said, saluting him in the Kaffir fashion.

"_Saka bona_," answered the chief, equivalent to good morning. "What is
it you want, my friend?"

"My companions and I were made prisoners by your people, but I conclude
that you do not wish to starve us, and we want some breakfast," answered
Denis.

"You should have remained inside the hut where you were placed, and it
would have been brought to you," said the chief, apparently just
recollecting all about his captives. "How dare you come out?"

"To obtain some fresh air, and to see you review your magnificent army,"
answered Denis.

"And you think that my soldiers are fine fellows?" said the chief,
evidently well pleased. "They will be able to drive Cetchwayo and all
his followers out of