ive scouts were sent ahead, to feel every inch of the way,
while the rest kept themselves concealed, so that there was no
possibility of their being taken by surprise. For three days they
advanced, when it was supposed that they were approaching their enemies;
but the scouts brought in word that they had retreated to a position
nearer the border. This showed that Umbulazi was not so confident of
victory as he had appeared to be--possibly he had discovered that his
forces were far outnumbered by those of his brother.

On receiving this information, Cetchwayo ordered his whole army to
advance. Hendricks was in hopes of being allowed to remain behind, but
the prince would not hear of it.

"I will grant you this favour," he answered. "I will leave two of your
people, and six of my own, who are sick, to assist in taking care of the
waggon; but you and the rest must accompany me on horseback, and view
the battle, even if you do not take a part in it. I want to show you
how we Zulus fight, and how we treat our enemies when we gain the
victory."

CHAPTER TEN.

A BATTLE IN ZULULAND.

Cetchwayo's army, like a devouring host of locusts, advanced across the
country in an extended line, burning the kraals belonging to the chiefs
who had sided with Umbulazi, or were supposed to have sided with him,
trampling down their mealy fields, and destroying their crops. Old men,
women, and children were indiscriminately put to death when found within
the huts. The greater number had fled to die in the woods of hunger, or
to be devoured by wild beasts. No mercy was shown to those who were
captured. The warriors believed victory was certain, for the prophetess
had declared that all the auguries were favourable. One more
preliminary performance had to be gone through--a grand war dance of the
whole army, to excite their enthusiasm, and to warm up their courage to
the highest pitch. The scouts had brought the information that the
enemy were still some distance in advance, and that there was no fear of
the performance being interrupted. The army had been drawn in on
purpose, and were assembled on a level plain backed by a hill to the
eastward, which they had just crossed. On either side were woods, while
a stream ran in front. On the slope of the hill, Cetchwayo took his
stand, with Hendricks and his other prisoners--for such they were
compelled to consider themselves--near him.

The regiments, headed by their respective ch