e hill, others darting to the
one side or the other, probably to fall victims to the noiseless
assegais of the warriors.

Hendricks, although as resolved as ever not to engage in the fight, was
still compelled to move forward. The hill covered with trees afforded
as much shelter as the lower ground had done. On gaining the summit, in
the rear of the troops, he was able to obtain a view over the country
beyond. It was a comparatively level region, with a broad river running
across it. On the nearer side of the river, and at no great distance
from the bottom of the slope, could be seen the forces of Umbulazi. It
was tolerably evident from the movement among them that they had just
obtained information of the approach of Cetchwayo's army. The chiefs
were marshalling their men, some facing the hill, some preparing for the
assault on either side, but it appeared to Hendricks that they were
uncertain in what direction they might be attacked.

Slowly, and still keeping themselves concealed, Cetchwayo's warriors
descended the hillside. Nearer and nearer they drew to the foe, the
wings being gradually extended, and at the same time closing in towards
each other.

Thus, even before the attack had commenced, Umbulazi's force was almost
entirely surrounded. It had probably been Cetchwayo's intention
completely to hem in his enemies; but before there was time to do so,
they had discovered his right wing, and apparently supposing it to be
the main body, advanced to meet it. On this he gave the signal to his
whole force to commence the attack, and in an instant, from the hitherto
silent woods and thickets, hideous shrieks and yells arose, and the
warriors, no longer taking pains to conceal themselves, rushed on at
headlong speed, clashing their shields and quivering their assegais.

The rear of Umbulazi's force was completely taken by surprise. To fly
was impossible, either to the right hand or to the left; their own
people engaged with the enemy in front, preventing them from moving in
that direction. Their only resource was to face about and endeavour to
drive back their assailants, or to defend themselves to the last. Now
the main body appearing rushed down on what had been their right flank,
and the slaughter commenced.

Vastly outnumbered and completely surrounded, they fought with the
energy of despair. Some few of the younger men, seeing relatives and
friends among their assailants, pleaded for mercy, but they