of
an hour's climbing they gained the summit. The country was wild in the
extreme. The plateau upon which they found themselves extended for
seven or eight miles. Huge masses of scrub and boulders, peaks,
terraces, and ledges of rock appeared everywhere, while caves and
immense fissures formed retreats for the cattle. It was now late in the
afternoon, and the force bivouacked for the night, having brought with
them three days' provisions. At seven in the evening Colonel Wood
joined them with his staff, eight mounted men of the 50th regiment and
six natives under Untongo, a son of Pongo, a friendly chief. Untongo
had by some means obtained information that seven strong regiments had
marched from Ulundi seven days before, and was most anxious that the
column should return to Kambula.

Colonel Wood, however, could not carry out this advice, for Colonels
Buller and Wetherby and Piet-Uys, with their commands, who were in
front, had moved forward a long distance, and a retreat now would leave
them to be surrounded and cut off. The troops lay down and slept, and
at half-past three o'clock again prepared to advance. Distant shots
were heard, showing that Colonel Buller was attacked, and just as the
party was setting off, Colonel Wetherby with his troopers rode in,
having in the night got separated from Buller's men in the wild and
broken country. As the troops advanced they came here and there across
the bodies of Zulus, showing that Buller had had to fight his way.
Captain Ronald Campbell ascended a rock and scanned the country with his
glass. Far away, almost in the centre of the gigantic and apparently
inaccessible cliff of Zlobani, the remains of Buller's column could be
seen slowly advancing, driving some dark masses of cattle and Zulus
before them.

Colonel Wetherby obtained permission to lead his men on at once to
Buller's assistance, while Colonel Wood followed with the remainder of
the force. Wetherby moved by a terribly difficult path to the right,
while Wood kept to what seemed the main track. About half a mile
further the latter came on a party of 200 Zulus, armed with rifles;
these crossed in front of him, taking an occasional shot at the leading
files of the party, who on account of the difficulties of the road were
compelled to dismount and lead their horses. Their object was evidently
to cut off Wetherby's troop from the main column. Lieutenant Lysons,
leaving the column, reconnoitred the ground,