e of valuable property,--of horses, guns, and slaves.

A large force had immediately been sent to capture Macora and his
people, or chase them, as Sindo said, "out of the world."

The enemy might be expected in two or three hours!

Sindo's warning was not unheeded; and scouts were at once sent out to
watch for the approach of the enemy. A danger that Macora had already
apprehended was now threatening them.

Early next morning the scouts returned with the report that
Moselekatse's warriors were indeed coming. They had camped during the
night about five miles off, and might be upon them within an hour.

Hastily springing upon their horses, Arend and Hendrik galloped off in
the direction of the enemy, for the purpose of making a reconnaissance.
During their absence the others were packing up all their valuables, and
making preparation for either a fight or a flight.

The two cornets returned half an hour afterwards, bringing the report,
that about three hundred armed men were approaching.

"There is not the least doubt but that they mean war," said Hendrik.
"We rode up to within three hundred yards of them. Immediately on
seeing us they commenced yelling, and rushing about the plain; and, as
we turned to ride back, several spears were sent after us."

"Then the sooner we get away from here the better," suggested Hans.
"There are too many of them for us to hold our own with."

"Macora does not seem to think so," observed Groot Willem.

All turned to the chief, who, along with his men, was observed making
preparations for a pitched battle.

"Ask him, Congo," said Willem, "if he thinks we can drive the enemy
back."

The Kaffir made the inquiry, and was told, in reply, that Moselekatse's
men were never driven back except by superior numbers, and that they
certainly would not be defeated by a few.

"But what means that? Is he going to stay here for all of us to be
killed?"

To this question the chief answered that he and his men were going to
act according to the desire of his friend Willem.

"Then they shall be off as quick as possible," said Willem. "None of
them shall lose their lives on my account, if I can help it."

Not a moment was lost in getting away from the ground and so sudden was
the departure that the Makololo had to leave behind them the dried meat
they had taken so much trouble in curing.

The retreat was not commenced one moment too soon. As Groot Willem and
Hendrik remained a little b