e. From these, the chief had
learnt that Sebituane was no longer a living man. He had died some
weeks before, leaving his daughter Ma-Mochisane in full authority at the
head of the Makololo nation.

Macora was no longer afraid of returning to his nation. His only fear,
now, was that the Matabili might come up in such strength as to destroy
all chance of his ever revisiting his native land.

There was now an opportunity for his followers to have a secure and
permanent home; and, at thought of this, old and young exerted
themselves to hasten their departure from the perilous spot.

The party of traders consisted of three white men with nine African
attendants, all of them well-armed. Their assistance--especially those
who had fire-arms--might have been very valuable to the hunters in the
difficulty in which they now found themselves.

Groot Willem, wholly unconscious that there were people who would not do
as they would be done by, lost no time in telling them of the danger
that threatened himself and his friends, and that they were every moment
expecting an attack from a large party of hostile Matabili. He
expressed his pleasure at the good fortune that had brought them a
distance at such an opportune moment. He fancied that his communication
would be sufficient to secure the co-operation of the traders, and that
they would at once take the retreating party under their protection.

To his great surprise and indignation, as also that of his friends, the
effect of his story upon the traders was the very opposite to that he
had anticipated. They had not time for another word of conversation,
but immediately commenced _inspanning_ their oxen.

In ten minutes after, they were _trekking_ to the south-east, _en route_
for Port Natal. They were not the men to endanger their lives and
property by remaining longer than they could possibly avoid in the
society of those who had the misfortune to be surrounded by enemies.

Had there been in the minds of our adventurers the slightest desire to
abandon the chief Macora in his hour of need, the conduct of the white
traders would have killed it. The mean behaviour of the latter had one
good effect. It inspired all hands with a determination to do their
best in making their retreat before the Matabili; and the march was
immediately resumed.

Men, women, and children were all equally active and earnest in getting
beyond the reach of the pursuing foe. They knew that a lon