he losses they had
already sustained, as well as the prospect of plunder, would inspire
them with the determination to fight on as long as there was the
slightest hope of obtaining a victory.

No assistance could be expected from other tribes of the Makololo in
less than three days. Could his position be maintained for that time?

As the chief looked at the dead and wounded lying around him, this
question could not be answered in a satisfactory manner. His foes were
too numerous, and repeated attempts would in the end enable them to
succeed.

This was the belief of the Makololo chief; and, notwithstanding his
confidence in the wisdom and strategic prowess of the white hunters, he
was now in a state of great anxiety.

Two hours after the attack the only Matabili in sight were those they
had killed, but for all that it was well known that the survivors were
not far off.

Night descended over the scene. The camp-fires of the enemy could be
distinguished through the darkness; but that signified nothing.

Morning found our adventurers still undisturbed. To all appearance
Moselekatse's warriors, yielding to despair, had returned to their
chief, to suffer the punishment that would certainly follow from their
permitting themselves to be defeated.

This was the belief of the white hunters, who now earnestly urged Macora
to make no further delay, but hasten on towards his countrymen.

This advice the chief positively refused to follow. He admitted the
superiority of his allies in the arts of hunting and even war, but in a
knowledge of the character of Moselekatse and his warriors he knew
himself to be their superior. He was now in a position where he and his
people might successfully sustain themselves, and he disliked leaving
it, lest they should fall into some ambuscade of the enemy. Had he not
had reasons for expecting assistance, the case might have been
different, but confident that aid would be immediately sent to him, he
thought it better to remain where they were.

Believing that there was a possibility of the chief being in the right,
Groot Willem and his companions of course consented to remain; not,
however, without stipulations.

If within thirty-six hours there was no appearance of either friends or
enemies, Macora promised that he would continue the march towards his
country.

CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN.

NOT QUITE TOO LATE.

The stipulated time passed, and nothing was seen of the Matabili;
ne