ither was anything known of the result of the mission of Sindo and his
companions.

The young hunters were now quite certain that their enemies had
relinquished the idea of conquering a band protected by the intellects
and weapons of white men, and that they had returned home.

With this opinion, that of the chief did not quite coincide.
Nevertheless, according to the agreement, he commenced making
preparations for departure.

The cattle were driven out of the enclosure, and again started along the
track, all acting as drovers, and urging the animals onward with as much
energy as if they believed that the enemy was in close pursuit. To
Groot Willem and his companions there was something very inconsistent in
the conduct of the Makololo.

They fought like brave men when forced to face the foe but now that no
enemy was near, they exhibited every sign of cowardice!

At Willem's request, Congo asked the chief for an explanation of this
unaccountable behaviour.

Macora admitted the truth of what was said, but added that his white
friends would see nothing strange in it, if they were only better
acquainted with the strategy of Moselekatse and his warriors.

The precaution of keeping scouts in the rear was not neglected; and, a
few hours after the march had commenced, one of these brought the news
that the Matabili were in pursuit.

As Macora had supposed, they had been waiting for him to forsake a
position so favourable for defence.

As the white hunters had now experienced the advantage of receiving the
pursuers in a fortified place, Hendrik and Arend, spurring their horses,
rode some distance in advance of the herds, for the purpose of selecting
a second battle-field.

In finding this, fortune refused to favour them for the second time.
The country through which they were now passing was an open plain,
presenting no natural advantages for anything but a "fair field and no
favour." This was not what they required.

"We have gone far enough," said Hendrik, after galloping about a mile.
"Our friends can hardly reach this place before being overtaken. We
must turn back to them."

"Of course we must," mechanically replied Arend, who was earnestly
gazing across the plain.

Hendrik turned his eyes in the same direction, and to his surprise saw
from twenty to thirty men coming rapidly towards them.

"We are going to be surrounded!" said Arend, as he turned his horse to
retreat.

Without further speech, the two