p of their bent.

Having, however, given way to the war spirit, he left no stone unturned
to insure success. Runners were sent to the Gaika and Hlambi tribes
located in British Kaffraria, viz.: within the Colonial limits--but
although plenty of young men owning those nationalities drifted across
the Kei in squads to join his standard, the bulk of the tribes
themselves were slow to respond to his appeal. Had it been otherwise,
the position of the border people would have been more serious. With
the enemy at their very doors they would have found plenty of occupation
at home, instead of being free to pour their forces into the Transkei.
Things, however, had turned out differently. The Gcaleka country had
been ravaged from end to end, and the old chief was at that moment
practically a fugitive. It may readily be imagined, therefore, that he
was in rather an ugly humour, and not likely to show much clemency
towards the white prisoner in his power.

There was another consideration which militated against the said
clemency. Although he had made no allusion to it, it must not be
supposed that Kreli was all this time unaware of the identity of his
prisoner. The latter's friendship with many of the Gaika rulers was a
rank offence in the eyes of the Paramount Chief just then. Had he not
sent his "word" to those chiefs, and had not his "word" fallen on ears
dull of hearing? Instead of rising at his call they were yet "sitting
still." What more likely than that white men, such as this one, were
influencing them--were advising them contrary to their allegiance to
him, the Paramount Chief?

Some of the _amapakati_ were in favour of sparing the prisoner at
present. He might be of use to them hereafter. He seemed not like an
ordinary white man. He spoke their tongue and understood their customs.
There was no knowing but that he might eventually serve them materially
with his own people. Others, again, thought they might just as well
give him over to the people to be put to death in their own way. It
would please the fighting men--many of whom had lost fathers and
brothers at the hands of the whites. Yet again, one or two more
originated another proposal. They had heard something of this white man
being a bit of a wizard--that he owned a "charm" which had turned the
blade of a broad assegai from his heart. Let him be handed over to
Ngcenika, the great witch-doctress. Let her try whether his "charm" was
too strong f