nt by. Our warriors, rank upon rank, squatted behind
their shields eager for the moment, for here, indeed, was an enemy
worthy of our strength. No miserable Bapedi or skulking Barutsi these,
but men of our own blood, the disciplined troops of mighty Zulu-land.

Now the word was given to show the signal. Three times it waved--the
white blanket--and, immediately after, we beheld a white spot showing
far away on the plain beneath; then another beyond this. The word was
being passed along the line of sentinels that the _impi_ might now
advance in safety.

The King, with Mcumbete and two or three more of the _izinduna_, lay
hidden among the crags at the highest point overlooking the pass, hence
he might direct our operations by signal, which we then and there
arranged. My plan was simple--namely, to draw the host of Mhlangana
into the hollow formed by the Place of the Three Rifts, and, at the
moment they were about to enter the pass, to fall upon them flank and
rear. By this means I hoped to strike terror and confusion among them,
so completely would they be taken by surprise. I reckoned that we
should slay a great number in the first moments of panic, and, by
reducing the odds against us, could, without difficulty, defeat them
with enormous slaughter. _Au_ but I reckoned without the generalship of
Silwane.

"They come, Great Great One," I whispered.

Now we could see the sheen of spears, as the _impi_, looking like an
immense mass of black ants, appeared in the far distance. We watched it
draw near, and it seemed that our victory was assured. It was advancing
in loose order, having no fear or thought of surprise, as indeed why
should it have, seeing that its own outpost had signalled the road
clear? Ah, they little knew, those warriors of Dingane, that ours was
the outpost--ours the signal--luring them to destruction and defeat.

"By the head-ring of my father, but yonder are splendid soldiers!" said
the King as we watched the _impi_ draw near. "Yet had we but Kalipe's
force not one of them should be left alive to return and tell Dingane of
the strength or weakness of the Amandebeli. Say now, Untuswa. Which is
Mhlangana?"

"I see him not, Black Elephant. Perhaps he lingers in rear of the
march, fearing no attack."

"Ha! It may be so. Go now, son of Ntelani, for the hunting dogs of
Dingane draw very near. They shall soon feel the horns of the Bull."

As I started off to join my division, which was