several declined to
attempt it: by raising one of the trees against the rock, and securing
this there, they were all enabled to ascend.

The means taken by Hans to cut off his communication with the
neighbouring ground, by destroying the narrow causeway that had joined
the two, was approved of by the most experienced men, whilst Hans' long
spear delighted the hunters.

Firewood having been collected in the ravine below, a fire was soon
made, and some dozen or more tin pannikins were brewing coffee, whilst
large eland steaks were being broiled, and the victorious hunters and
their rescued relatives enjoyed a hearty meal.

Being aware of the strength and cunning of their enemy, the leader of
the party decided to lose no time in escaping beyond where it was likely
he would be followed; so, as the horses were now refreshed, as well as
their riders, the steeds were saddled, and the whole party rode forward,
towards the country in which their main body had taken up their
residence. Fearing no immediate attack from the Matabili, though aware
of the necessity of watchfulness, hunting was carried on only to a
sufficient extent to supply the bivouac with food. Eland beef,
therefore, was plentiful, and other varieties of game not wanting; so
that but little hardship was encountered even by Katrine and her sister
during the four days that they took to ride to the lager of their
relatives.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN.

THE BOERS' CAMP--THE PLANS FOR THE FUTURE--OFF TO NATAL--TREATY WITH THE
ZULU CHIEF--HIS TREACHERY--SLAUGHTER OF THE BOERS--THE DEFENCE OF THE
BOERS.

On the return of Hans and the party of hunters to the head-quarters of
the Boers on the branches of the Vet river, matters were in a very
unsettled state. Amongst the Boers who, dissatisfied with the British
laws, had emigrated into the interior, there were dissensions. Some of
the men of wealth and influence were for remaining on the ground they
then occupied, trusting the lesson they had already given to the
Matabili would be a sufficient warning to prevent them from again
venturing into the country which the emigrants now laid claim to. A
large majority, however, were in favour of another commando against the
Matabili, and this party eventually carried the day, and preparations
were at once commenced for an expedition against this formidable savage.
Others again, and amongst these was Retief, the elected leader of the
emigrants, was in favour of treking to t