arguments of one as young as Hans
Sterk, the commander of the expedition refused to advance, and ordered
the immediate retreat of the whole party, with about seven thousand head
of cattle. This plan, having gained the approval of the majority of the
men who formed the commando, was at once put into execution, and the
retreat was commenced; and in a few days the wives, daughters, and
children left at the waggons were rejoiced at the return of the
expedition, with such a valuable capture as many thousand head of
cattle. The news of this success spread among the colonists with
magical effect, and many who had at first hesitated to follow the desert
wanderers, now used the greatest expedition to do so, and thus the ranks
of the wanderers were increased by some hundreds of souls. But one
drawback existed, however, amidst the rejoicings, and that was, that
Hans Sterk, Bernhard, and Victor, had undertaken what was considered a
foolhardy expedition; for they had left the main body on the day after
the battle, and were intent upon trying to effect the escape of two
prisoners from the kraals of Moselekatse himself; such an attempt being
almost reckless, and unlikely to succeed, considering the power and
watchfulness of the enemy against whom they were about to try their
skill. But we will return to Hans and his two companions.

CHAPTER SIX.

HANS DETERMINES TO FOLLOW KATRINE--HE JOURNEYS BY NIGHT--HANS WATCHES
THE ENEMY.

No sooner had Hans discovered that the Matabili had taken the two Dutch
girls to a distant kraal, than he determined at all risks to attempt
their release. During the first halt that occurred after the slaughter
of the Matabili, he called his two great friends, Victor and Bernhard,
to him, and said--

"I have failed to persuade the Governor-General to attack the enemy
where he would be able utterly to defeat him and prevent him from again
attacking us; for this defeat at Mosega is only like cutting off one of
his fingers, whereas, if we went on to Kapain, we should attack his
body. But I am going to try to release Katrine; and I have a plan in my
head which may succeed, so to-night I shall leave the camp."

Victor and Bernhard looked at one another for some time; and then, as
though reading each other's thoughts, they turned to Hans, when Victor,
speaking first, said--

"I don't know what your plans are, Hans; but you shall not go alone. I
will go with you, and I think Bernhard will go also."