m up among
those yonder."

They who had custodied us now fell back, and as we all gathered up our
weapons again we thundered forth the war-song of Dingane. Then, when we
had formed up at the place pointed out to as, in truth it seemed that
the army had received a most valuable addition in ourselves. Then
dancing was ordered, and the slaughter of cattle, and there was much
feasting.

Now during an earlier part of the war the Amabuna had sent messages to
Dingane proposing peace, and to such the King had listened. Trouble was
threatening at home, for Mpande, the brother of Dingane, was still
plotting, and had by now collected a considerable following. Further,
the Amabuna were increasing in strength, numbers having crossed the
mountains to join them; moreover, several of the tribes who did _konza_
to the royal House had forgotten their tribute, sheltering themselves
behind the Amabuna. So Dingane had listened to the peace proposals of
the Amabuna, and had agreed to pay nearly twenty thousand cattle, and to
return the guns and horses taken at Nkunkundhlovu. For a space then
there was peace. The Amabuna did not even want the cattle just then;
they would rather we should herd them for the time being. So far good.

But one day there came news. Mpande had crossed the Tugela and had fled
to the Amabuna, declaring that he feared for his life. _Au_! and long
since he would have owned no life to fear for, had the King but listened
to the counsels of Tambusa, who would have caused him to be slain. But
it was too late now, and already Dingane had reason to repent him of his
mercy, for now that Mpande had promised them to divide the nation the
Amabuna, ignoring all former promises and arrangements, sent word to
Dingane demanding from him double the number of cattle at first agreed
upon, and without even awaiting his reply they prepared to advance upon
Nkunkundhlovu.

Not for nothing had Mpande plotted. He had gained over to his cause
Nongalaza, an induna of importance. Nongalaza was old, and suffered
from swollen limbs; but he was a skilled and courageous commander, and
he took with him to the side of Mpande and the Amabuna the strength of
four full regiments.

Now Dingane sent an embassy to the leaders of the Amabuna, and the
induna he chose as his "mouth" was Tambusa. He had better have chosen
some other messenger--better for Tambusa, but not better for me,
_Nkose_, for it was during Tambusa's absence that I and