the Bapongqolo
arrived to place our lives in the hand of the King.

This, then, is what was happening at that time within the camp of the
Amabuna, and the tale I have from the mouths of several among those who
had fled with Mpande and who witnessed that which was now done.

Tambusa entered the camp of the Amabuna attended by Nkombazana, one of
his own followers. He was received but coldly by the Amabuna. Why had
they broken faith with the Great Great One who sits at Nkunkundhlovu? he
asked. They had demanded twice the number of cattle at first agreed
upon. They were preparing to invade the country, and had declared their
intention of setting up Mpande as King, having deposed Dingane. Who
were they who took to themselves the right to make and unmake Kings for
the Zulu nation? asked Tambusa, proud and defiant. Dingane was King of
the Zulu nation, and as King he would live and die.

"Ah! die perhaps, that is right," said one of the Amabuna, with an evil
laugh.

"A King of the Amazulu does not die of words nor of fear," replied
Tambusa, fiercely scornful. "Yet hearken to my message, even the `word'
of the Great Great One, whose mouth I am. Thus he speaks: `We made an
agreement, have I not kept it? I have returned the guns and horses I
promised; I have sent in part of the cattle I promised, I would have
sent in all, but you preferred to leave the remainder with me for the
present. Well, it is there, send and take it, or shall I send it in?
Now you demand twice the number, and this I do not understand. Now you
prepare to invade us in armed force, and threaten to make Mpande King in
my place. This also I do not understand, and have sent my induna,
Tambusa, as my "mouth" to say so. He is also my "ears," and will listen
to and bring back your words to me.' Thus spoke the Great Great One by
whose light we live."

"Ha! The Great Great One by whose light we live!" jeered some of the
Amabuna. "A Great Great murderer, who shall soon die."

To this Tambusa made no reply. His head was proudly erect, on his face
a sneer of hate and scorn such as he could hardly conceal. Then the
chief of the Amabuna spoke:

"To you we have nothing to say. To your captain"--for so he designated
the King--"we have nothing to say. When the time comes we shall act,
and come it will, very soon."

"We, too, know how to act," answered Tambusa. "_Hlalani gahle_! I
retire."

He turned to leave--turned, to find a line of guns poin