erce, but of short duration. Scarcely a minute elapsed
before he was seen to sweep over the spot, trampling on the bodies of
the slain, into which his followers were fiercely plunging their
weapons. Of the adherents of Umbulazi, who in all the pride of manhood
had a short hour before occupied that now blood-stained field, not a man
remained alive.

"Now is our time to make our escape from this fearful scene of
slaughter," exclaimed Hendricks. "The savages will be too much engaged
in rejoicing over their victory to think of us, and we are not bound to
remain here longer than we choose."

Their guards, it should have been said, excited beyond all control at
the scene of bloodshed, had rushed down to join in the work of
slaughter. Not a moment was to be lost. Tightening their
saddle-girths, the party mounted. "You go ahead, Denis, and lead, and I
will bring up the rear," said Hendricks. "We shall gain the waggon, and
be able to push on towards the border, before Cetchwayo sends in pursuit
of us, if he thinks it worth while to do so. Having gained a victory,
he will be in an especially good humour; but if we remain now, he will
perhaps take it into his head to detain us for the purpose of compelling
us to witness his triumph."

This was said as the party were preparing to mount. They had retained
their arms, and as their horses had moved only at a slow pace, and had
had plenty of time to feed, they were prepared for a long ride.

Hendricks gave the word, and Denis leading, off they started. They were
soon down the hill and across the plain which they had before traversed,
making a direct course for the spot where the waggon and its guards had
been left. Hendricks occasionally turned his head to ascertain if they
were pursued; but as no one was to be seen, he felt satisfied that
Cetchwayo had not discovered their flight, and the probability was that
he would not do so for many hours to come. As much of the ground was
level, they did not spare their steeds until they reached the waggon,
some hours before sundown.

The Hottentot and Kaffir servants welcomed them with every sign of joy.
Not aware of the superiority of Cetchwayo's army over that of his rival,
they had feared that he might have been defeated, and that the pursuing
enemy had attacked them in revenge for their being associated with him.

Hendricks instantly gave the order to inspan, and bestowing presents on
the Zulus who had been left to assist i