e given the Zulus a thorough licking. It is a
strong force, and as there are about 3300 white troops among them, and
there is no fear of their being taken by surprise this time, we need not
have any anxiety about the result. I understand that, in accordance
with the advice which Colonel Pearson has flashed from Ekowe, they are
not going to follow the road he took, but to keep along on the lower
ground near the sea."

"And do you think, father, that they will push on for Ulundi when they
have rescued the garrison of Ekowe?"

"No, Dick; I think they are quite strong enough to do so, but as there
are at least half a dozen more regiments on their way out from England,
including some regiments of cavalry, it will be more prudent to stop
until our whole fighting force is here, when we ought to be enabled to
make short work of them, and to do the work completely and effectually.
And now, Dick, I am thoroughly sleepy--the sooner we are in bed the
better."

CHAPTER EIGHT.

THE SECOND ADVANCE.

It was some days before the news reached Newcastle of the complete
success of the relieving column. On their first day's march no
difficulty was met with. The road was a good one, and the Zulus did not
show in any force. The column halted for the night near the junction of
the Inyoni and Amatikulu rivers. The waggons were placed in laager and
a ditch and parapet formed round the camp. The ground was open and the
waggons were able to travel six abreast. Numerous Zulu kraals were
passed; but these were found deserted.

On the afternoon of the 1st they encamped at Ginghilovo. From this
point Ekowe was visible; signals were exchanged with the besieged, and
Colonel Pearson warned Lord Chelmsford that the Zulus were moving
forward to attack him. The night passed quietly, but the greatest
vigilance was maintained.

At daybreak dense masses of Zulus were seen in the distance, and at six
o'clock they approached the camp. They came on in their usual order,
with a massive centre and advanced horns on either flank. The British
were kept lying down behind the shallow trenches they had thrown up.
The Zulus advanced in splendid order with a sort of dancing step. Their
white and coloured shields, their crests of leopard skins and feathers,
and the long ox-tails dangling from their necks gave them a wild and
strange appearance. Every ten or fifteen yards the first line would
halt, a shot would be fired, then a loud yell burst for