ildren. As it was now near sundown, and
water chanced to be close at hand, they decided to halt there for the
night.

The Makololo chief was fortunate in overtaking his people at the time he
did. Ten minutes later and they would have met with a greater
misfortune than had yet befallen them; for, scarce had Macora commanded
the halt, when a party of about a hundred Matabili were discovered
hovering upon the flanks of the proposed camping-place, that, but for
the arrival of Macora and his men, would have instantly made their
attack. This party of the enemy must have crossed a drift higher up the
river, as it was from that direction they appeared to have come.

Not thinking themselves strong enough to begin the assault, for their
design had been to come up with the women and children while the
warriors were by the river, the Matabili kept their distance. But this
was soon increased by the action of the white hunters, who, mounted on
their horses and making use of their guns, were more than a match for
the hundred. These riding towards them, and firing a few shots, sent
the Matabili scampering off to a safer distance. Having chased the
hundred warriors out of sight, they returned to the camp, where they
found Macora in a state of great anxiety. He could see nothing before
him but the destruction of himself and his tribe. Groot Willem demanded
an explanation of his increased apprehension, and reminded the chief
that in their encounters with the enemy they had been so far successful.
Macora stated in reply his belief that two of more detachments of
Moselekatse's army had been sent against him. They would yet unite and
show no quarter to him, his tribe, or his friends. Their losses in the
last two encounters had been too great for them to show the least mercy.

He furthermore informed his guests that none of Moselekatse's warriors
dare return to their chief unsuccessful. Both they and their leaders
would be put to death; and this knowledge would stimulate them to a
total recklessness of danger and a determination to succeed in their
enterprise.

"There is but one plan I can think of," continued the Makololo
chief,--"but one way of saving my poor people, and that is, by
sacrificing myself. By hurrying on to the west, they may yet succeed in
evading the pursuit of these Matabili, and join their own kindred under
the sway of the great chief Sebituane. He would be able to protect
them. As for me," added Macora wi