With this end in view our men were always
practising throwing the assagy, and the knob-kerrie, and also constantly
running long distances, so as to be in good training. It was fortunate
that these precautions had been taken, or our own tribe would have been
destroyed.

One day the news was brought us that Chaka was assembling his army, and
it was believed that he intended attacking the Caffres near Natal. The
news was shouted from hill to hill, and spread rapidly over the country.
A council was called, and on the same day that the news had arrived,
about five thousand men had assembled near our kraal, each armed with
assagies, knob-kerries and shield.

There was a great deal of talking amongst the chiefs, and the plan to be
adopted for defence was long and eloquently discussed. It was decided
that our little army was to travel at once to near the Umlass river, and
join with the people there. The coast near the sea was densely wooded,
and in many places was hilly, whilst several rivers twisted about
amongst wide reedy banks; and amidst such country we should have a
better chance with the Zulus, than we should have in the open country.

Before we started on our journey, I spoke to Inyati, and asked him to
let me have twenty men whom I should select, and also that all the guns
should be given over to me and my men. I had managed to get possession
of a small barrel of gunpowder that had been saved from the wreck, and
also some lead. This lead I melted and dropped into water, so as to
form small pieces of lead like slugs. I made up nearly a hundred rounds
of cartridges, with the aid of small skins cut from buck and other small
animals; and with these precautions, I fancied I could do a great deal
when it came to a fight. Among those I selected for my little company
were Inyoni and Tembile, who I knew would follow me anywhere; in fact
all the men I selected had full confidence in me, for never before had
any boy (as I really was) done as much as I had.

Our march was commenced on the second day after our council, and we
presented a formidable appearance. There were about five thousand men,
all fine-looking, active fellows, full of confidence, and, in spite of
the formidable reputation of Chaka's warriors, ready to meet them in
battle.

It occupied two days to reach the Umlass river, where we were met by
some hundred chiefs, councillors, and head men from the villages near.

The plan that had been adopted for ou