ghbourhood of Natal where the
Zulus were in force, and where it was said preparations were being made
for an invasion of the Matabili territory. These men on their return
heard the report of the white men's rifles, and at once believed it
would please their king if these rifles were brought into his presence.
Concealing themselves carefully from their intended victims, and sending
out a few spies to watch what was going on, the Matabili discovered
where the elephants had been shot, and at once knew that on the
following day the hunters would come to procure their ivory, so that an
ambuscade could be arranged and the hunters surrounded and taken at a
disadvantage. All was very carefully planned by the Matabili; but in
consequence of the rapid decision and skill of the hunters, their plot
was a failure. The Matabili were, however, formidable as enemies; they
plotted deeply before they acted; and had the hunters been aware of the
cunning of their foes, they would scarcely have felt as satisfied as
they did when they had driven their assailants into a dense cover, and
had thus compelled them to keep close, and change their attack into a
defence.

Five of the hunters remained near the bush to watch the enemy, whilst
five rode back towards the waggons; and thus the white men's forces were
divided. Following their back trail, the hunters rode at a canter in
the direction of their last night's outspan, eager to get to their
waggons, and either put them into a state of defence, or start them in a
direction away from that likely to be followed by the Matabili.

Hans Sterk, Victor, and three other Dutchmen formed the party that were
returning to the waggons. After riding at a canter for some miles, they
drew up and walked their horses, in order to allow them to regain their
wind.

"This will be a bad day's work for Moselekatse," said Victor, "for we
are too strong for him on the Orange river now; and if we make up a
commando and attack him, he would be sure to be defeated. He has enough
on his hands now with the Zulus, who will certainly make an attack on
him very shortly."

"We should have no difficulty in getting up a large party to attack the
Matabili; for they have thousands of cattle, and there would be much to
divide among those who ventured," replied one of the Boers.

"They nearly succeeded this morning in finishing us," said Hans. "Had
we not been very quick, and ready with our guns, they would have
surrounde