brought to bear upon it, in order to raise the
anger and thirst for vengeance of the Dutchmen. Those who could were at
once eager to bear arms against their savage and treacherous foe, whose
proceedings caused a feeling of insecurity to pervade the Boers'
encampment; and thus the expediency of inflicting a lesson on the black
chieftain was considered advisable. And also there was a strong
temptation to inflict this lesson, when it was remembered that enormous
herds of sleek cattle belonged to the Matabili, and would of course
become the property of the conquerors; and who those conquerors would be
was not doubtful, considering the relative value of assagies and
double-barrelled guns.

CHAPTER FIVE.

COMMANDO AGAINST THE MATABILI AND MOSELEKATSE, THE CHIEF OF THE
MATABILI.

To men who lived the life of the farmer in Africa, surrounded on all
sides by savage animals, or those creatures which were hunted for the
sake of their flesh, obliged to be watchful at all times on account of
their enemies--the Kaffirs of the old colony and the tribes to the north
of them--their preparations for a campaign were speedily made; and on
the morning following that on which Hans Sterk's party had rejoined his
companions, more than eighty Dutchmen, with as many after riders, all
well-armed and mounted, were ready to start on their expedition against
the Matabili.

The foe against which this party was being led was known to be both
cunning and daring, and so it was considered expedient to place the camp
in a state of defence, lest the enemy, taking advantage of the absence
of the greater number of the fighting men, should select that time for
their attack; for such is the usual proceeding of African chieftains
against their enemies. The waggons were therefore drawn together and
brushwood placed so as to prevent an easy entrance among them, regular
watches were set, so that a surprise would have been difficult, had it
been attempted; and a regular attack when the Boers were prepared would
have ended in a fearful slaughter of the assailants. Matters being thus
satisfactorily arranged at home, the expedition started, amidst great
firing of guns, this being among the Africanders the substitute for
cheering.

A leader having been chosen from among the Boers, the party started full
of hope, and during the first day had travelled nearly forty miles.
Every precaution was taken to avoid being surprised and also to ensure
surprising the