We had reached a big kraal called Fokoti, on the Umkusi River, which appeared to be almost deserted.  We asked an old woman whom we met where its people had gone.  She answered that they had fled towards the borders of Swaziland, fearing an attack from the Zulus, whose territories began beyond this Umkusi River.  It seemed that a few days before a Zulu impi or regiment had appeared upon the banks of the river, and although there was no war at the time between the Zulus and the Tongas, the latter had thought it wise to put themselves out of reach of those terrible spears.

On hearing this news we debated whether it would not be well for us to follow their example and, trekking westwards, try to find a pass in the mountains.  Upon this point there was a division of opinion among us.  Marais, who was a fatalist, wished to go on, saying that the good Lord would protect us, as He had done in the past.

“Allemachte!” answered the Vrouw Prinsloo.  “Did He protect all those who lie dead at Marais’s camp, whither your folly led us, mynheer?  The good Lord expects us to look after our own skins, and I know that these Zulus are of the same blood as Umsilikazi’s Kaffirs, who have killed so many of our people.  Let us try the mountains, say I.”

Of course her husband and son agreed with her, for to them the vrouw’s word was law; but Marais, being, as usual, obstinate, would not give way.  All that afternoon they wrangled, while I held my tongue, declaring that I was willing to abide by the decision of the majority.  In the end, as I foresaw they would, they appealed to me to act as umpire between them.

“Friends,” I answered, “if you had asked me my opinion before, I should have voted for trying the mountains, beyond which, perhaps, we might find some Boers.  I do not like this story of the Zulu impi.  I think that someone has told them of our coming, and that it is us they mean to attack and not the Tongas, with whom they are at peace.  My men say that it is not usual for impis to visit this part of the country.”

“Who could have told them?” asked Marais.

“I don’t know, mynheer.  Perhaps the natives have sent on word, or perhaps—­Hernan Pereira.”

“I knew that you would suspect my nephew, Allan,” he exclaimed angrily.

“I suspect no one; I only weigh what is probable.  However, it is too late for us to move to-night either south or westwards, so I think I will sleep over the business and see what I can find out from my Zulus.”

That night, or rather the following morning, the question was settled for us, for when I woke up at dawn, it was to see the faint light glimmering on what I knew must be spears.  We were surrounded by a great company of Zulus, as I discovered afterwards, over two hundred strong.  Thinking that after their fashion they were preparing to attack us at dawn, I called the news to the others, whereon Marais rushed forward, just as he had left his bed, cocking his roer as he came.