“You have fought well, Wizard, but to-morrow all your magic shall avail you nothing, for it will be your last day upon this earth.”

“Ay, Noma,” he answered, “and yours also.”

Then of a sudden a company of the king’s men rushed from the shelter of the wall upon the attackers driving them back to the koppie and killing several, so that in the confusion and gathering darkness Hokosa lost sight of her, though a man at his side declared that he saw her fall beneath the thrust of an assegai.  Thus ended the second day.

Now when the watch had been set the king and his captains took counsel together, for their hearts were heavy.

“Listen,” said Nodwengo:  “out of five thousand soldiers a thousand have been killed and a thousand lie among us wounded.  Hark to the groaning of them!  Also we have with us women and children and sick to the number of twelve thousand, and between us and those who would butcher them every one there stands but a single wall.  Nor is this the worst of it:  the spring cannot supply the wants of so great a multitude in this hot place, and it is feared that presently the water will be done.  What way shall we turn?  If we surrender to Hafela, perhaps he will spare the lives of the women and children; but whatever he may promise, the most of us he will surely slay.  If we fight and are defeated, then once his regiments are among us, all will be slain according to the ancient custom of our people.  I have bethought me that we might retreat through the valley, but the river beyond is in flood; also it is certain that before this multitude could reach it, the prince will have sent a force to cut us off while he himself harasses our rear.  Now let him who has counsel speak.”

“King, I have counsel,” said Hokosa.  “What were the words that the Messenger spoke to us before he died?  Did he not say:  ’Even now the heathen is at your gates, and many of you shall perish on his spears; but I tell you that he shall not conquer’?  Did he not say:  ’Be faithful, cling to the Cross, and do not dare to doubt your Lord, for He will protect you, and your children after you, and He will be your Captain and you shall be His people’?  Did he not bid you also to listen to my counsel?  Then listen to it, for it is his:  Your case seems desperate, but have no fear, and take no thought for the morrow, for all shall yet be well.  Let us now pray to Him that the Messenger has revealed to us, and Whom now he implores on our behalf in that place where he is to guide us and to save us, for then surely He will hearken to our prayer.”

“So be it,” said Nodwengo, and going out he stood upon a pillar of stone in the moonlight and offered up his supplication in the hearing of the multitude.

Meanwhile, those of the camp of Hafela were also taking counsel.  They had fought bravely indeed, and carried the schanses; but at great cost, since for every man that Nodwengo had lost, three of theirs had fallen.  Moreover, they were in evil case with weariness and the want of water, as each drop they drank must be carried to them from the Great Place in bags made of raw hide, which caused it to stink, for they had but few gourds with them.