'We came that way,' agreed Hlubi.
'You saw the Nkosizana Dirk?'
Now for the first time they both smiled, white teeth in the
moonlight.
'We sat in council with the Nkosizana,' Hlubi chuckled.
'He grows like a bull calf. Already he wears scars of battle,
honourable blackening of one of his eyes.'
'He grows in wisdom also,' Nonga boasted. 'Saying aloud to us those
things which are written in the book. ' Hlubi went on: 'He sends
greetings to the Nkosi, his father, and asks that he be allowed now to
leave his school and join with him once more. For now he is skilled in
the matter of books and number.'
Sean laughed. 'And what of the Nkosikazi, my mother?' he asked.
'She is well. She sends you this book.' Hlubi produced a travel,
stained envelope from his loin, cloth. Sean tucked it away inside his
coat to be read at leisure.
'Now. ' The formula of greeting completed, Sean could come to the
present. 'What news of Mabunu? Have you found sign?'
MbeJane squatted on his haunches and laid his spear and shield beside
him. The others followed his example. The meeting came to order.
'Speak,' Mbejane ordered Hluibi.
'We came through the mountains, this being the shorter way,' Hlubi
explained. 'In the hills below the mountains we found the road made by
many horses, and following it we came upon a level place surrounded by
rock. The Mabunu are there with cattle and wagons.'
'How far is this place?' Sean asked eagerly.
'A day's long journey. ' Thirty miles.
'How many Mabunu?' Sean asked and Mbejane explained,
'As many as camped at the place I told you of.
It made sense, Sean decided. Jan Paulus would have split his force
into smaller units, for reasons of supply and concealment, until such
time as he needed them.
'We will go then,' he said and stood up.
Eccles woke quickly.
'Sergeant, Major. The guides have found a small Boer commando in
laager below the mountains. Get the men mounted UP.
'Sir! ' Eccles's moustache, rumpled with sleep, quivered like the
whiskers of a hunting dog.
While around him the commotion of up saddling began, Sean kicked life
into the fire and in its yellow flickering light he tore a page from
his notebook and licked the point of a pencil.
To all British troops in the field: I am in contact with a Boer
commando of 500. Will attempt to contain them pending your arrival.
The bearer will act as a guide.
S. Courtney (Major).
5th August, 1900. Time 00.46 hours.
'Hlubi,' he called.
'Nkosi! ' 'Take this book,' he handed him the note. 'There are
soldiers out there.' He swept his arm towards the north. 'Give it to
