I spoke the first, and said that it
mattered little if he granted it, seeing that the Black One who was
dead had already given it to the English, the People of George, and
the end of the matter would be that the Amaboona and the People of
George would fight for the land. Yet the words of the Black One were
coming to pass, for already it seemed we could hear the sound of the
running of a white folk who should eat up the kingdom.
Now when I had spoken thus the heart of Dingaan grew heavy and his
face dark, for my words stuck in his breast like a barbed spear.
Still, he made no answer, but dismissed the council.
On the morrow the king promised to sign the paper giving the lands
they asked for to the Boers, and all was smooth as water when there is
no wind. Before the paper was signed the king gave a great dance, for
there were many regiments gathered at the kraal, and for three days
this dance went on, but on the third day he dismissed the regiments,
all except one, an impi of lads, who were commanded to stay. Now all
this while I wondered what was in the mind of Dingaan and was afraid
for the Amaboona. But he was secret, and told nothing except to the
captains of the regiment alone--no, not even to one of his council.
Yet I knew that he planned evil, and was half inclined to warn the
Captain Retief, but did not, fearing to make myself foolish.
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