SOUTHERN AFRICA. 307 



foe, the despot, who could not but tremble at the proximity 

 of such formidable neig^hbours, had resolved— lest it mig-ht 

 next be his own turn to smart under their lash — that he 

 would at once take measures to g'et rid of them. 



All preliminary matters having' been finally arrang'ed to 

 the entire satisfaction of both parties, a formal treaty of 

 alliance was concluded with the despot, and the unsuspecting* 

 Boors had saddled their steeds on the morning" of the 6th, 

 in order to return to their camp, when they were unexpect- 

 edly summoned to a gTcat dance and carousal in honour of 

 their approaching- departure. On pretext of the king-'s anx- 

 iety that his white g^uests should take an active part in the 

 festivities, they were requested not to bring' their muskets ; 

 upon hearing* which, Thomas Halstead, a young* man be- 

 longing" to the settlement at Port Natal, who had accompanied 

 the expedition in capacity of interpreter, acquainted Retief 

 that he had received private intimation of meditated treachery 

 on the part of the king*, and advised his being* on his g'uard ; 

 but completely blinded by the duplicity that had been prac- 

 tised, this warning" voice was disreg"arded, and the \\'hole 

 party proceeded, and in an evil hour unarmed, into the royal 

 presence, to return thence no more ! During* the interview, 

 three thousand Zooloo warriors standing* up to dance, formed 

 a ring" around them, and for some time alternatel}' re- 

 treated and advanced in the customary manner — until 

 g-radually pressing* closer — they at leng-th upon a sig*nal made 

 by Ding-aan, whilst the farmers were in the act of quaffing* 

 the malt liquor, which had been liberally handed round, 

 rushed with one accord upon their defenceless victims. The 

 devoted Dutchmen were drag-g-ed about half-a-mile across 

 the river by the hair of the head, and their leader having" 

 been first ostentatiously butchered, the Zooloos fell upon, 

 and despatched the rest — knocking* out the brains of some 

 with their war clubs, impaling* and twisting* the necks of 



X 2 



