84 
SPOKT AND WAK. 
CHAP. XII. 
enemy and cut off from all communication with the 
rest of the colony. 
At the same time two of the most powerful and 
warlike chiefs, Umhala and Seyolo, had massed their 
warriors on the Keiskama River, and a discussion arose 
between these two chiefs to the following effect. 
Seyolo, the most daring chief, at a council of war 
proposed that as they, the Kafirs, had so far beaten the 
white man in all encounters, their combined force 
should march the next day and attack an outpost 
situated on the Fish River—Trumpeter’s Post—take 
the place by storm, possess themselves of the magazine, 
and thus obtain a supply of ammunition. Umhala, 
the more wary old chief, replied, 6 Yes Seyolo, your 
advice is good, but we cannot cross the open country 
between the Keiskama River and the Fish River Bush 
in the daytime—we should go by night.’ Whereupon 
Seyolo exclaimed, 4 Why, we have beaten the English¬ 
man at all points and taken his cattle—we only require 
this ammunition to drive the English into the sea.’ 
Again the old chief replied, 4 Seyolo, do you know my 
war name?’ 4 Yes,’ said the more impetuous Seyolo, 
4 you are called Umbozloo.’ 4 And do you know what 
that implies ? ’ asked Umhala. 4 Yes,’ replied Seyolo, 4 it 
means 44 wild cat.” ’ 4 It is well you know it,’ answered 
Umhala. 4 We have just received intelligence that 
white troops are near us, and the 44 wild cat” does not 
