Still, I am glad that they are gone, since I believe that if you had attempted to trek to Natal just now you would have been killed on the road by the Usutu, who believe you to be a councillor of Umbelazi." "I understand, O King," I answered, "and I dare say that the accident of the loss of my oxen is fortunate for me.

But tell me now, what am I to do?
I wish to follow the example of John Dunn [another white man in the country who was much mixed up with Zulu politics] and leave the land.
Will you give me more oxen to draw my wagons ?" "I have none that are broken in, Macumazahn, for, as you know, we Zulus possess few wagons; and if I had I would not lend them to you, who do not desire that your blood should be upon my head." "You are hiding something from me, O King," I said bluntly.

"What is it that you want me to do?
Stay here at Nodwengu ?" "No, Macumazahn.

When the trouble begins I want you to go with a regiment of my own that I shall send to the assistance of my son, Umbelazi, so that he may have the benefit of your wisdom.

O Macumazana, I will tell you the truth.