Meanwhile, yes, this very night, you yourself with all the men that are left to you must march upon the Great Place, which, though it be strong, can be stormed, for it is defended by less than five thousand soldiers.

There, having taken it, you shall slay Nodwengo, proclaiming yourself king, and afterwards, by the help of the _impi_ that you leave here which will march onward to your succour, you can deal with yonder army." "A great scheme truly," said Hafela in admiration; "but how do I know whether all this tale is true, or whether you do but set a snare for me ?" "Bid scouts go out and creep into yonder gully," answered Noma, "and you will see whether or no I have spoken falsely.

For the rest, I am in your hands, and if I lie you can take my life in payment." "If I march upon the Great Place, it must be at midnight when none see me go," said Hafela, "and what will you do then, Noma, who are too weary to travel again so soon ?" "I will be borne in a litter till my strength comes back to me," she answered.

"And now give me to eat and let me rest while I may." ***** Five hours later, Hafela with the most of his army, a force of something over twenty thousand men, was journeying swiftly but by a circuitous route towards the Great Place of the king.

On the crest of the hill facing the gorge, as Noma had suggested, he left six regiments with instructions to fly before Nodwengo's generals, and when they had led them far enough, to follow him as swiftly as they were able.