A large force had immediately been sent to capture Macora and his people, or chase them, as Sindo said, “out of the world.”
The enemy might be expected in two or three hours!
Sindo’s warning was not unheeded; and scouts were at once sent out to watch for the approach of the enemy. A danger that Macora had already apprehended was now threatening them.
Early next morning the scouts returned with the report that Moselekatse’s warriors were indeed coming. They had camped during the night about five miles off, and might be upon them within an hour.
Hastily springing upon their horses, Arend and Hendrik galloped off in the direction of the enemy, for the purpose of making a reconnaissance. During their absence the others were packing up all their valuables, and making preparation for either a fight or a flight.
The two cornets returned half an hour afterwards, bringing the report, that about three hundred armed men were approaching.
“There is not the least doubt but that they mean war,” said Hendrik. “We rode up to within three hundred yards of them. Immediately on seeing us they commenced yelling, and rushing about the plain; and, as we turned to ride back, several spears were sent after us.”
“Then the sooner we get away from here the better,” suggested Hans. “There are too many of them for us to hold our own with.”
“Macora does not seem to think so,” observed Groot Willem.
All turned to the chief, who, along with his men, was observed making preparations for a pitched battle.