But it was his duty to isolate Laputa's army, and at all costs, it must be prevented from joining any of the concentrations in the south.
Then I proposed to him to do as Rhodes did in the Matoppos, and go and talk to them.

By this time, I argued, the influence of Laputa must have sunk, and the fervour of the purification be half-forgotten.

The army had little food and no leader.

The rank and file had never been fanatical, and the chiefs and indunas must now be inclined to sober reflections.

But once blood was shed the lust of blood would possess them.