He must give the signal by throwing up a spear, and when it struck the ground, then the fight would begin.

The old man took the spear and threw it, but his hand was weak, and he cast so clumsily that it fell among the sons of Jikiza, who stood before Umslopogaas, causing them to open up to let it pass between them, and drawing the eyes of all ten of them to it, but Umslopogaas watched for the touching of the spear only, being careless where it touched.

As the point of it kissed the earth, he said a word, and lo! Umslopogaas and Galazi, not waiting for the onslaught of the ten, as men had thought they must, sprang forward, each at the line of foes who were before him.

While the ten still stood confused, for it had been their plan to attack, the Wolf-Brethren were upon them.

Groan-Maker was up, but as for no great stroke.