Still, he made no answer, but dismissed the council.
On the morrow the king promised to sign the paper giving the lands they asked for to the Boers, and all was smooth as water when there is no wind.

Before the paper was signed the king gave a great dance, for there were many regiments gathered at the kraal, and for three days this dance went on, but on the third day he dismissed the regiments, all except one, an impi of lads, who were commanded to stay.

Now all this while I wondered what was in the mind of Dingaan and was afraid for the Amaboona.

But he was secret, and told nothing except to the captains of the regiment alone--no, not even to one of his council.

Yet I knew that he planned evil, and was half inclined to warn the Captain Retief, but did not, fearing to make myself foolish.