Two, however, remained--the Ischlangu Inhlope, that is the "White Shields," who were a corps of veterans wearing the ring on their heads, and the Ischlangu Umnyama, that is the "Black Shields," who were all of them young men without rings.

The "White Shields" were ranged along the fence of the great open place to our left, and the "Black Shields" were similarly placed to our right, each regiment numbering about fifteen hundred men.

Except for their kerries and dancing-sticks they were unarmed.
Presently we reached the head of the dancing ground, and found Dingaan seated in his chair with two of his great indunas, Umhlela and Tambusa, squatting on either side of him.

Behind him, standing in and about the entrance to the labyrinth through which the king had come, were other indunas and captains.

On arriving in front of Dingaan we saluted him, and he acknowledged the salutation with pleasant words and smiles.