That is, they divided into two parties, and charged each other at full gallop, firing their guns into the air, an exhibition which seemed to fill all present with admiration and awe.

When they paused, the king wished them to go on firing "a hundred shots apiece," but the commandant declined, saying he had no more powder to waste.
"What do you want powder for in a peaceful country ?" asked Dingaan suspiciously.
Retief answered through me: "To kill food for ourselves, or to protect ourselves if any evil-minded men should attack us." "Then it will not be wanted here," said Dingaan, "since I will give you food, and as I, the king, am your friend, no man in Zululand dare be your enemy." Retief said he was glad to hear it, and asked leave to retire with the Boers to his camp outside the gate, as they were all tired with riding.
This Dingaan granted, and we said good-bye and went away.

Before I reached the gate, however, a messenger, I remember it was my old friend Kambula, overtook me, and said that the king wished to speak with me alone.

I answered him that I could not speak with the king alone without the permission of the commandant.

Thereon Kambula said: "Come with me, I pray you, O Macumazahn, since otherwise you will be taken by force." Now, I told Hans to gallop on to Retief, and tell him of my predicament, for already I saw that at some sign from Kambula I was being surrounded by Zulus.