Between Snow and Fire — page 231: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

7 > * .) = ae CHAPTER XXXYV. EUSTACE BECOMES UNPOPULAR. THE state of excitement prevailing in Komgha during the period of hostilities within the Transkei, was as nothing to that which prevailed now that the tide of war was rolling around the very outposts of the settlement itself. The once sleepy little village had become a vast armed camp, garrisoned by regular troops, as well as being the halt- ing place for numerous bodies of irregulars—mounted burghers or Fingo levies—once more called out or volun-— teering for active service, the latter with more zest this time, inasmuch as the enemy was within their very gates. It was the headquarters of operations, and all day long—frequently all night too—what with expeditions or patrols setting out, or returning, or preparing; the arrival of reinforcements ; the flash and trappings of the military element ; the exag- gerated and conflicting rumours varying with every half- hour that went by. With all these things, we say, the sojourners in that favoured settlement found things as lively as they could wish. There was no mistaking the position of affairs now. The Gaikas, whose locations occupied the whole northern half of British Kaffraria, the Hlambi clans, who held the rugged country along the eastern slopes of the Amatola Mountains, were allup in arms. All, that is, save an insignificant frac- tion, who applied to the Government for protection as ‘loyals’; their loyalty consisting in taking no part in hos- tilities themselves, but aiding with supplies and information those who did—as well as affording a refuge in time of need to the women and cattle belonging to their hostile country- men. Communication with the Colony was practically cut off—for, except to strong parties, the King Williamstown road was closed. A strong escort, consisting of Police and military, was attacked within a few miles of the settlement itself, only getting through by dint of hard fighting; and ever in their bushy hiding places, on the surrounding hills, 22% ~ com 5 te nna“ « ‘+ % -= —_ _ 7 4 e » | 1 @ a , es : . 7 - *