t878] The Ninth Kaffir War. 93 Fingos were there also, who had their meals and slept in temporary screens close by. They were led by Veld- man, an experienced and trustworthy headman, who had received an excellent training when attached as a scout to the frontier armed and mounted police. By the military authorities the services of these men, particularly as scouts, were regarded as almost indispensable. KJreli, acting on the advice of Xito, the tribal priest,* who was supported by Sigcawu and Kiva, had collected his best fighting men in the Tala bush not far distant, with the intention of making a dash upon the camp at early dawn on some favourable morning, overpowering the white men and the Fingos, who it was anticipated would be taken by surprise, and getting possession of a supply of ammunition and food. Three or four thousand of his warriors had gone through the usual preparations for a battle, had received charms from Xito, which they hung round their necks, and each man bore the war mark, a black spot on his forehead. All was in proper order, just as the spirits of the mighty dead would have it, so chiefs and common men alike were confident that they would have success. Sandile and two or three thousand Gaikas were with Kreli's people, but did not entirely agree with them as to an attack upon the camp at Kentani. Sandile was more in favour of a raid into Fingoland with all the men that could be mustered, when they might make sure of obtaining much spoil, and of being able to retire with it to some locality where they could make a successful defence. But Kreli would not consent to this and the Gaikas then resolved to let the Galekas take the lead in the attack and to watch the result.
- Witchjinder is the term commonly used by European colonists
to signify the holder of this oflBce, but the word is not a good one. Xito's duties v/ere to perform sacrifices for the tribe on important occasions, to prepare warriors for battle, and to smell out those who sought to inflict injury on the chief's house by means of witchcraft.
