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Orpin feared that he understood the meaning of the last words too well, but, being aware that Hintza was regarded by the colonists as one of the friendliest of the Kafir chiefs, he hoped that he might be mistaken. Hintza was as good as his word, and set out next day with a band of warriors, giving the white man a good horse that he might ride beside him.
It transpired that he had not only allowed the stolen cattle to be secreted in his territory, but many of his own people were "out" with the confederate chiefs fighting against the colonists, while traders under his protection had by his orders been seized and plundered. A message had therefore been sent to Hintza requiring him at once and decidedly to declare his intentions.
Thereafter he gave orders that the white man should be taken to one of his huts and supplied with a "basket" of milk. The white man gratefully acknowledged the kind offer, and, asking the name of the friendly chief, was informed that it was Hintza.
Full of indignation, when he heard this, the Governor summoned Hintza to his presence and related what had occurred. "Well, and what then?" was the Kafir's cool reply, "are they not my dogs?" Sir Benjamin met this by giving orders that Hintza and all the people with him should be put under guard, and held as hostages for the safety of the Fingoes.
The brave was therefore sent back with another message, to the effect that if he, Hintza, should afford any of the other chiefs shelter or protection, and did not restore the booty concealed in his territory, he would be treated as an enemy. It was also proposed that himself should come and have an interview with the Governor, but this invitation he declined.
The Kafirs, emboldened by the weak, and exasperated by the incomprehensible, policy of the Colonial Government at that time, not only crossed the border to aid the Hottentot thieves in their work, and carry off sheep and cattle by the hundred, but secretly prepared for war. Behind the scenes were the paramount chief Hintza, the chief Macomo, and others.
Stephen's eyes were opened by the last speech, and from that moment he suspected Hintza of treachery. He had no choice, however, but to accept the escort. On the very day after they had started, they came to a spot where a terrible fight had obviously taken place.
But Hintza was playing his last card. He urged his horse to greater exertion, and kept stabbing at his pursuer with an assagai. The Colonel drew a pistol, but it snapped. A second was used with like ill success. He then spurred close up, struck the chief with the butt end of the pistol, and, in so doing, dropped it.
They say that more than 3000 persons have been reduced to destitution; 500 farm-houses have been burnt and pillaged; 900 horses, 55,000 sheep and goats, and above 30,000 head of cattle carried off, only a few of which were recovered by Colonel Smith on that expedition when Hintza was killed. However, we'll keep up heart and go to work with a will shan't we, my little wife!"
"What have the cattle done," he said testily, "that you should want them? and why should my subjects be deprived of them?" "Why do you ask such questions, Hintza?" replied Colonel Smith; "you know well the many outrages committed on the colonists by your people, and the thousands of cattle that have been stolen. It is in redress of these wrongs that we demand them."