There is no hope remaining of the safety of Captain
Wilson and his thirty followers. They reached Lobengala's laager, found his force too strong, and retreated in safety; but three Matabele regiments sent to attack Major Forbes, thinking the scouting-party an easier prey, turned on them, thus cutting off their retreat. Captain Wilson refused to fly, which, it is said, he could have done, and with his men fought desperately to the last. Their ammunition, however, became exhausted, and they were all speared. It is said that Lobengula has treated this attack, which VMS made independently of his orders, as an act of disobedience, and has executed the Induna in command. He is, it is said, willing to surrender, but is either afraid of vengeance for the slaughter of Captain Wilson, or is coerced by his officers, who prefer flight across the Zam- besi. The rumour that he is retracing his steps to attack Bulawayo remains unconfirmed, and is improbable, the fighting-men dreading the machine-guns.too much.
