As a matter of fact, there was considerable and general objection to the tax, though not given expression to in the presence of officials as at other magistracies. Among those who objected in the Zondi tribe was the headman, Nhlonhlo. He assumed a determined and defiant attitude. But for the part he took, Bambata might not have broken into rebellion. Nhlonhlo called together the people about him, proceeded with them to Bambata and declared they would not pay. Bambata apparently did what he could to persuade, but without success. The only reason why Nhlonhlo made the stand he did was because he had five taxable sons, and did not see why all of these should be liable. Like Bambata, he had got into difficulties with his own landlord, and when, some years previously, the latter had sought to eject him, he borrowed money of Bambata, more than half of which is said to be still owing. * * * * * Towards the end of 1905, confidential information was received by the Magistrate to the effect that Bambata was in league with the Zulus, and that he had agreed to bell the cat by putting to death the Magistrate and his staff on their visiting Mpanza to collect poll tax. As a result of this, the collections were begun in another part of the division instead of, as was usual, in Bambata's ward. So far, then, from being the first, Bambata was the last Chief to be called on to pay. More than this, he and his people were ordered to attend for the purpose at the Magistrate's office in Greytown. The date fixed was the 22nd February. After receiving the instructions, he requested the Magistrate to come as usual to collect in Mpanza valley. Mr. Cross, however, said he was unable to countermand the order. On the day appointed, the people appeared at the Magistrate's office. They arrived about 11 instead of 9 a.m. The Chief was not with them, as he should have been. An induna appeared in his stead, apologizing for the Chief's absence on the ground of ill-health. (He was said to be suffering from a stomach-ache.) The Magistrate naturally concluded Bambata was at his kraal some thirteen or fourteen miles away, whereas, as was afterwards reported, he and a number of young men had concealed themselves in a wattle-tree plantation, overlooking, and about two and a half miles from, Greytown. Those who came up to pay were chiefly elderly men. They at first appeared very surly. In reply to a question as to where the young men, i.e. those liable for the tax, were, the old men said they had gone out courting.