In consequence of the numerous casualties, many Native women came the following morning to where the rebel forces had collected near Cetshwayo's grave to demand, of those who had declared European bullets would do no injury, restoration of their missing sons, husbands, and sweethearts. If anything ever made Bambata wince, these women's simple and unanswerable application did. At the same meeting, one of the older men asked pointedly why Bambata and his men had not engaged in the fight. Why had he stood by when a section of the forces attacked? The speaker went on, in heated manner, to propose that the notorious leader should be arrested and handed over to the Europeans forthwith; if that were inexpedient, then let him be given over to the rebels themselves to put to death. "He has deceived us by declaring bullets would not hurt us." Finding himself thus suddenly unpopular, with his prestige gone, and even in danger of losing his life, Bambata rode off, an hour or two later, with Cakijana to Macala, saying not a word to anyone, not even to his own followers. * * * * * On the same day, Vanderplank came in touch with the enemy in Manyane valley, a few miles south-west of Ntingwe, when two were killed, thirty cattle seized and a number of kraals destroyed. Between the 6th and 16th May, Mansel's column remained at Fort Yolland, erecting entanglements or otherwise fortifying the lager. FOOTNOTES: [Footnote 184: Now High Commissioner for South Africa in London.] [Footnote 185: Lieut.-Col. Barker, then in command of the South African Light Horse, had previously served in the 1st Battalion 60th Regiment (King's Royal Rifles) and 2nd Battalion Royal Sussex. At the beginning of the Anglo-Boer War, he enlisted in the South African Light Horse and took part in the Relief of Ladysmith. He was afterwards engaged in operations in the northern districts of Natal and east of Pretoria. He rose from the rank of Trooper to that of Major in the one campaign, and was mentioned by his commanding officer no less than thirteen times for conspicuous gallantry and capable handling of troops. He was awarded the D.S.O., also Queen's medal with six clasps, and the King's with two.] [Footnote 186: _E.g._ as service was voluntary, many who wished to enlist were unable to obtain leave from their employers; others, again, who had volunteered were obliged to withdraw on their anticipated leave being refused.] [Footnote 187: Sir Aubrey Woolls-Sampson (Honorary Colonel in the Army) served throughout the South African War, 1899-1902; was engaged in operations in Natal, 1899, including action at Elandslaagte, where he was severely wounded. Mentioned in despatches, _London Gazette_, 8th February and 15th November, 1901, and 17th January and 25th March, 1902. Granted honorary rank of Colonel in the Army. Queen's medal with four clasps. King's medal with two clasps. Knighted (K.C.B.).