Page:George McCall Theal, History of South Africa from 1873 to 1884, Volume 1 (1919).djvu/102

 82 History of the Cape Colony. [1877 their tribe in his time of need. Had an Englishman acted in this way under similar circumstances his countrymen would have applauded him, and much as Kiva's conduct is to be regretted, he is certainly entitled to a large amount of respect. An old hereditary counsellor of the Gaika clan, named Tyala, opposed taking up arms, because, he said, it meant destruction and death. Before the preceding wars his advice had always been in favour of the maintenance of peace, but when he was overruled by Sandile, his chief, no one fought more bravely tha-n he. It was the same at the time of the delusion of Nongqause. He had pleaded against the destruction of the cattle and corn, and had foretold what the consequences must be, but Sandile had rejected his advice, and he had sub- mitted. And now once more the old man's voice was heard, begging his chief not to bring ruin upon the people, and pointing out that it was madness to try to resist the government. As for himself, come what might, he would be no party to bringing death to his clans- men, and therefore would not follow his chief as he had always done before, if rebellion was decided upon. Sandile, weak and irresolute, but impulsive, was carried away by the appeal of Kiva, and decided hastily to give assistance to the Galekas. The young men, eager for excitement, flourished their arms, the war cry was raised, and then, even if Sandile had changed his mind, it would have been too late to adopt another and wiser course. Tyala, with a sorrowful heart, left the location and went to reside at Greytown, to keep away from the strife and to preserve a remnant of his clan in safety. With him went some of the most sensible of Sandile's people, who were of his opinion that rebellion would result in utter destruction, and these formed the nucleus of the party afterwards known as the loyal Gaikas. They were joined by some members of other clans, and ultimately one thousand four hundred and eighteen men