The dispute had ended in something like actual fighting, in the course
of which the church and the school were burnt, also the missionary's
house. Because of these troubles this excellent man was forced to camp
out in the wet, for it was the rainy season, and catching a chill, died
suddenly of heart-failure following rheumatic fever just after he had
moved into his new habitation, which consisted of some rather glorified
native huts.

Subsequently to these events there came a petition from the chief of the
tribe, a man called Kosa, whose name probably derived from the Zulu word
Koos, which means chief or captain, addressed to the Church authorities
and asking that a new Teacher might be sent to take the place of him who
had died, also to rebuild the church and the school. If this were not
done, said the messengers, the tribe would relapse into heathenism,
since the Zulu and anti-Christian party headed by an old witch-doctor,
named Menzi, was strong and gaining ground.

This was an appeal that could not be neglected, since hitherto the Sisa
had been a spot of light in a dark place, as most of the surrounding
peoples, who were of the old Zulu stock, remained heathen. If that light
went out the chances were that they would continue to be so, whereas if
it went on burning another result might be hoped, since from a spark a
great fire may come. Therefore earnest search was made for a suitable
person to deal with so difficult and delicate a situation, with the
result that the lot fell upon the Rev. Thomas Bull.

Once his name was mentioned, it was acclaimed by all. He was the very
man, they said, bold, determined, filled with a Jesuit's fiery zeal
(although it need scarcely be explained that he hated Jesuits as a cat
does mustard), one whom no witch-doctors would daunt, one, moreover,