第2章
Thenitwasthatthesoldiersappeareduponthebank。“Ah！littlepeople，“onecried，“youswim，doyou？Well，youwilldrown；andifyoudonotdrownweknowaford，andwewillcatchyouandkillyou——
yes！ifwemustrunovertheedgeoftheworldafteryouwewillcatchyou。“Andhehurledanassegaiafterus，whichfellbetweenuslikeaflashoflight。
Whilehespokeweswamhard，andnowwewereinthecurrent。Itsweptusdownwards，butstillwemadeway，forwecouldswimwell。Itwasjustthis:ifwecouldreachthebankbeforeweweresweptintotherapidsweweresafe；ifnot，then——good-night！Nowwewereneartheotherside，but，alas！wewerealsonearthelipofthefoamingwater。
Westrained，westruggled。Balekawasabravegirl，andsheswambravely；butthewaterpushedherdownbelowme，andIcoulddonothingtohelpher。Igotmyfootupontherockandlookedround。
Thereshewas，andeightpacesfromherthebrokenwaterboiled。I
couldnotgoback。Iwastooweak，anditseemedthatshemustperish。
ButthedogKoossaw。Heswamtowardsher，barking，thenturnedround，headingfortheshore。Shegraspedhimbythetailwithherrighthand。Thenheputouthisstrength——hewasverystrong。Shetookstruckoutwithherfeetandlefthand，andslowly——veryslowly——drewnear。ThenIstretchedoutthehandleofmyassegaitowardsher。Shecaughtitwithherlefthand。Alreadyherfeetwereoverthebrinkoftherapids，butIpulledandKoospulled，andwebroughthersafeintotheshadows，andfromtheshallowstothebank，andthereshefellgasping。
Nowwhenthesoldiersontheotherbanksawthatwehadcrossed，theyshoutedthreatsatus，thenranawaydownthebank。
“Arise，Baleka！“Isaid:“theyhavegonetoseeaford。“
“Ah，letmedie！“sheanswered。
ButIforcedhertorise，andafterawhileshegotherbreathagain，andwewalkedonasfastaswecouldupthelongrise。Fortwohourswewalked，ormore，tillatlastwecametothecrestoftherise，andthere，faraway，wesawalargekraal。
“Keepheart，“Isaid。“See，thereisthekraalofChaka。“
“Yes，brother，“sheanswered，“butwhatwaitsusthere？Deathisbehindusandbeforeus——weareinthemiddleofdeath。“
PresentlywecametoapaththatrantothekraalfromthefordoftheUmfolozi。ItwasbyitthattheImpihadtravelled。Wefollowedthepathtillatlastwewerebuthalfanhour"sjourneyfromthekraal。
Thenwelookedback，andlo！therebehinduswerethepursuers——fiveofthem——onehaddrownedincrossingtheriver。
Againweran，butnowwewereweak，andtheygaineduponus。ThenoncemoreIthoughtofthedog。HewasfierceandwouldtearanyoneonwhomIsethim。Icalledhimandtoldhimwhattodo，thoughIknewthatitwouldbehisdeath。Heunderstood，andflewtowardsthesoldiersgrowling，hishairstandinguponhisspine。Theytriedtokillhimwithspearsandkerries，buthejumpedroundthem，bitingatthem，andkeptthemback。Atlastamanhithim，andhesprangupandseizedthemanbythethroat。Thereheclung，mananddogrollingoverandovertogether，tilltheendofitwasthattheybothdied。Ah！hewasadog！Wedonotseesuchdogsnowadays。HisfatherwasaBoerhound，thefirstthatcameintothecountry。Thatdogoncekilledaleopardallbyhimself。Well，thiswastheendofKoos！
Meanwhile，wehadbeenrunning。Nowwewerebutthreehundredpacesfromthegateofthekraal，andtherewassomethinggoingoninsideit；thatwecouldseefromthenoiseandthedust。Thefoursoldiers，leavingthedeaddogandthedyingman，cameafterusswiftly。Isawthattheymustcatchusbeforewereachedthegate，fornowBalekacouldgobutslowly。Thenathoughtcameintomyhead。Ihadbroughtherhere，IwouldsaveherlifeifIcould。Shouldshereachthekraalwithoutme，Chakawouldnotkillagirlwhowassoyoungandfair。
“Runon，Baleka！runon！“Isaid，droppingbehind。Nowshewasalmostblindwithwearinessandterror，and，notseeingmypurpose，staggeredtowardsthegateofthekraal。ButIsatdownontheveldttogetmybreathagain，forIwasabouttofightfourmentillIwaskilled。Myheartbeatandtheblooddrummedinmyears，butwhentheydrewnearandIrose——theassegaiinmyhand——oncemoretheredclothseemedtogoupanddownbeforemyeyes，andallfearleftme。
Themenwererunning，twoandtwo，withthelengthofaspearthrowbetweenthem。Butofthefirstpaironewasfiveorsixpacesinfrontoftheother。Thismanshoutedoutloudandchargedme，shieldandspearup。NowIhadnoshield——nothingbuttheassegai；butIwascraftyandhewasoverbold。Onhecame。Istoodwaitingforhimtillhedrewbackthespeartostabme。ThensuddenlyIdroppedtomykneesandthrustupwardwithallmystrength，beneaththerimofhisshield，andhealsothrust，butoverme，hisspearonlycuttingthefleshofmyshoulder——see！hereisitsscar；yes，tothisday。Andmyassegai？
Ah！itwenthome；itranthroughandthroughhismiddle。Herolledoverandoverontheplain。Thedusthidhim；onlyIwasnowweaponless，forthehaftofmyspear——itwasbutalightthrowingassegai——brokeintwo，leavingnothingbutalittlebitofstickinmyhand。Andtheotheronewasuponme。TheninthedarknessIsawalight。Ifellontomyhandsandkneesandflungmyselfoversideways。
Mybodystruckthelegsofthemanwhowasabouttostabme，liftinghisfeetfrombeneathhim。Downhecameheavily。BeforehehadtouchedthegroundIwasoffit。Hisspearhadfallenfromhishand。I
stooped，seizedit，andasheroseIstabbedhimthroughtheback。Itwasalldoneintheshakeofaleaf，myfather；intheshakeofaleafhealsowasdead。ThenIran，forIhadnostomachfortheothertwo；
myvalourwasgone。
AboutahundredpacesfrommeBalekawasstaggeringalongwithherarmsoutlikeonewhohasdrunktoomuchbeer。BythetimeIcaughthershewassomefortypacesfromthegateofthekraal。Butthenherstrengthleftheraltogether。Yes！thereshefellsenseless，andI
stoodbyher。Andthere，too，Ishouldhavebeenkilled，hadnotthischanced，sincetheothertwomen，havingstayedoneinstantbytheirdeadfellows，cameonagainstmemadwithrage。Foratthatmomentthegateofthekraalopened，andthroughitranapartyofsoldiersdraggingaprisonerbythearms。Afterthemwalkedagreatman，whoworealeopardskinonhisshoulders，andwaslaughing，andwithhimwerefiveorsixringedcouncillors，andafterthemagaincameacompanyofwarriors。
Thesoldierssawthatkillingwasgoingon，andranupjustastheslayersreachedus。
“Whoareyou？“theycried，“whodaytokillatthegateoftheElephant"skraal？HeretheElephantkillsalone。“
“WeareofthechildrenofMakedama，“theyanswered，“andwefollowtheseevildoerswhohavedonewickednessandmurderinourkraal。See！
butnowtwoofusaredeadattheirhands，andothersliedeadalongtheroad。Sufferthatweslaythem。“
“AskthatoftheElephant，“saidthesoldiers；“asktoothathesufferyoushouldnotbeslain。“
Justthenthetallchiefsawbloodandheardwords。Hestalkedup；andhewasagreatmantolookat，thoughstillquiteyounginyears。Forhewastallerbyaheadthananyroundhim，andhischestwasbigasthechestsoftwo；hisfacewasfierceandbeautiful，andwhenhegrewangryhiseyeflashedlikeasmittenbrand。
“Whoarethesethatdaretostirupdustatthegatesofmykraal？“heasked，frowning。
“OChaka，OElephant！“answeredthecaptainofthesoldiers，bendinghimselfdoublebeforehim，“themensaythattheseareevildoersandthattheypursuethemtokillthem。“
“Good！“heanswered。“Letthemslaytheevildoers。“
“Ogreatchief！thanksbetothee，greatchief！“saidthosemenofmypeoplewhosoughttokillus。
“Ihearyou，“heanswered，thenspokeoncemoretothecaptain。“Andwhentheyhaveslaintheevildoers，letthemselvesbeblindedandturnedloosetoseektheirwayhome，becausetheyhavedaredtoliftaspearwithintheZulugates。Nowpraiseon，mychildren！“Andhelaughed，whilethesoldiersmurmured，“Ou！heiswise，heisgreat，hisjusticeisbrightandterriblelikethesun！“
Butthetwomenofmypeoplecriedoutinfear，fortheydidnotseeksuchjusticeasthis。
“Cutouttheirtonguesalso，“saidChaka。“What？shallthelandoftheZulussuffersuchanoise？Never！lestthecattlemiscarry。Toit，yeblackones！Thereliesthegirl。Sheisasleepandhelpless。Killher！
What？youhesitate？Nay，then，ifyouwillhavetimeforthought，I
giveit。Takethesemen，smearthemwithhoney，andpinthemoverant-
heaps；byto-morrow"ssuntheywillknowtheirownminds。Butfirstkillthesetwohuntedjackals，“andhepointedtoBalekaandmyself。
“Theyseemtiredanddoubtlesstheylongforsleep。“
ThenforthefirsttimeIspoke，forthesoldiersdrewneartoslayus。
“OChaka，“Icried，“IamMopo，andthisismysisterBaleka。“
Istopped，andagreatshoutoflaughterwentupfromallwhostoodround。
“Verywell，MopoandthysisterBaleka，“saidChaka，grimly。“Good-
morningtoyou，MopoandBaleka——also，good-night！“
“OChaka，“Ibrokein，“IamMopo，sonofMakedamaoftheLangenitribe。ItwasIwhogavetheeagourdofwatermanyyearsago，whenwewerebothlittle。Thenthoubadestmecometotheewhenthouhadstgrowngreat，vowingthatthouwouldstprotectmeandneverdomeharm。
SoIhavecome，bringingmysisterwithme；andnow，Ipraythee，donoteatupthewordsoflongago。“
AsIspoke，Chaka"sfacechanged，andhelistenedearnestly，asamanwhoholdshishandbehindhisear。“Thosearenoliars，“hesaid。
“Welcome，Mopo！Thoushaltbeadoginmyhut，andfeedfrommyhand。
ButofthysisterIsaidnothing。Why，then，shouldshenotbeslainwhenIsworevengeanceagainstallthytribe，savetheealone？“
“Becausesheistoofairtoslay，OChief！“Ianswered，boldly；“alsobecauseIloveher，andaskherlifeasaboon！“
“Turnthegirlover，“saidChaka。Andtheydidso，showingherface。
“Againthouspeakestnolie，sonofMakedama，“saidthechief。“I
granttheetheboon。Shealsoshalllieinmyhut，andbeofthenumberofmy"sisters。"Nowtellmethytale，speakingonlythetruth。“
SoIsatdownandtoldhimall。Nordidhegrowwearyoflistening。
But，whenIhaddone，hesaidbutonething——thathewouldthatthedogKooshadnotbeenkilled；since，ifhehadstillbeenalive，hewouldhavesethimonthehutofmyfatherMakedama，andmadehimchiefovertheLangeni。
Thenhespoketothecaptainofthesoldiers。“Itakebackmywords，“
hesaid。“LetnotthesemenoftheLangenibemutilated。Oneshalldieandtheothershallgofree。Here，“andhepointedtothemanwhomwehadseenledoutofthekraal-gate，“here，Mopo，wehaveamanwhohasprovedhimselfacoward。Yesterdayakraalofwizardsyonderwaseatenupbymyorder——perhapsyoutwosawitasyoutravelled。Thismanandthreeothersattackedasoldierofthatkraalwhodefendedhiswifeandchildren。Themanfoughtwell——heslewthreeofmypeople。Thenthisdogwasafraidtomeethimfacetoface。Hekilledhimwithathrowingassegai，andafterwardshestabbedthewoman。Thatisnothing；butheshouldhavefoughtthehusbandhandtohand。NowI
willdohimhonour。Heshallfighttothedeathwithoneofthesepigsfromthysty，“andhepointedwithhisspeartothemenofmyfather"skraal，“andtheonewhosurvivesshallberundownastheytriedtorunyoudown。Iwillsendbacktheotherpigtothestywithamessage。Choose，childrenofMakedama，whichofyouwilllive。“
Nowthetwomenofmytribewerebrothers，andlovedoneanother，andeachofthemwaswillingtodiethattheothermightgofree。
Therefore，bothofthemsteppedforward，sayingthattheywouldfighttheZulu。
“What，istherehonouramongpigs？“saidChaka。“ThenIwillsettleit。Seethisassegai？Ithrowitintotheair；ifthebladefallsuppermostthetallmanshallgofree；iftheshaftfallsuppermost，thenlifeistotheshortone，so！“Andhesentthelittlespearwhirlingroundandroundintheair。Everyeyewatcheditasitwheeledandfell。Thehaftstruckthegroundfirst。
“Comehither，thou，“saidChakatothetallbrother。“HastenbacktothekraalofMakedama，andsaytohim，ThussaysChaka，theLionoftheZulu-ka-Malandela，"Yearsagothytriberefusedmemilk。To-daythedogofthysonMopohowlsupontheroofofthyhut。"Begone！“[1]
[1]AmongtheZulusitisaverybadomenforadogtoclimbtheroofofahut。ThesayingconveyedathreattobeappreciatedbyeveryZulu——ED。
Themanturned，shookhisbrotherbythehand，andwent，bearingthewordsofevilomen。
ThenChakacalledtotheZuluandthelastofthosewhohadfollowedustokillus，biddingthemfight。So，whentheyhadpraisedtheprincetheyfoughtfiercely，andtheendofitwasthatthemanofmypeopleconqueredtheZulu。Butassoonashehadfoundhisbreathagainhewassettorunforhislife，andafterhimranfivechosenmen。
Still，itcameaboutthatheoutranthem，doublinglikeahare，andgotawaysafely。NorwasChakaangryatthis；forIthinkthathebadethemenwhohuntedhimtomakespeedslowly。TherewasonlyonegoodthinginthecruelheartofChaka，thathewouldalwayssavethelifeofabravemanifhecoulddosowithoutmakinghiswordnothing。Andformypart，Iwasgladtothinkthatthemanofmypeoplehadconqueredhimwhomurderedthechildrenofthedyingwomanthatwefoundatthekraalbeyondtheriver。
CHAPTERV
MOPOBECOMESTHEKING"SDOCTOR
These，then，myfather，weretheeventsthatendedinthecomingofme，Mopo，andofmysisterBalekatothekraalofChaka，theLionoftheZulu。NowyoumayaskwhyhaveIkeptyousolongwiththistale，whichisasareothertalesofourpeople。Butthatshallbeseen，forfromthesematters，asatreefromaseed，grewthebirthofUmslopogaasBulalio，UmslopogaastheSlaughterer，andNadatheBeautiful，ofwhoselovemystoryhastotell。ForNadawasmydaughter，andUmslopogaas，thoughfewknewit，wasnoneotherthanthesonofChaka，bornofmysisterBaleka。
NowwhenBalekarecoveredfromthewearinessofourflight，andhadherbeautyagain，Chakatookhertowife，numberingheramonghiswomen，whomhenamedhis“sisters。“AndmeChakatooktobeoneofhisdoctors，ofhisizinyangaofmedicine，andhewassowellpleasedwithmymedicinethatintheendIbecamehisheaddoctor。Nowthiswasagreatpost，inwhich，duringthecourseofyears，Igrewfatincattleandinwives；butalsoitwasoneofmuchdanger。ForwhenIrosestrongandwellinthemorning，IcouldneverknowbutthatatnightI
shouldsleepstiffandred。ManywerethedoctorswhomChakaslew；
doctoredtheyneversowell，theywerekilledatlast。Foradaywouldsurelycomewhenthekingfeltillinhisbodyorheavyinhismind，andthentotheassegaiorthetormentwiththewizardwhohaddoctoredhim！YetIescaped，becauseofthepowerofmymedicine，andalsobecauseofthatoathwhichChakahadsworntomeasachild。SoitcameaboutthatwherethekingwentthereIwentwithhim。Isleptnearhishut，Isatbehindhimatcouncil，inthebattleIwaseverathisside。
Ah！thebattle！thebattle！Inthosedaysweknewhowtofight，myfather！Inthosedaysthevultureswouldfollowourimpisbythousands，thehyenaswouldstealalongourpathinpacks，andnonewentemptyaway。NevermayIforgetthefirstfightIstoodinatthesideofChaka。ItwasjustafterthekinghadbuilthisgreatkraalonthesouthbankoftheUmhlatuze。ThenitwasthatthechiefZwideattackedhisrivalChakaforthethirdtimeandChakamovedouttomeethimwithtenfullregiments，[1]nowforthefirsttimearmedwiththeshortstabbing-spear。
[1]About30，000men——ED。
Thegroundlaythis:Onalong，lowhillinfrontofourimpiweremassedtheregimentsofZwide；therewereseventeenofthem；theearthwasblackwiththeirnumber；theirplumesfilledtheairlikesnow。
We，too，wereonahill，andbetweenuslayavalleydownwhichthereranalittlestream。Allnightourfiresshoneoutacrossthevalley；
allnightthesongsofsoldiersechoeddownthehills。Thenthegreydawningcame，theoxenlowedtothelight，theregimentsarosefromtheirbedofspears；theysprangupandshookthedewfromhairandshield——yes！theyarose！thegladtodie！Theimpiassumeditsarrayregimentbyregiment。Therewasthebreastofspears，therewerethehornsofspears，theywerenumberlessasthestars，andlikethestarstheyshone。Themorningbreezecameupandfannedthem，theirplumesbentinthebreeze；likeaplainofseedinggrasstheybent，theplumesofthesoldiersripefortheassegai。UpovertheshoulderofthehillcamethesunofSlaughter；itglowedredupontheredshields，redgrewtheplaceofkilling；thewhiteplumesofthechiefsweredippedinthebloodofheaven。Theyknewit；theysawtheomenofdeath，and，ah！theylaughedinthejoyofthewakingofbattle。Whatwasdeath？Wasitnotwelltodieonthespear？Whatwasdeath？Wasitnotwelltodiefortheking？DeathwasthearmsofVictory。Victorywouldbetheirbridethatnight，andoh！herbreastisfair。
Hark！thewar-song，theIngomo，themusicofwhichhasthepowertodrivemenmad，rosefarawaytotheleft，andwasthrownalongfromregimenttoregiment——arollingballofsound——
Wearetheking"skine，bredtobebutchered，You，too，areoneofus！
WearetheZulu，childrenoftheLion，What！didyoutremble？
SuddenlyChakawasseenstalkingthroughtheranks，followedbyhiscaptains，hisindunas，andbyme。Hewalkedalonglikeagreatbuck；
deathwasinhiseyes，andlikeabuckhesniffedtheair，scentingtheairofslaughter。Heliftedhisassegai，andasilencefell；onlythesoundofchantingstillrolledalongthehills。
“WherearethechildrenofZwide？“heshouted，andhisvoicewaslikethevoiceofabull。
“Yonder，father，“answeredtheregiments。Andeveryspearpointedacrossthevalley。
“Theydonotcome，“heshoutedagain。“Shallwethensitheretillwegrowold？“
“No，father，“theyanswered。“Begin！begin！“
“LettheUmkandhluregimentcomeforward！“heshoutedathirdtime，andashespoketheblackshieldsoftheUmkandhluleapedfromtheranksoftheimpi。
“Go，mychildren！“criedChaka。“Thereisthefoe。Goandreturnnomore！“
“Wehearyou，father！“theyansweredwithonevoice，andmoveddowntheslopelikeacountlessherdofgamewithhornsofsteel。
Nowtheycrossedthestream，andnowZwideawoke。Amurmurwentthroughhiscompanies；linesoflightplayedabovehisspears。
Ou！theyarecoming！Ou！theyhavemet！Hearkentothethunderoftheshields！Hearkentothesongofbattle！
Toandfrotheyswing。TheUmkandhlugivesway——itflies！Theypourbackacrossthestream——halfofthem；therestaredead。Ahowlofragegoesupfromthehost，onlyChakasmiles。
“Openup！openup！“hecries。“MakeroomfortheUmkandhluGIRLS！“Andwithhangingheadstheypassus。
Nowhewhispersawordtotheindunas。Theindunasrun；theywhispertoMenziwathegeneralandtothecaptains；thentworegimentsrushdownthehill，twomoreruntotheright，andyetanothertwototheleft。ButChakastaysonthehillwiththethreethatareleft。Againcomestheroarofthemeetingshields。Ah！thesearemen:theyfight，theydonotrun。Regimentafterregimentpoursuponthem，butstilltheystand。Theyfallbyhundredsandbythousands，butnomanshowshisback，andoneachmantherelietwodead。Wow！myfather，ofthosetworegimentsnotoneescaped。Theywerebutboys，buttheywerethechildrenofChaka。Menziwawasburiedbeneaththeheapsofhiswarriors。Nowtherearenosuchmen。
Theyarealldeadandquiet。Chakastillholdshishand！Helookstothenorthandtothesouth。See！spearsareshiningamongthetrees。
Nowthehornsofourhostcloseupontheflanksofthefoe。Theyslayandareslain，butthemenofZwidearemanyandbrave，andthebattleturnsagainstus。
ThenagainChakaspeaksaword。Thecaptainshear，thesoldiersstretchouttheirneckstolisten。
Ithascomeatlast。“Charge！ChildrenoftheZulu！“
Thereisaroar，athunderoffeet，aflashingofspears，abendingofplumes，and，likeariverthathasburntitsbanks，likestorm-cloudsbeforethegale，wesweepdownuponfriendandfoe。Theyformuptomeetus；thestreamispassed；ourwoundedriseupontheirhaunchesandwaveuson。Wetramplethemdown。Whatmatter？Theycanfightnomore。ThenwemeetZwiderushingtogreetus，asbullmeetsbull。Ou！
myfather，Iknownomore。Everythinggrowsred。Thatfight！thatfight！Wesweptthemaway。Whenitwasdonetherewasnothingtobeseen，butthehillsidewasblackandred。Fewfled；fewwerelefttofly。Wepassedoverthemlikefire；weatethemup。Presentlywepaused，lookingforthefoe。Allweredead。ThehostofZwidewasnomore。Thenwemustered。Tenregimentshadlookeduponthemorningsun；
threeregimentssawthesunsink；theresthadgonewherenosunsshine。
SuchwereourbattlesinthedaysofChaka！
YouaskoftheUmkandhluregimentwhichfled。Iwilltellyou。Whenwereachedourkraaloncemore，Chakasummonedthatregimentandmusteredit。Hespoketothemgently，gently。Hethankedthemfortheirservice。Hesaiditwasnaturalthat“girls“shouldfaintatthesightofbloodandturntoseektheirkraals。Yethehadbidthemcomebacknomoreandtheyhadcomeback！Whatthenwastherenowleftforhimtodo？Andhecoveredhisfacewithhisblanket。Thenthesoldierskilledthemall，nearlytwothousandofthem——killedthemwithtauntsandjeers。
Thatishowwedealtwithcowardsinthosedays，myfather。Afterthat，oneZuluwasamatchforfiveofanyothertribe。Iftencameagainsthim，stillhedidnotturnhisback。“Fightandfall，butflynot，“thatwasourwatchword。NeveragainwhileChakaliveddidaconqueredforcepassthegatesoftheking"skraal。
Thatfightwasbutonewaroutofmany。Witheverymoonafreshimpistartedtowashitsspears，andcamebackfewandthin，butwithvictoryandcountlesscattle。Tribeaftertribewentdownbeforeus。
Thoseofthemwhoescapedtheassegaiwereenrolledintofreshregiments，andthus，thoughmendiedbythousandseverymonth，yetthearmygrew。Soontherewerenootherchiefsleft。Umsudukafell，andafterhimMancengeza。Umzilikaziwasdrivennorth；Matiwanewasstampedflat。ThenwepouredintothislandofNatal。Whenweentered，itspeoplecouldnotbenumbered。Whenweleft，hereandthereamanmightbefoundinaholeintheearth——thatwasall。Men，women，andchildren，wewipedthemout；thelandwascleanofthem。NextcametheturnofU"Faku，chiefoftheAmapondos。Ah！whereisU"fakunow？
Andsoitwentonandon，tilleventheZuluswerewearyofwarandthesharpestassegaisgrewblunt。
CHAPTERVI
THEBIRTHOFUMSLOPOGAAS
ThiswastheruleofthelifeofChaka，thathewouldhavenochildren，thoughhehadmanywives。Everychildborntohimbyhis“sisters“wasputawayatonce。
“What，Mopo，“hesaidtome，“shallIrearupchildrentoputmetotheassegaiwhentheygrowgreat？Theycallmetyrant。Say，howdothosechiefsdiewhommennametyrants？Theydieatthehandsofthosewhomtheyhavebred。Nay，Mopo，Iwillruleformylife，andwhenI
jointhespiritsofmyfathersletthestrongesttakemypowerandmyplace！“
NowitchancedthatshortlyafterChakahadspokenthus，mysisterBaleka，theking"swife，fellinlabour；andonthatsamedaymywifeMacrophawasbroughttobedoftwins，andthisbuteightdaysaftermysecondwife，Anadi，hadgivenbirthtoason。Youask，myfather，howIcametobemarried，seeingthatChakaforbademarriagetoallhissoldierstilltheywereinmiddlelifeandhadputtheman"sringupontheirheads。Itwasaboonhegrantedmeasinyangaofmedicine，sayingitwaswellthatadoctorshouldknowthesicknessesofwomenandlearnhowtocuretheireviltempers。Asthough，myfather，thatwerepossible！
WhenthekingheardthatBalekawassickhedidnotkillheroutright，becausehelovedheralittle，buthesentforme，commandingmetoattendher，andwhenthechildwasborntocauseitsbodytobebroughttohim，accordingtocustom，sothathemightbesurethatitwasdead。Ibenttotheearthbeforehim，andwenttodohisbiddingwithaheavyheart，forwasnotBalekamysister？andwouldnotherchildbeofmyownblood？Still，itmustbeso，forChaka"swhisperwasastheshoutofotherkings，and，ifwedaredtodisobey，thenourlivesandthelivesofallinourkraalswouldanswerforit。Betterthataninfantshoulddiethanthatweshouldbecomefoodforjackals。
PresentlyIcametotheEmposeni，theplaceoftheking"swives，anddeclaredtheking"swordtothesoldiersonguard。Theyloweredtheirassegaisandletmepass，andIenteredthehutofBaleka。Initwereothersoftheking"swives，butwhentheysawmetheyroseandwentaway，foritwasnotlawfulthattheyshouldstaywhereIwas。ThusI
wasleftalonewithmysister。
Forawhileshelaysilent，andIdidnotspeak，thoughIsawbytheheavingofherbreastthatshewasweeping。
“Hush，littleone！“Isaidatlength；“yoursorrowwillsoonbedone。“
“Nay，“sheanswered，liftingherhead，“itwillbebutbegun。Oh，cruelman！Iknowthereasonofyourcoming。Youcometomurderthebabethatshallbebornofme。“
“Itistheking"sword，woman。“
“Itistheking"sword，andwhatistheking"sword？HaveI，then，naughttosayinthismatter？“
“Itistheking"schild，woman。“
“Itistheking"schild，anditisnotalsomychild？Mustmybabebedraggedfrommybreastandbestrangled，andbyyou，Mopo？HaveInotlovedyou，Mopo？DidInotfleewithyoufromourpeopleandthevengeanceofourfather？Doyouknowthatnottwomoonsgonethekingwaswrothwithyoubecausehefellsick，andwouldhavecausedyoutobeslainhadInotpleadedforyouandcalledhisoathtomind？Andthusyoupayme:youcometokillmychild，myfirst-bornchild！“
“Itistheking"sword，woman，“Iansweredsternly；butmyheartwassplitintwowithinme。
ThenBalekasaidnomore，but，turningherfacetothewallofthehut，sheweptandgroanedbitterly。
Now，assheweptIheardastirwithoutthehut，andthelightinthedoorwaywasdarkened。Awomanenteredalone。Ilookedroundtoseewhoitwas，thenfelluponthegroundinsalutation，forbeforemewasUnandi，motheroftheking，whowasnamed“MotheroftheHeavens，“
thatsameladytowhommymotherhadrefusedthemilk。
“Hail，MotheroftheHeavens！“Isaid。
“Greeting，Mopo，“sheanswered。“Say，whydoesBalekaweep？Isitbecausethesorrowofwomenisuponher？“
“Askofher，greatchieftainess，“Isaid。
ThenBalekaspoke:“Iweep，motherofaking，becausethisman，whoismybrother，hascomefromhimwhoismylordandtheyson，tomurderthatwhichshallbebornofme。Othouwhosebreastshavegivensuck，pleadforme！Thysonwasnotslainatbirth。“
“Perhapsitwerewellifhehadbeensoslain，Baleka，“saidUnandi；
“thenhadmanyanothermanlivedtolookuponthesunwhoisnowdead。“
“Attheleast，asaninfanthewasgoodandgentle，andthoumightestlovehim，MotheroftheZulu。“
“Never，Baleka！Asababehebitmybreastandtoremyhair；asthemanissowasthebabe。“
“Yetmayhischildbeotherwise，MotheroftheHeavens！Think，thouhastnograndsontocomforttheeinthyage。Wiltthou，then，seeallthystockwither？Theking，ourlord，livesinwar。Hetoomaydie，andwhatthen？“
“ThentherootofSenzangaconaisstillgreen。Hasthekingnobrothers？“
“Theyarenotoftheyflesh，mother。What？thoudostnothearken！ThenasawomantowomanIpleadwiththee。Savemychildorslaymewithmychild！“
NowtheheartofUnandigrewgentle，andshewasmovedtotears。
“Howmaythisbedone，Mopo？“shesaid。“Thekingmustseethedeadinfant，andifhesuspect，andevenreedshaveears，youknowtheheartofChakaandwhereweshalllieto-morrow。“
“Aretherethennoothernew-bornbabesinZululand？“saidBaleka，sittingupandspeakinginawhisperlikethehissofasnake。
“Listen，Mopo！Isnotyourwifealsoinlabour？Nowhearme，MotheroftheHeavens，and，mybrother，hearmealso。Donotthinktoplaywithmeinthismatter。Iwillsavemychildoryoutwainwillperishwithit。ForIwilltellthekingthatyoucametome，thetwoofyou，andwhisperedplotsintomyear——plotstosavethechildandkilltheking。Nowchoose，andswiftly！“
Shesankbank，therewassilence，andwelookedoneuponanother。ThenUnandispoke。
“Givemeyourhand，Mopo，andswearthatyouwillbefaithfultomeinthissecret，asIsweartoyou。AdaymaycomewhenthischildwhohasnotseenthelightrulesaskinginZululand，andtheninrewardyoushallbethegreatestofthepeople，theking"svoice，whispererintheking"sear。Butifyoubreakyouroath，thenbeware，forIshallnotdiealone！“
“Iswear，MotheroftheHeavens，“Ianswered。
“Itiswell，sonofMakedama。“
“Itiswell，mybrother，“saidBaleka。“Nowgoanddothatwhichmustbedoneswiftly，formysorrowisuponme。Go，knowingthatifyoufailIwillbepitiless，forIwillbringyoutoyourdeath，yes，evenifmyowndeathistheprice！“
SoIwent。“Whithertoyougo？“askedtheguardatthegate。
“Igotobringmymedicines，menoftheking，“Ianswered。
SoIsaid；but，oh！myheartwasheavy，andthiswasmyplan——toflyfarfromZululand。Icouldnot，andIdarednotdothisthing。What？
shouldIkillmyownchildthatitslifemightbegivenforthelifeofthebabeofBaleka？AndshouldIliftupmywillagainstthewilloftheking，savingthechildtolookuponthesunwhichhehaddoomedtodarkness？Nay，Iwouldfly，leavingall，andseekoutsomefartribewhereImightbegintoliveagain。HereIcouldnotlive；hereintheshadowofChakawasnothingbutdeath。
Ireachedmyownhuts，theretofindthatmywifeMacrophawasdeliveredoftwins。Isentawayallinthehutexceptmyotherwife，Anadi，shewhoeightdaysgonehadbornmeason。Thesecondofthetwinswasborn；itwasaboy，borndead。Thefirstwasagirl，shewholivedtobeNadatheBeautiful，NadatheLily。Thenathoughtcameintomyheart。Herewasapathtorunon。
“Givemetheboy，“IsaidtoAnadi。“Heisnotdead。GivehimtomethatImaytakehimoutsidethekraalandwakehimtolifebymymedicine。“
“Itisofnouse——thechildisdead，“saidAnadi。
“Givehimtome，woman！“Isaidfiercely。Andshegavemethebody。
ThenItookhimandwrappedhimupinmybundleofmedicines，andoutsideofallIrolledamatofplaitedgrass。
“SuffernonetoenterthehuttillIreturn，“Isaid；“andspeaknowordofthechildthatseemstobedead。Ifyouallowanytoenter，orifyouspeakaword，thenmymedicinewillnotworkandthebabewillbedeadindeed。“
SoIwent，leavingthewomenwondering，foritisnotourcustomtosavebothwhentwinsareborn；butIranswiftlytothegatesoftheEmposeni。
“Ibringthemedicines，menoftheking！“Isaidtotheguards。
“Passin，“theyanswered。
IpassedthroughthegatesandintothehutofBaleka。Unandiwasaloneinthehutwithmysister。
“Thechildisborn，“saidthemotheroftheking。“Lookathim，Mopo，sonofMakedama！“
Ilooked。HewasagreatchildwithlargeblackeyesliketheeyesofChakatheking；andUnandi，too，lookedatme。“Whereisit？“shewhispered。
Iloosedthematanddrewthedeadchildfromthemedicines，glancingroundfearfullyasIdidso。
“Givemethelivingbabe，“Iwhisperedback。
TheygaveittomeandItookofadrugthatIknewandrubbeditonthetongueofthechild。Nowthisdrughasthepowertomakethetongueittouchesdumbforawhile。ThenIwrappedupthechildinmymedicinesandagainboundthemataboutthebundle。Butroundthethroatofthestill-bornbabeItiedastringoffibreasthoughIhadstrangledit，andwrappeditlooselyinapieceofmatting。
NowforthefirsttimeIspoketoBaleka:“Woman，“Isaid，“andthoualso，MotheroftheHeavens，Ihavedoneyourwish，butknowthatbeforeallisfinishedthisdeedshallbringaboutthedeathofmany。
Besecretasthegrave，forthegraveyawnsforyouboth。“
Iwentagain，bearingthematcontainingthedeadchildinmyrighthand。ButthebundleofmedicinesthatheldthelivingoneIfastenedacrossmyshoulders。IpassedoutoftheEmposeni，and，asIwent，I
heldupthebundleinmyrighthandtotheguards，showingthemthatwhichwasinit，butsayingnothing。
“Itisgood，“theysaid，nodding。
Butnowill-fortunefoundme，forjustoutsidetheEmposeniImetthreeoftheking"smessengers。
“Greeting，sonofMakedama！“theysaid。“ThekingsummonsyoutotheIntunkulu“——thatistheroyalhouse，myfather。
“Good！“Ianswered。“Iwillcomenow；butfirstIwouldruntomyownplacetoseehowitgoeswithMacropha，mywife。Hereisthatwhichthekingseeks，“andIshowedthemthedeadchild。“Takeittohimifyouwill。“
“Thatisnottheking"scommand，Mopo，“theyanswered。“Hiswordisthatyoushouldstandbeforehimatonce。“
Nowmyheartturnedtowaterinmybreast。Kingshavemanyears。Couldhehaveheard？AndhowdaredIgobeforetheLionbearinghislivingchildhiddenonmyback？Yettowaverwastobelost，toshowfearwastobelost，todisobeywastobelost。
“Good！Icome，“Ianswered。AndwewalkedtothegateoftheIntunkulu。
Itwassundown。Chakawassittinginthelittlecourtyardinfrontofhishut。Iwentdownonmykneesbeforehimandgavetheroyalsalute，Bayete，andsoIstayed。
“Rise，sonofMakedama！“hesaid。
“Icannotrise，LionoftheZulu，“Ianswered，“Icannotrise，havingroyalbloodonmyhands，tillthekinghaspardonedme。“
“Whereisit？“heasked。
Ipointedtothematinmyhand。
“Letmelookatit。“
ThenIundidthemat，andhelookedonthechild，andlaughedaloud。
“Hemighthavebeenaking，“hesaid，ashebadeacouncillortakeitaway。“Mopo，thouhastslainonewhomighthavebeenaking。Artthounotafraid？“
“No，BlackOne，“Ianswered，“thechildiskilledbyorderofonewhoisaking。“
“Sitdown，andletustalk，“saidChaka，forhismoodwasidle。“To-
morrowthoushalthavefiveoxenforthisdeed；thoushaltchoosethemfromtheroyalherd。“
“Thekingisgood；heseesthatmybeltisdrawntight；hesatisfiesmyhunger。WillthekingsufferthatIgo？MywifeisinlabourandI
wouldvisither。“
“Nay，stayawhile；sayhowitiswithBaleka，mysisterandthine？“
“Itiswell。“
“Didsheweepwhenyoutookthebabefromher？“
“Nay，sheweptnot。Shesaid，"Mylord"swillismywill。"“
“Good！Hadsheweptshehadbeenslainalso。Whowaswithher？“
“TheMotheroftheHeavens。“
ThebrowofChakadarkened。“Unandi，mymother，whatdidshethere？MymyselfIswear，thoughsheismymother——ifIthought“——andheceased。
Theewasasilence，thenhespokeagain。“Say，whatisinthatmat？“
andhepointedwithhislittleassegaiatthebundleonmyshoulders。
“Medicine，king。“
“Thoudostcarryenoughtodoctoranimpi。Undothematandletmelookatit。“
Now，myfather，Itellyouthatthemarrowmeltedinmyboneswithterror，forifIundidthematIfearedhemustseethechildandthen——“
“Itistagati，itisbewitched，Oking。Itisnotwisetolookonmedicine。“
“Open！“heansweredangrily。“What？mayInotlookatthatwhichIamforcedtoswallow——I，whoamthefirstofdoctors？“
“Deathistheking"smedicine，“Ianswered，liftingthebundle，andlayingitasfarfromhimintheshadowofthefenceasIdared。ThenIbentoverit，slowlyundoingtherimpiswithwhichitwastied，whilethesweatofterrorrandownbyfaceblindingmeliketears。
WhatwouldIdoifhesawthechild？Whatifthechildawokeandcried？Iwouldsnatchtheassegaifromhishandandstabhim！Yes，I
wouldkillthekingandthenkillmyself！Nowthematwasunrolled。
Insidewerethebrownleavesandrootsofmedicine；beneaththemwasthesenselessbadewrappedindeadmoss。
“Uglystuff，“saidtheking，takingsnuff。“Nowsee，Mopo，whatagoodaimIhave！Thisforthymedicine！“Andheliftedhisassegaitothrowitthroughthebundle。Butashethrew，mysnakeputitintotheking"shearttosneeze，andthusitcametopassthattheassegaionlypiercedtheouterleavesofthemedicine，anddidnottouchthechild。
“Maytheheavensblesstheking！“Isaid，accordingtocustom。
“Thankstothee，Mopo，itisagoodomen，“heanswered。“Andnow，begone！Takemyadvice:killthychildren，asIkillmine，lesttheylivetoworrythee。Thewhelpsoflionsarebestdrowned。“
Ididupthebundlefast——fast，thoughmyhandstrembled。Oh！whatifthechildshouldwakeandcry。Itwasdone；Iroseandsalutedtheking。ThenIdoubledmyselfupandpassedfrombeforehim。ScarcelywasIoutsidethegatesoftheIntunkuluwhentheinfantbegantosqueakinthebundle。Ifithadbeenoneminutebefore！
“What，“saidasoldier，asIpassed，“haveyougotapuppyhiddenunderyourmoocha，[1]Mopo？“
[1]Girdlecomposedofskinandtailsofoxen-ED。
Imadenoanswer，buthurriedontillIcametomyhuts。Ientered；
thereweremytwowivesalone。
“Ihaverecoveredthechild，women，“Isaid，asIundidthebundle。
Anaditookhimandlookedathim。
“Theboyseemsbiggerthanhewas，“shesaid。
“Thebreathoflifehascomeintohimandpuffedhimout，“Ianswered。
“Hiseyesarenotashiseyeswere，“shesaidagain。“Nowtheyarebigandblack，liketheeyesoftheking。“
“Myspiritlookeduponhiseyesandmadethembeautiful，“Ianswered。
“Thischildhasabirth-markonhisthigh，“shesaidathirdtime。
“ThatwhichIgaveyouhadnomark。“
“Ilaidmymedicinethere，“Ianswered。
“Itisnotthesamechild，“shesaidsullenly。“Itisachangelingwhowilllayill-luckatourdoors。“
ThenIroseupinmyrageandcursedherheavily，forIsawthatifshewasnotstoppedthiswoman"stonguewouldbringusalltoruin。
“Peace，witch！“Icried。“Howdareyoutospeakthusfromalyingheart？Doyouwishtodrawdownacurseuponourroof？Wouldyoumakeusallfoodfortheking"sspear？Saysuchwordsagain，andyoushallsitwithinthecircle——theIngombocoshallknowyouforawitch！“
SoIstormedon，threateningtobringhertodeath，tillatlengthshegrewfearful，andfellatmyfeetprayingformercyandforgiveness。
ButIwasmuchafraidbecauseofthiswoman"stongue，andnotwithoutreason。
CHAPTERVII
UMSLOPOGAASANSWERSTHEKING
Nowtheyearswenton，andthismatterslept。Nothingmorewasheardofit，butstillitonlyslept；and，myfather，Ifearedgreatlyforthehourwhenitshouldawake。Forthesecretwasknownbytwowomen——
Unandi，MotheroftheHeavens，andBaleka，mysister，wifeoftheking；andbytwomore——MacrophaandAnadi，mywives——itwasguessedat。How，then，shoulditremainasecretforever？Moreover，itcameaboutthatUnandiandBalekacouldnotrestraintheirfondnessforthischildwhowascalledmysonandnamedUmslopogaas，butwhowasthesonofChaka，theking，andoftheBaleka，andthegrandsonofUnandi。Soithappenedthatveryoftenoneortheotherofthemwouldcomeintomyhut，makingpretencetovisitmywives，andtaketheboyuponherlapandfondleit。InvaindidIpraythemtoforbear。Lovepulledattheirheart-stringsmoreheavilythanmywords，andstilltheycame。Thiswastheendofit——thatChakasawthechildsittingonthekneeofUnandi，hismother。
“Whatdoesmymotherwiththatbratofthine，Mopo？“heaskedofme。
“Cannotshekissme，ifshewillfindachildtokiss？“Andhelaughedlikeawolf。
IsaidthatIdidnotknow，andthematterpassedoverforawhile。ButafterthatChakacausedhismothertobewatched。NowtheboyUmslopogaasgrewgreatandstrong；therewasnosuchladofhisyearsforaday"sjourneyround。Butfromababehewassomewhatsurly，offewwords，andlikehisfather，Chaka，afraidofnothing。Inalltheworldtherewerebuttwopeoplewhomheloved——thesewereI，Mopo，whowascalledhisfather，andNada，shewhowassaidtobehistwinsister。
NowitmustbetoldofNadathatastheboyUmslopogaaswasthestrongestandbravestofchildren，sothegirlNadawasthegentlestandmostfair。Ofatruth，myfather，IbelievethatherbloodwasnotallZulu，thoughthisIcannotsayforcertain。Attheleast，hereyesweresofterandlargerthanthoseofourpeople，herhairlongerandlesstightlycurled，andherskinwaslighter——moreofthecolourofpurecopper。Thesethingsshehadfromhermother，Macropha；thoughshewasfairerthanMacropha——fairer，indeed，thananywomanofmypeoplewhomIhaveseen。Hermother，Macropha，mywife，wasofSwaziblood，andwasbroughttotheking"skraalwithothercaptivesafteraraid，andgiventomeasawifebytheking。ItwassaidthatshewasthedaughterofaSwaziheadmanofthetribeoftheHalakazi，andthatshewasbornofhiswifeistrue，butwhetherhewasherfatherIdonotknow；forIhaveheardfromthelipsofMacrophaherself，thatbeforeshewasborntherewasawhitemanstayingatherfather"skraal。HewasaPortuguesefromthecoast，ahandsomeman，andskilledintheworkingofiron。Thiswhitemanlovedthemotherofmywife，Macropha，andsomeheldthatMacrophawashisdaughter，andnotthatoftheSwaziheadman。AtleastIknowthis，thatbeforemywife"sbirththeSwazikilledthewhiteman。Butnonecantellthetruthofthesematters，andIonlyspeakofthembecausethebeautyofNadawasratherasisthebeautyofthewhitepeoplethanofours，andthismightwellhappenifhergrandfatherchancedtobeawhiteman。
NowUmslopogaasandNadawerealwaystogether。Togethertheyate，togethertheysleptandwandered；theythoughtonethoughtandspokewithonetongue。Ou！itwasprettytoseethem！TwicewhiletheywerestillchildrendidUmslopogaassavethelifeofNada。
Thefirsttimeitcameaboutthus。Thetwochildrenhadwanderedfarfromthekraal，seekingcertainberriesthatlittleoneslove。Ontheywanderedandon，singingastheywent，tillatlengththeyfoundtheberries，andateheartily。Thenitwasnearsundown，andwhentheyhadeatentheyfellasleep。Inthenighttheywoketofindagreatwindblowingandacoldrainfallingonthem，foritwasthebeginningofwinter，whenfruitsareripe。
“Up，Nada！“saidUmslopogaas，“wemustseekthekraalorthecoldwillkillus。“
SoNadarose，frightened，andhandinhandtheystumbledthroughthedarkness。Butinthewindandthenighttheylosttheirpath，andwhenatlengththedawncametheywereinaforestthatwasstrangetothem。Theyrestedawhile，andfindingberriesatethem，thenwalkedagain。Allthatdaytheywandered，tillatlastthenightcamedown，andtheypluckedbranchesoftreesandpiledthebranchesoverthemforwarmth，andtheyweresowearythattheyfellasleepineachother"sarms。Atdawntheyrose，butnowtheywereverytiredandberrieswerefew，sothatbymiddaytheywerespent。Thentheylaydownonthesideofasteephill，andNadalaidherheaduponthebreastofUmslopogaas。
“Hereletusdie，mybrother，“shesaid。
Buteventhentheboyhadagreatspirit，andheanswered，“Timetodie，sister，whenDeathchoosesus。See，now！Doyouresthere，andI
willclimbthehillandlookacrosstheforest。“
Soheleftherandclimbedthehill，andonitssidehefoundmanyberriesandarootthatisgoodforfood，andfilledhimselfwiththem。Atlengthhecametothecrestofthehillandlookedoutacrosstheseaofgreen。Lo！there，farawaytotheeast，hesawalineofwhitethatlaylikesmokeagainsttheblacksurfaceofacliff，andknewitforthewaterfallbeyondtheroyaltown。Thenhecamedownthehill，shoutingforjoyandbearingrootsandberriesinhishand。ButwhenhereachedthespotwhereNadawas，hefoundthathersenseshadleftherthroughhunger，cold，andweariness。Shelayuponthegroundlikeoneasleep，andoverherstoodajackalthatfledashedrewnigh。NowitwouldseemthattherebuttwoshootstothestickofUmslopogaas。Onewastosavehimself，andtheothertoliedownanddiebyNada。Yethefoundathird，for，undoingthestripsofhismoocha，hemaderopesofthem，andwiththeropesheboundNadaonhisbackandstartedfortheking"skraal。Hecouldneverhavereachedit，forthewaywaslong，yetateveningsomemessengersrunningthroughtheforestcameuponanakedladwithagirlboundtohisbackandastaffinhishand，whostaggeredalongslowlywithstartingeyesandfoamuponhislips。Hecouldnotspeak，hewassoweary，andtheropeshadcutthroughtheskinofhisshoulders；yetoneofthemessengersknewhimforUmslopogaas，thesonofMopo，andtheyborehimtothekraal。TheywouldhaveleftthegirlNada，thinkingherdead，buthepointedtoherbreast，and，feelingit，theyfoundthatherheartstillbeat，sotheybroughtheralso；andtheendofitwasthatbothrecoveredandlovedeachothermorethaneverbefore。
Nowafterthis，I，Mopo，badeUmslopogaasstayathomewithinthekraal，andnotleadhissistertothewilds。Buttheboylovedroaminglikeafox，andwherehewentthereNadafollowed。Soitcameaboutthatonedaytheyslippedfromthekraalwhenthegateswereopen，andsoughtoutacertaindeepglenwhichhadanevilname，foritwassaidthatspiritshaunteditandputthosetodeathwhoenteredthere。
WhetherthiswastrueIdonotknow，butIknowthatintheglendweltacertainwomanofthewoods，whohadherhabitationinacaveandliveduponwhatshecouldkillorstealordigupwithherhands。Nowthiswomanwasmad。Forithadchancedthatherhusbandhadbeen“smeltout“bythewitch-doctorsasaworkerofmagicagainsttheking，andslain。ThenChaka，accordingtocustom，despatchedtheslayerstoeatuphiskraal，andtheycametothekraalandkilledhispeople。Lastofalltheykilledhischildren，threeyounggirls，andwouldhaveassegaiedtheirmother，whensuddenlyaspiritenteredintoheratthesight，andshewentmad，sothattheylethergo，beingafraidtotouchherafterwards。Soshefledandtookupherabodeinthehauntedglen；andthiswasthenatureofhermadness，thatwhenevershesawchildren，andmoreespeciallygirlchildren，alongingcameuponhertokillthemasherownhadbeenkilled。This，indeed，shedidoften，forwhenthemoonwasfullandhermadnessatitshighest，shewouldtravelfartofindchildren，snatchingthemawayfromthekraalslikeahyena。Still，nonewouldtouchherbecauseofthespiritinher，noteventhosewhosechildrenshehadmurdered。
SoUmslopogaasandNadacametotheglenwherethechild-slayerlived，andsatdownbyapoolofwaternotfarfromthemouthofhercave，weavingflowersintoagarland。PresentlyUmslopogaasleftNada，tosearchforrocklilieswhichsheloved。Ashewenthecalledbacktoher，andhisvoiceawokethewomanwhowassleepinginhercave，forshecameoutbynightonly，likeajackal。Thenthewomansteppedforth，smellingbloodandhavingaspearinherhand。PresentlyshesawNadaseateduponthegrassweavingflowers，andcrepttowardshertokillher。Nowasshecame——sothechildtoldme——suddenlyacoldwindseemedtobreatheuponNada，andfeartookholdofher，thoughshedidnotseethewomanwhowouldmurderher。Sheletfalltheflowers，andlookedbeforeherintothepool，andthere，mirroredinthepool，shesawthegreedyfaceofthechild-slayer，whocreptdownuponherfromabove，herhairhangingaboutherbrowandhereyesshiningliketheeyesofalion。
ThenwithacryNadasprangupandfledalongthepathwhichUmslopogaashadtaken，andafterherleaptandranthemadwoman。
Umslopogaasheardhercry。Heturnedandrushedbackoverthebrowofthehill，and，lo！therebeforehimwasthemurderess。AlreadyshehadgraspedNadabythehair，alreadyherspearwasliftedtopierceher。
Umslopogaashadnospear，hehadnothingbutalittlestickwithoutaknob；yetwithitherushedatthemadwomanandstruckhersosmartlyonthearmthatsheletgoofthegirlandturnedonhimwithayell。
Then，liftingherspear，shestruckathim，butheleaptaside。Againshestruck；buthesprangintotheair，andthespearpassedbeneathhim。Athirdtimethewomanstruck，and，thoughhefelltoearthtoavoidtheblow，yettheassegaipiercedhisshoulder。Buttheweightofhisbodyashefelltwisteditfromherhand，andbeforeshecouldgrasphimhewasup，andbeyondherreach，thespearstillfastinhisshoulder。
Thenthewomanturned，screamingwithrageandmadness，andranatNadatokillherwithherhands。ButUmslopogaassethisteeth，and，drawingthespearfromhiswound，chargedher，shouting。Sheliftedagreatstoneandhurleditathim——sohardthatitflewintofragmentsagainstanotherstonewhichitstruck；yethechargedon，andsmoteathersotrulythathedrovethespearthroughher，andshefelldowndead。AfterthatNadabounduphiswound，whichwasdeep，andwithmuchpainhereachedtheking"skraalandtoldmethisstory。
Nowthereweresomewhocriedthattheboymustbeputtodeath，becausehehadkilledonepossessedwithaspirit。ButIsaidno，heshouldnotbetouched。Hehadkilledthewomanindefenceofhisownlifeandthelifeofhissister；andeveryonehadarighttoslayinself-defence，exceptasagainstthekingorthosewhodidtheking"sbidding。Moreover，Isaid，ifthewomanhadaspirit，itwasanevilone，fornogoodspiritwouldaskthelivesofchildren，butratherthoseofcattle，foritisagainstourcustomtosacrificehumanbeingstotheAmatongaeveninwar，thoughtheBasutadogsdoso。
Still，thetumultgrew，forthewitch-doctorsweresetupontheboy"sdeath，sayingthatevilwouldcomeofitifhewasallowedtolive，havingkilledoneinspired，andatlastthemattercametotheearsoftheking。ThenChakasummonedmeandtheboybeforehim，andhealsosummonedthewitch-doctors。
First，thewitch-doctorssetouttheircase，demandingthedeathofUmslopogaas。Chakaaskedthemwhatwouldhappeniftheboywasnotkilled。Theyansweredthatthespiritofthedeadwomanwouldleadhimtobringevilontheroyalhouse。Chakaaskedifhewouldbringevilonhim，theking。Theyinturnaskedthespirits，andansweredno，notonhim，butononeoftheroyalhousewhoshouldbeafterhim。Chakasaidthathecarednothingwhathappenedtothosewhocameafterhim，orwhethergoodorevilbefellthem。ThenhespoketoUmslopogaas，wholookedhimboldlyintheface，asanequallooksatanequal。
“Boy，“hesaid，“whathastthoutosayastowhythoushouldstnotbekilledasthesemendemand？“
“This，BlackOne，“answeredUmslopogaas；“thatIstabbedthewomanindefenceofmyownlife。“
“Thatisnothing，“saidChaka。“IfI，theking，wishedtokillthee，mightestthouthereforekillmeorthosewhomIsent？TheItongointhewomanwasaSpiritKingandorderedhertokillthee；thoushouldstthenhaveletthyselfbekilled。Hastthounootherreason？“
“This，Elephant，“answeredUmslopogaas；“thewomanwouldhavemurderedmysister，whomIlovebetterthanmylife。“
“Thatisnothing，“saidChaka。“IfIorderedtheetobekilledforanycause，shouldInotalsoorderallwithinthygatestobekilledwiththee？Maynot，then，aSpiritKingdolikewise？Ifthouhastnothingmoretosaythoumustdie。“
NowIgrewafraid，forIfearedlestChakashouldslayhimwhowascalledmysonbecauseofthewordofthedoctors。ButtheboyUmslopogaaslookedupandansweredboldly，notasonewhopleadsforhislife，butasonewhodemandsaright:——
“Ihavethistosay，Eater-upofEnemies，andifitisnotenough，letusstoptalking，andletmebekilled。Thou，Oking，didstcommandthatthiswomanshouldbeslain。Thosewhomthoudidstsendtodestroyhersparedher，becausetheythoughthermad。Ihavecarriedoutthecommandmentoftheking；Ihaveslainher，madorsane，whomthekingcommandedshouldbekilled，andIhaveearnednotdeath，butareward。“
“Wellsaid，Umslopogaas！“answeredChaka。“Lettenheadofcattlebegiventothisboywiththeheartofaman；hisfathershallguardthemforhim。Artthousatisfiednow，Umslopogaas？“
“Itakethatwhichisduetome，andIthankthekingbecauseheneednotpayunlesshewill，“Umslopogaasanswered。
Chakastaredawhile，begantogrowangry，thenburstoutlaughing。
“Why，thiscalfissuchanotheroneaswasdroppedlongagointhekraalofSenzangacona！“hesaid。“AsIwas，soisthisboy。Goon，lad，inthatpath，andthoumaystfindthosewhoshallcrytheroyalsaluteofBayetetotheeattheendofit。Onlykeepoutofmyway，fortwoofakindmightnotagree。Nowbegone！“
Sowewentout，butaswepassedthemIsawthedoctorsmutteringtogether，fortheywereill-pleasedandforebodedevil。Alsotheywerejealousofme，andwishedtosmitemethroughtheheartofhimwhowascalledmyson。
CHAPTERVIII
THEGREATINGOMBOCO
AfterthistherewasquietuntiltheFeastoftheFirst-fruitswasended。Butfewpeoplewerekilledatthesefeast，thoughtherewasagreatIngomboco，orwitch-hunt，andmanyweresmeltoutbythewitch-
doctorsasworkingmagicagainsttheking。NowthingshadcometothispassinZululand——thatthewholepeoplecoweredbeforethewitch-
doctors。Nomanmightsleepsafe，fornoneknewbutthatonthemorrowhewouldbetouchedbythewandofanIsanusi，aswenameafinderofwitches，andledawaytohisdeath。ForawhileChakasaidnothing，andsolongasthedoctorssmeltoutthoseonlywhomhewishedtogetridof——andtheyweremany——hewaswellpleased。Butwhentheybegantoworkfortheirownends，andtodothosetodeathwhomhedidnotdesiretokill，hegrewangry。Yetthecustomofthelandwasthathewhomthewitch-doctortouchedmustdie，heandallhishouse；
thereforethekingwasinacleftstick，forhescarcelydaredtosaveeventhosewhomheloved。OnenightIcametodoctorhim，forhewassickinhismind。OnthatverydaytherehadbeenanIngomboco，andfiveofthebravestcaptainsofthearmyhadbeensmeltoutbytheAbangoma，thewitch-finders，togetherwithmanyothers。Allhadbeendestroyed，andmenhadbeensenttokillthewivesandchildrenofthedead。NowChakawasveryangryatthisslaying，andopenedhishearttome。
“Thewitch-doctorsruleinZululand，andnotI，Mopo，sonofMakedama，“hesaidtome。“Where，then，isittoend？ShallImyselfbesmeltoutandslain？TheseIsanusisaretoostrongforme；theylieuponthelandliketheshadowofnight。Tellme，howmayIbefreeofthem？“
“ThosewhowalktheBridgeofSpears，Oking，falloffintoNowhere，“
Ianswereddarkly；“evenwitch-doctorscannotkeepafootingonthatbridge。Hasnotawitch-doctoraheartthatcanceasetobeat？Hashenotbloodthatcanbemadetoflow？“
Chakalookedatmestrangely。“Thouartaboldmanwhodaresttospeakthustome，Mopo，“hesaid。“DostthounotknowthatitissacrilegetotouchanIsanusi？“
“Ispeakthatwhichisintheking"smind，“Ianswered。“Hearken，O
king！ItisindeedsacrilegetotouchatrueIsanusi，butwhatiftheIsanusibealiar？Whatifhesmelloutfalsely，bringingthosetodeathwhoareinnocentofevil？Isitthensacrilegetobringhimtothatendwhichhehasgiventomanyanother？Say，Oking！“
“Goodwords！“answeredChaka。“Nowtellme，sonofMakedama，howmaythismatterbeputtoproof？“
ThenIleanedforward，whisperingintotheearoftheBlackOne，andhenoddedheavily。
ThusIspokethen，becauseI，too，sawtheeviloftheIsanusis，Iwhoknewtheirsecrets。Also，Ifearedformyownlifeandforthelivesofallthosewhoweredeartome。Fortheyhatedmeasoneinstructedintheirmagic，onewhohadtheseeingeyeandthehearingear。
Onemorningthereafteranewthingcametopassintheroyalkraal，forthekinghimselfranout，cryingaloudtoallpeopletocomeandseetheevilthathadbeenworkeduponhimbyawizard。Theycametogetherandsawthis。Onthedoor-postsofthegatewayoftheIntunkulu，thehouseoftheking，weregreatsmearsofblood。Thekneesofmenstronginthebattletrembledwhentheysawit；womenwailedaloudastheywailoverthedead；theywailedbecauseofthehorroroftheomen。
“Whohasdonethisthing？“criedChakainaterriblevoice。“Whohasdaredtobewitchthekingandtostrikeblooduponhishouse？“
Therewasnoanswer，andChakaspokeagain。“Thisisnolittlematter，“hesaid，“tobewashedawaywiththebloodofoneortwoandbeforgotten。Themanwhowroughtitshallnotdiealoneortravelwithafewtotheworldofspirits。Allhistribeshallgowithhim，downtothebabyinhishutandcattleinhiskraal！Letmessengersgoouteastandwest，andnorthandsouth，andsummonthewitch-doctorsfromeveryquarter！Letthemsummonthecaptainsfromeveryregimentandtheheadmenfromeverykraal！OnthetenthdayfromnowthecircleoftheIngombocomustbeset，andthereshallbesuchasmellingoutofwizardsandofwitchesashasnotbeenknowninZululand！“
Sothemessengerswentouttodothebiddingoftheking，takingthenamesofthosewhoshouldbesummonedfromthelipsoftheindunas，anddaybydaypeopleflockeduptothegatesoftheroyalkraal，and，creepingontheirkneesbeforethemajestyoftheking，praisedhimaloud。Buthevouchsafedananswertonone。Onenobleonlyhecausedtobekilled，becausehecarriedinhishandastickoftheroyalredwood，whichChakahimselfhadgivenhiminbygoneyears。[1]
[1]ThisbeautifulwoodisknowninNatalas“redivory。“——ED。
OnthelastnightbeforetheformingoftheIngomboco，thewitch-
doctors，maleandfemale，enteredthekraal。Therewereahundredandahalfofthem，andtheyweremadehideousandterriblewiththewhitebonesofmen，withbladdersoffishandofoxen，withfatofwizards，andwithskinsofsnakes。TheywalkedinsilencetilltheycameinfrontoftheIntunkulu，theroyalhouse；thentheystoppedandsangthissongforthekingtohear:——
Wehavecome，Oking，wehavecomefromthecavesandtherocksandtheswamps，Towashinthebloodoftheslain；
Wehavegatheredourhostfromtheairasvulturesaregatheredinwar。
Whentheyscentthebloodoftheslain。
Wecomenotalone，Oking:witheachWiseOnetherepassesaghost，Whohissesthenameofthedoomed。
Wecomenotalone，forwearethesonsandIndunasofDeath，Andheguidesourfeettothedoomed。
Redrisesthemoono"ertheplain，redsinksthesuninthewest，Look，wizards，andbidthemfarewell！
Wecountyoubyhundreds，youwhocriedforacurseontheking。
Ha！soonshallwebidYOUfarewell！
Thentheyweresilent，andwentinsilencetotheplaceappointedforthem，theretopassthenightinmutteringsandmagic。Butthosewhoweregatheredtogethershiveredwithfearwhentheyheardtheirwords，fortheyknewwellthatmanyamanwouldbeswitchedwiththegnu"stailbeforethesunsankoncemore。AndI，too，trembled，formyheartwasfulloffear。Ah！myfather，thosewereevildaystoliveinwhenChakaruled，anddeathmetusateveryturn！Thennomanmightcallhislifehisown，orthatofhiswifeorchild，oranything。Allweretheking"s，andwhatwarsparedthatthewitch-doctorstook。