第4章

“InanilldaydidIhearkentoyou，Baleka，“Isaid，“toyouandtotheMotheroftheHeavens，andsaveyourchildalive。Seenowwhathassprungfromthisseed！Deadareallmyhouse，deadistheMotheroftheHeavens——allaredead——andImyselfhavebeenputtothetormentbyfire，“andIheldoutmywitheredhandtowardsher。

“Ay，Mopo，mybrother，“sheanswered，“butfleshisnearesttoflesh，andIshouldthinklittleofitwerenotmysonUmslopogaasalsodead，asIhaveheardbutnow。“

“Youspeaklikeawoman，Baleka。Isit，then，nothingtoyouthatI，yourbrother，havelost——allIlove？“

“Freshseedcanyetberaiseduptoyou，mybrother，butformethereisnohope，forthekinglooksonmenomore。Igrieveforyou，butI

hadthisonealone，andfleshisnearesttoflesh。ThinkyouthatI

shallescape？Itellyounay。Iambutsparedforalittle，thenIgowheretheothershavegone。Chakahasmarkedmeforthegrave；foralittlewhileImaybeleft，thenIdie:hedoesbutplaywithmeasaleopardplayswithawoundedbuck。Icarenot，Iamweary，butI

grievefortheboy；therewasnosuchboyintheland。WouldthatI

mightdieswiftlyandgotoseekhim。“

“Andiftheboyisnotdead，Baleka，whatthen？“

“Whatisthatyousaid？“sheanswered，turningonmewithwildeyes。

“Oh，sayitagain——again，Mopo！IwouldgladlydieahundreddeathstoknowthatUmslopogaasstilllives。“

“Nay，Baleka，Iknownothing。ButlastnightIdreamedadream，“andI

toldherallmydream，andalsoofthatwhichhadgonebeforethedream。

Shelistenedasonelistenstothewordsofakingwhenhepassesjudgementforlifeorfordeath。

“Ithinkthatthereiswisdominyourdreams，Mopo，“shesaidatlength。“Youwereeverastrangeman，towhomthegatesofdistancearenobar。NowitisborneinuponmyheartthatUmslopogaasstilllives，andnowIshalldiehappy。Yes，gainsaymenot；Ishalldie，I

knowit。Ireaditintheking"seyes。Butwhatisit？Itisnothing，ifonlytheprinceUmslopogaasyetlives。“

“Yourloveisgreat，woman，“Isaid；“andthisloveofyourshasbroughtmanywoesuponus，anditmaywellhappenthatintheenditshallallbefornothing，forthereisanevilfateuponus。Saynow，whatshallIdo？ShallIfly，orshallIabidehere，takingthechanceofthings？“

“Youmuststayhere，Mopo。See，now！Thisisintheking"smind。Hefearsbecauseofthedeathofhismotherathisownhand——yes，evenhe；heisafraidlestthepeopleshouldturnuponhimwhokilledhisownmother。Thereforehewillgiveitoutthathedidnotkillher，butthatsheperishedinthefirewhichwascalleddownuponyourkraalsbywitchcraft；and，thoughallmenknowthelie，yetnoneshalldaretogainsayhim。Ashesaidtoyou，therewillbeasmellingout，butasmellingoutofanewsort，forheandyoushallbethewitch-

finders，andatthatsmellingouthewillgivetodeathallthosewhomhefears，allthosewhomheknowshatehimforhiswickednessandbecausewithhisownhandheslewhismother。Forthiscause，then，hewillsaveyoualive，Mopo——yes，andmakeyougreatintheland，forif，indeed，hismotherUnandidiedthroughwitchcraft，asheshallsay，areyounotalsowrongedbyhim，anddidnotyourwivesandchildrenalsoperishbywitchcraft？Therefore，donotfly；abidehereandbecomegreat——becomegreattothegreatendofvengeance，Mopo，mybrother。Youhavemuchwrongtowreak；soonyouwillhavemore，forI，too，shallbegone，andmybloodalsoshallcryforvengeancetoyou。

Hearken，Mopo。Aretherenototherprincesintheland？WhatofDingaan，whatofUmhlangana，whatofUmpanda，brotherstotheking？Donotthesealsodesiretobekings？Dotheynotdaybydayrisefromsleepfeelingtheirlimbstoknowiftheyyetlive，dotheynotnightbynightliedowntosleepnotknowingifitshallbetheirwivesthattheyshallkisseredawnortheredassegaioftheking？Drawneartothem，mybrother；creepintotheirheartsandlearntheircounselorteachthemyours；sointheendshallChakabebroughttothatgatethroughwhichyourwiveshavepassed，andwhereIalsoamabouttotread。“

ThusBalekaspokeandshewasgone，leavingmepondering，forherwordswereheavywithwisdom。Iknewwellthatthebrothersofthekingwentheavilyandinfearofdeath，forhisshadowwasonthem。

WithPanda，indeed，littlecouldbedone，forhelivedsoftly，speakingalwaysasonewhosewitsarefew。ButDingaanandUmhlanganawereofanotherwood，andfromthemmightbefashionedakerriethatshouldscatterthebrainsofChakatothebirds。Butthetimetospeakwasnotnow；notyetwasthecupofChakafull。

Then，havingfinishedmythought，Irose，and，goingtothekraalofmyfriend，Idoctoredmyburnthand，thatpainedme，andasIwasdoctoringittherecameamessengertomesummoningmebeforetheking。

Iwentinbeforetheking，andprostratedmyself，callinghimbyhisroyalnames；buthetookmebythehandandraisedmeup，speakingsoftly。

“Rise，Mopo，myservant！“hesaid。“Thouhastsufferedmuchwoebecauseofthewitchcraftofthineenemies。I，Ihavelostmymother，andthou，thouhastlostthywivesandchildren。Weep，mycouncillors，weep，becauseIhavelostmymother，andMopo，myservant，aslosthiswivesandchildren，bythewitchcraftofourfoes！“

Thenallthecouncillorsweptaloud，whileChakaglaredatthem。

“Hearken，Mopo！“saidtheking，whentheweepingwasdone。“Nonecangivemebackmymother；butIcangivetheemorewives，andthoushaltfindchildren。Goinamongthedamselswhoarereservedtotheking，andchoosetheesix；goinamongthecattleoftheking，andchoosetheetentimestenofthebest；callupontheservantsofthekingthattheybuildupthykraalgreaterandfairerthanitwasbefore！

ThesethingsIgivetheefreely；butthoushalthavemore，Mopo——yes！

thoushalthavevengeance！OnthefirstdayofthenewmoonIsummonagreatmeeting，abandhlaofalltheZulupeople:yes，thineowntribe，theLangeni，shallbetherealso。Thenwewillmourntogetheroverourwoes；then，too，wewilllearnwhobroughtthesewoesuponus。Gonow，Mopo，go！Andgoyealso，mycouncillors，leavingmetoweepalonebecausemymotherisdead！“

Thus，then，myfather，didthewordsofBalekacometrue，andthus，becauseofthecraftypolicyofChaka，IgrewgreaterinthelandthaneverIhadbeenbefore。Ichosethecattle，theywerefat；Ichosethewives，theywerefair；butItooknopleasureinthem，norwereanymorechildrenborntome。Formyheartwaslikeawitheredstick；thesapandstrengthhadgonefrommyheart——itwasdrawnoutinthefireofChaka"shut，andlostinmysorrowforthosewhomIhadloved。

CHAPTERXII

THETALEOFGALAZITHEWOLF

Now，myfather，Iwillgobackalittle，formytaleislongandwindsinandoutlikeariverinaplain，andtellofthefateofUmslopogaaswhenthelionhadtakenhim，ashetoldittomeintheafteryears。

Thelionessboundedaway，andinhermouthwasUmslopogaas。Oncehestruggled，butshebithimhard，sohelayquietinhermouth，andlookingbackhesawthefaceofNadaassheranfromthefenceofthorns，crying“Savehim！“Hesawherface，heheardherwords，thenhesawandheardlittlemore，fortheworldgrewdarktohimandhepassed，asitwere，intoadeepsleep。PresentlyUmslopogaasawokeagain，feelingpaininhisthigh，wherethelionesshadbittenhim，andheardasoundofshouting。Helookedup；neartohimstoodthelionessthathadloosedhimfromherjaws。Shewassnortingwithrage，andinfrontofherwasaladlongandstrong，withagrimface，andawolf"shide，blackandgrey，boundabouthisshouldersinsuchfashionthattheupperjarandteethofthewolfrestedonhishead。Hestoodbeforethelioness，shouting，andinonehandheheldalargewar-

shield，andintheotherhegraspedaheavyclubshodwithiron。

Nowthelionesscrouchedherselftospring，growlingterribly，buttheladwiththeclubdidnotwaitforheronset。Heraninuponherandstruckherontheheadwiththeclub。Hesmotehardandwell，butthisdidnotkillher，forsherearedherselfuponherhindlegsandstruckathimheavily。Hecaughttheblowuponhisshield，buttheshieldwasdrivenagainsthisbreastsostronglythathefellbackwardsbeneathit，andlaytherehowlinglikeawolfinpain。Thenthelionessspranguponhimandworriedhim。Still，becauseoftheshield，asyetshecouldnotcomeathimtoslayhim；butUmslopogaassawthatthismightnotendure，forpresentlytheshieldwouldbetornasideandthestrangermustbekilled。NowinthebreastofthelionessstillstoodthehalfofUmslopogaas"sbrokenspear，anditsbladewasaspandeepinherbreast。ThenthisthoughtcameintothemindofUmslopogaas，thathewoulddrivethespearhomeordie。Soheroseswiftly，forstrengthcamebacktohiminhisneed，andrantowherethelionessworriedathimwholaybeneaththeshield。Shedidnotheedhim，soheflunghimselfuponhiskneesbeforeher，and，seizingthehaftofthebrokenspear，driveitdeepintoherandwrencheditround。NowshesawUmslopogaasandturnedroaring，andclawedathim，tearinghisbreastandarms。Then，ashelay，heheardamightyhowling，and，behold！greywolvesandblackleapeduponthelionessandrentandworriedhertillshefellandwastorntopiecesbythem。AfterthisthesensesofUmslopogaaslefthimagain，andthelightwentoutofhiseyessothathewasasonedead。

Atlengthhismindcamebacktohim，andwithithismemory，andherememberedthelionessandlookeduptofindher。Buthedidnotfindher，andhesawthathelayinacaveuponabedofgrass，whileallabouthimweretheskinsofbeasts，andathissidewasapotfilledwithwater。Heputouthishandand，takingthepot，drankofthewater，andthenhesawthathisarmwaswastedaswithsickness，andthathisbreastwasthickwithscarsscarcelyskinnedover。

Nowwhilehelayandwondered，themouthofthecavewasdarkened，andthroughitenteredthatsameladwhohaddonebattlewiththelionessandbeenoverthrownbyher，bearingadeadbuckuponhisshoulders。Heputdownthebuckupontheground，and，walkingtowhereUmslopogaaslay，lookedathim。

“Ou！“hesaid，“youreyesareopen——doyou，then，live，stranger？“

“Ilive，“answeredUmslopogaas，“andIamhungry。“

“Itistime，“saidtheother，“sincewithtoilIboreyouherethroughtheforest，fortwelvedaysyouhavelainwithoutsense，drinkingwateronly。SodeeplyhadthelionclawedyouthatIthoughtofyouasdead。TwiceIwasneartokillingyou，thatyoumightceasetosufferandItobetroubled；butIheldmyhand，becauseofawordwhichcametomefromonewhoisdead。Noweat，thatyourstrengthmayreturntoyou。Afterwards，wewilltalk。“

SoUmslopogaasate，andlittlebylittlehishealthreturnedtohim——

everydayalittle。Andafterwards，astheysatatnightbythefireinthecavetheyspoketogether。

“Howareyounamed？“askedUmslopogaasoftheother。

“IamnamedGalazitheWolf，“heanswered，“andIamofZulublood——

ay，ofthebloodofChakatheking；forthefatherofSenzangacona，thefatherofChaka，wasmygreat-grandfather。“

“Whencecameyou，Galazi？“

“IcamefromSwaziland——fromthetribeoftheHalakazi，whichIshouldrule。Thisisthestory:Siguyana，mygrandfather，wasayoungerbrotherofSenzangacona，thefatherofChaka。ButhequarrelledwithSenzangacona，andbecameawanderer。WithcertainofthepeopleoftheUmtetwahewanderedintoSwaziland，andsojournedwiththeHalakazitribeintheirgreatcaves；andtheendofitwasthathekilledthechiefofthetribeandtookhisplace。Afterhewasdead，myfatherruledinhisplace；buttherewasagreatpartyinthetribethathatedhisrulebecausehewasoftheZulurace，anditwouldhavesetupachiefoftheoldSwazibloodinhisplace。Still，theycouldnotdothis，formyfather"shandwasheavyonthepeople。NowIwastheonlysonofmyfatherbyhisheadwife，andborntobechiefafterhim，andthereforethoseoftheSwaziparty，andtheyweremanyandgreat，hatedmealso。Somattersstoodtilllastyearinthewinter，andthenmyfathersethisheartonkillingtwentyoftheheadmen，withtheirwivesandchildren，becauseheknewthattheyplottedagainsthim。Buttheheadmenlearnedwhatwastocome，andtheyprevaileduponawifeofmyfather，awomanoftheirownblood，topoisonhim。Soshepoisonedhiminthenightandinthemorningitwastoldmethatmyfatherlaysickandsummonedme，andIwenttohim。InhishutIfoundhim，andhewaswrithingwithpain。

“"Whatisit，myfather？"Isaid。"Whohasdonethisevil？"

“"Itisthis，myson，"hegasped，"thatIampoisoned，andshestandsyonderwhohasdonethedeed。"Andhepointedtothewoman，whostoodatthesideofthehutnearthedoor，herchinuponherbreast，tremblingasshelookeduponthefruitofherwickedness。

“Nowthegirlwasyoungandfair，andwehadbeenfriends，yetIsaythatIdidnotpause，formyheartwasmadwithinme。Ididnotpause，but，seizingmyspear，Iranather，and，thoughshecriedformercy，Ikilledherwiththespear。

“"Thatwaswelldone，Galazi！"saidmyfather。"ButwhenIamgone，looktoyourself，myson，fortheseSwazidogswilldriveyououtandrobyouofyourplace！Butiftheydriveyououtandyoustilllive，swearthistome——thatyouwillnotresttillyouhaveavengedme。"

“"Iswearit，myfather，"Ianswered。"IswearthatIwillstampoutthemenofthetribeofHalakazi，everyoneofthem，exceptthoseofmyownblood，andbringtheirwomentoslaveryandtheirchildrentobonds！"

“"Bigwordsforayoungmouth，"saidmyfather。"Yetshallyoulivetobringthesethingsabout，Galazi。ThisIknowofyounowinmyhourofdeath:youshallbeawandererforafewyearsofyourlife，childofSiguyana，andwanderinginanotherlandyoushalldieaman"sdeath，andnotsuchadeathasyonderwitchhasgiventome。"Then，havingspokenthus，helifteduphishead，lookedatme，andwithagreatgroanhedied。

“NowIpassedoutofthehutdraggingthebodyofthedeadgirlafterme。Infrontofthehutweregatheredmanyheadmenwaitingfortheend，andIsawthattheirlooksweresullen。

“"Thechief，myfather，isdead！"Icriedinaloudvoice，"andI，Galazi，whoamthechief，haveslainherwhomurderedhim！"AndI

rolledthebodyofthegirloverontoherbacksothattheymightlookuponherface。

“Nowthefatherofthegirlwasamongthosewhostoodbeforeme，hewhohadpersuadedhertothedeed，andhewasmaddenedatthesight。

“"What，mybrothers？"hecried。"ShallwesufferthatthisyoungZuludog，thismurdererofagirl，bechiefoverus？Never！Theoldlionisdead，nowforthecub！"Andheranatmewithspearaloft。

“"Never！"shoutedtheothers，andthey，too，rantowardsme，shakingtheirspears。

“Iwaited，Ididnothasten，forIknewwellthatIshouldnotdiethen，Iknewitfrommyfather"slastwords。Iwaitedtillthemanwasnearme；hethrust，Isprangasideanddrovemyspearthroughhim，andonthedaughter"sbodythefatherfelldead。ThenIshoutedaloudandrushedthroughthem。Nonetouchedme；nonecouldcatchme；themandoesnotlivewhocanovertakemewhenmyfeetareonthegroundandI

amaway。“

“YetImighttry，“saidUmslopogaas，smiling，forofallladsamongtheZulushewastheswiftestoffoot。

“Firstwalkagain，thenrun，“answeredGalazi。

“Takeupthetale，“quothUmslopogaas；“itisamerryone。“

“Somethingislefttotell，stranger。IfledfromthecountryoftheHalakazi，nordidIlingeratallinthelandoftheSwazis，butcameonswiftlyintotheZulu。Now，itwasinmymindtogotoChakaandtellhimofmywrongs，askingthathewouldsendanimpitomakeanendoftheHalakazi。ButwhileIjourneyed，findingfoodandshelterasImight，IcameonenighttothekraalofanoldmanwhoknewChaka，andhadknownSiguyana，mygrandfather，andtohim，whenIhadstayedtheretwodays，Itoldmytale。Buttheoldmancounselledmeagainstmyplan，sayingthatChaka，theking，didnotlovetowelcomenewshootssprungfromtheroyalstock，andwouldkillme；moreover，themanofferedmeaplaceinhiskraal。Now，Iheldthattherewaswisdominhiswords，andthoughtnomoreofstandingbeforethekingtocryforjustice，forhewhocriestokingsforjusticesometimesfindsdeath。Still，Iwouldnotstayinthekraaloftheoldman，forhehadsonstocomeafterhimwholookedonmewithnoliking；

moreover，Iwishedtobeachiefmyself，evenifIlivedalone。SoI

leftthekraalbynightandwalkedon，notknowingwhereIshouldgo。

“Now，onthethirdnight，Icametoalittlekraalthatstandsonthefarthersideoftheriveratthefootofthemountain。Infrontofthekraalsataveryoldwomanbaskingintheraysofthesettingsun。Shesawme，andspoketome，saying，"Youngman，youaretallandstrongandswiftoffoot。Wouldyouearnafamousweapon，aclub，thatdestroysallwhostandbeforeit？"

“IsaidthatIwishedtohavesuchaclub，andaskedwhatIshoulddotowinit。

“"Youshalldothis，"saidtheoldwoman:"to-morrowmorning，atthefirstlight，youshallgouptoyondermountain，"andshepointedtothemountainwhereyouarenow，stranger，onwhichthestoneWitchsitsforeverwaitingfortheworldtodie。"Two-thirdsofthewayupthemountainyouwillcometoapaththatisdifficulttoclimb。Youshallclimbthepathandenteragloomyforest。Itisverydarkintheforest，butyoumustpushthroughittillyoucometoanopenplacewithawallofrockbehindit。Inthewallofrockisacave，andinthecaveyouwillfindthebonesofaman。Bringdownthebonesinabag，andIwillgiveyoutheclub！"

“Whileshespokethuspeoplecameoutofthekraalandlistened。

“"Donotheedher，youngman，"theysaid，"unlessyouarewearyoflife。Donotheedher:sheiscrazy。Themountainishaunted；itisaplaceofghosts。LookatthestoneWitchwhositsuponit！Evilspiritsliveinthatforest，andnomanhaswalkedthereformanyyears。Thiswoman"ssonwasfoolish:hewenttowanderintheforest，sayingthathecarednothingforghosts，andtheAmatongo，theghost-

folk，killedhim。Thatwasmanyyearsago，andnonehavedaredtoseekhisbones。Evershesitshereandasksofthepassersbythattheyshouldbringhimtoher，offeringthegreatclubforareward；buttheydarenot！"

“"Theylie！"saidtheoldwoman。"Therearenoghoststhere。Theghostsliveonlyintheircowardlyhearts；therearebutwolves。I

knowthatthebonesofmysonlieinthecave，forIhaveseentheminadream；but，alas！myoldlimbsaretooweaktocarrymeupthemountainpath，andallthesearecowards；thereisnomanamongthemsincetheZuluskilledmyhusband，coveringhimwithwounds！"

“Now，Ilistened，answeringnothing；butwhenallhaddone，IaskedtoseetheclubwhichshouldbegiventohimwhodaredtofacetheAmatongo，thespiritswholivedintheforestupontheGhostMountain。

Thentheoldwomanrose，andcreepingonherhandswentintothehut。

Presentlyshereturnedagain，draggingthegreatclubafterher。

“Lookatit，stranger！lookatit！Wasthereeversuchaclub？“AndGalazihelditupbeforetheeyesofUmslopogaas。

Intruth，myfather，thatwasaclub，forI，Mopo，sawitinafterdays。Itwasgreatandknotty，blackasironthathadbeensmokedinthefire，andshodwithmetalthatwaswornsmoothwithsmiting。

“Ilookedatit，“wentonGalazi，“andItellyou，stranger，agreatdesirecameintomyhearttopossessit。

“"Howisthisclubnamed？"Iaskedoftheoldwoman。

“"ItisnamedWatcheroftheFords，"sheanswered，"andithasnotwatchedinvain。Fivemenhaveheldthatclubinwarandahundred-

and-seventy-threehavegivenuptheirlivesbeneathitsstrokes。Hewhohelditlastslewtwentybeforehewasslainhimself，forthisfortunegoeswiththeclub——thathewhoownsitshalldieholdingit，butinanoblefashion。ThereisbutoneotherweapontomatchwithitinZululand，andthatisthegreataxeofJikiza，thechiefofthePeopleoftheAxe，whodwellsinthekraalyonder；theancienthorn-

haftedImbubuzi，theGroan-Maker，thatbringsvictory。Wereaxe，Groan-Maker，andclub，WatcheroftheFords，sidebyside，therearenothirtymeninZululandwhocouldstandbeforethem。Ihavesaid。

Choose！"Andtheagedwomanwatchedmecunninglythroughherhornyeyes。

“"Shespeakstrulynow，"saidoneofthosewhostoodnear。"Lettheclubbe，youngman:hewhoownsitsmitesgreatblowsindeed，butintheendhediesbytheassegai。NonedareowntheWatcheroftheFords。"

“"Agooddeathandaswift！"Ianswered。Andponderedatime，whilestilltheoldwomanwatchedmethroughherhornyeyes。Atlengthsherose，"La！，la！"shesaid，"theWatcherisnotforthisone。Thisisbutachild，Imustseekmeaman，Imustseekmeaman！"

“"Notsofast，oldwife，"Isaid。"WillyoulendmethisclubtoholdinmyhandwhileIgotofindthebonesofyoursonandtosnatchthemfromthepeopleoftheghosts？"

“"LendyoutheWatcher，boy？Nay，nay！Ishouldseelittleofyouagainorofthegoodclubeither。"

“"Iamnothief，"Ianswered。"Iftheghostskillme，youwillseemenomore，ortheclubeither；butifIliveIwillbringyoubackthebones，or，ifIdonotfindthem，IwillrendertheWatcherintoyourhandsagain。AttheleastIsaythatifyouwillnotlendmetheclub，thenIwillnotgointothehauntedplace。"

“"Boy，youreyesarehonest，"shesaid，stillpeeringatme。"TaketheWatcher，goseekthebones。Ifyoudie，lettheclubbelostwithyou；

ifyoufail，bringitbacktome；butifyouwinthebones，thenitisyours，anditshallbringyougloryandyoushalldieaman"sdeathatlastholdinghimaloftamongthedead。"

“SoonthemorrowatdawnItooktheclubWatcherinmyhandandalittledancingshield，andmadereadytostart。Theoldwomanblessedmeandbademefarewell，buttheotherpeopleofthekraalmocked，saying:"Alittlemanforsobigaclub！Beware，littleman，lesttheghostsusetheclubonyou！"Sotheyspoke，butonegirlinthekraal——sheisagranddaughteroftheoldwoman——ledmeaside，prayingmenottogo，fortheforestontheGhostMountainhadanevilname:nonedaredwalkthere，sinceitwascertainlyfullofspirits，whohowledlikewolves。Ithankedthegirl，buttotheothersIsaidnothing，onlyIaskedofthepathtotheGhostMountain。

“Nowstranger，ifyouhavestrength，cometothemouthofthecaveandlookout，forthemoonisbright。“

SoUmslopogaasroseandcreptthroughthenarrowmouthofthecave。

There，abovehim，agreatgreypeaktoweredhighintotheair，shapedlikeaseatedwoman，herchinrestinguponherbreast，theplacewherethecavewasbeing，asitwere，onthelapofthewoman。Belowthisplacetherockslopedsharply，andwasclothedwithlittlebushes。

Lowerdownyetwasaforest，greatanddense，thatstretchedtothetopofacliff，andatthefootofthecliff，beyondthewatersoftheriver，laythewideplainsofZululand。

“Yonder，stranger，“saidGalazi，pointingwiththeclubWatcheroftheFordsfarawaytotheplainbeneath；“yonderisthekraalwheretheagedwomandwelt。Thereisacliffrisingfromtheplain，upwhichI

mustclimb；thereistheforestwheredwelltheAmatongo，thepeopleoftheghosts；there，onthehithersideoftheforest，runsthepathtothecave，andhereisthecaveitself。Seethisstonelyingatthemouthofthecave，itturnsthus，shuttinguptheentrancehole——itturnsgently；thoughitissolarge，achildmaymoveit，foritrestsuponasharppointofrock。Onlymarkthis，thestonemustbepushedtoofar；for，look！ifitcametohere，“andhepointedtoamarkinthemouthofthecave，“thenthatmanneedbestrongwhocandrawitbackagain，thoughIhavedoneitmyself，whoamnotamanfullgrown。

Butifitpassbeyondthismark，then，see，itwillrolldowntheneckofthecavelikeapebbledowntheneckofagourd，andIthinkthattwomen，onestrivingfromwithinandonedraggingfromwithout，scarcelycouldavailtopushitclear。Looknow，Iclosethestone，asismycustomofanight，so，“——andhegraspedtherockandswungitrounduponitspivot，onwhichitturnedasadoorturns。“ThusI

leaveit，andthough，exceptthosetowhomthesecretisknow，nonewouldguessthatacavewashere，yetitcanberolledbackagainwithapushofthehand。Butenoughofthestone。Enteragain，wanderer，andIwillgoforwardwithmytale，foritislongandstrange。

“Istartedfromthekraaloftheoldwoman，andthepeopleofthekraalfollowedmetothebrinkoftheriver。Itwasinflood，andfewhaddaredtocrossit。

“"Ha！ha！"theycried，"nowyourjourneyisdone，littleman；watchbythefordyouwhowouldwintheWatcheroftheFord！Beatthewaterwiththeclub，perhapssoitshallgrowgentlethatyourfeetmaypassit！"

“Ianswerednothingtotheirmocking，onlyIboundtheshielduponmyshoulderswithastring，andthebagthatIhadbroughtImadefastaboutmymiddle，andIheldthegreatclubinmyteethbythethong。

ThenIplungedintotheriverandswam。Twice，stranger，thecurrentboremeunder，andthoseonthebankshoutedthatIwaslost；butI

roseagain，andintheendIwonthefarthershore。

“Nowthoseonthebankmockednomore；theystoodstillwondering，andIwalkedontillIcametothefootofthecliff。Thatcliffishardtoclimb，stranger；whenyouarestronguponyourfeet，Iwillshowyouthepath。YetIfoundawayupit，andbymiddayIcametotheforest。Here，ontheedgeoftheforest，Irestedawhile，andatealittlefoodthatIhadbroughtwithmeinthebag，fornowImustgatherupmystrengthtomeettheghosts，ifghoststherewere。ThenI

roseandplungedintotheforest。Thetreesweregreatthatgrowthere，stranger，andtheirleavesaresothinkthatincertainplacesthelightisasthatofnightwhenthemoonisyoung。Still，Iwendedon，oftenlosingmypath。ButfromtimetotimebetweenthetopsofthetreesIsawthefigureofthegreystonewomanwhositsonthetopofGhostMountain，andshapedmycoursetowardsherknees。MyheartbeatasItravelledthroughtheforestindarkandlonelinesslikethatofthenight，andeverIlookedroundsearchingfortheeyesoftheAmatongo。ButIsawnospirits，thoughattimesgreatspottedsnakescreptfrombeforemyfeet，andperhapstheseweretheAmatongo。

Attimes，also，Icaughtglimpsesofsomegreywolfasheslunkfromtreetotreewatchingme，andalwayshighabovemyheadthewindsighedinthegreatboughswithasoundlikethesighingofwomen。

“Still，Iwenton，singingtomyselfasIwent，thatmyheartmightnotbefaintwithfear，andatlength，towardstheendofthesecondhour，thetreesgrewfewer，thegroundslopedupwards，andthelightpoureddownfromtheheavensagain。But，stranger，youareweary，andthenightwearson；sleepnow，andto-morrowIwillendthetale。Say，first，howareyounamed？“

“IamnamedUmslopogaas，sonofMopo，“heanswered，“andmytaleshallbetoldwhenyoursisdone；letussleep！“

NowwhenGalaziheardthisnamehestartedandwastroubled，butsaidnothing。Sotheylaidthemdowntosleep，andGalaziwrappedUmslopogaaswiththeskinsofbucks。

ButGalazitheWolfwassohardythathelayonthebaregroundandhadnocovering。Sotheyslept，andwithoutthedoorofthecavethewolveshowled，scentingthebloodofmen。

CHAPTERXIII

GALAZIBECOMESKINGOFTHEWOLVES

OnthemorrowUmslopogaasawoke，andknewthatstrengthwasgrowingonhimfast。Still，allthatdayherestedinthecave，whileGalaziwentouttohunt。Intheeveninghereturned，bearingabuckuponhisshoulders，andtheyskinnedthebuckandateofitastheysatbythefire。AndwhenthesunwasdownGalazitookuphistale。

“NowUmslopogaas，sonofMopo，hear！Ihadpassedtheforest，andhadcome，asitwere，tothelegsoftheoldstoneWitchwhositsupaloftthereforeverwaitingfortheworldtodie。Herethesunshonemerrily，herelizardsranandbirdsflewtoandfro，andthoughitgrewtowardstheevening——forIhadwanderedlongintheforest——Iwasafraidnomore。SoIclimbedupthesteeprock，wherelittlebushesgrowlikehaironthearmsofaman，tillatlastIcametothekneesofthestoneWitch，whicharethespacebeforethecave。Iliftedbyheadoverthebrinkoftherockandlooked，andItellyou，Umslopogaas，mybloodrancoldandmyheartturnedtowater，forthere，beforethecave，rolledwolves，manyandgreat。Somesleptandgrowledintheirsleep，somegnawedattheskullsofdeadgame，somesatuplikedogsandtheirtongueshungfromtheirgrinningjaws。I

looked，Isaw，andbeyondIdiscoveredthemouthofthecave，wherethebonesoftheboyshouldbe。ButIhadnowishtocomethere，beingafraidofthewolves，fornowIknewthattheseweretheghostswholiveuponthemountain。SoIbethoughtmethatIwouldfly，andturnedtogo。And，Umslopogaas，evenasIturned，thegreatclubWatcheroftheFordsswungroundandsmotemeonthebackwithsuchablowasamansmitesuponacoward。NowwhetherthiswasbychanceorwhethertheWatcherwouldshamehimwhoboreit，sayyou，forIdonotknow。

Attheleast，shameenteredintome。ShouldIgobacktobemockedbythepeopleofthekraalandbytheoldwoman？AndifIwishedtogo，shouldInotbekilledbytheghostsatnightintheforest？Nay，itwasbettertodieinthejawsofthewolves，andatonce。

“ThusIthoughtinmyheart；then，tarryingnot，lestfearshouldcomeuponmeagain，IswunguptheWatcher，andcryingaloudthewar-cryoftheHalakazi，Isprangoverthebrinkoftherockandrusheduponthewolves。They，too，sprangupandstoodhowling，withbristlinghidesandfieryeyes，andthesmellofthemcameintomynostrils。Yetwhentheysawitwasamanthatrusheduponthem，theywereseizedwithsuddenfearandfledthiswayandthat，leapingbygreatboundsfromtheplaceofrock，whichisthekneesofthestoneWitch，sothatpresentlyIstoodaloneinfrontofthecave。Now，havingconqueredthewolfghostsandnoblowstruck，myheartswelledwithinme，andI

walkedtothemouthofthecaveproudly，asacockwalksuponaroof，andlookedinthroughtheopening。Asitchanced，thesinkingsunshoneatthishourfullintothecave，sothatallitsdarknesswasmaderedwithlight。Then，oncemore，Umslopogaas，Igrewafraidindeed，forIcouldseetheendofthecave。

“Looknow！Thereisaholeinthewallofthecave，wherethefirelightfallsbelowtheshadowoftheroof，twicetheheightofamanfromthefloor。Itisanarrowholeandahigh，isitnot？——asthoughonehadcutitwithiron，andamanmightsitinit，hislegshangingtowardsthefloorofthecave。Ay，Umslopogaas，amanmightsitinit，mighthenot？Andthereamansat，orthatwhichhadbeenaman。Theresatthebonesofaman，andtheblackskinhadwitheredonhisbones，holdingthemtogether，andmakinghimawfultosee。Hishandswereopenbesidehim，heleaneduponthem，andintherighthandwasapieceofhidefromhismoocha。Itwashalfeaten，Umslopogaas；

hehadeatenitbeforehedied。Hiseyesalsowereboundroundwithabandofleather，asthoughtohidesomethingfromtheirgaze，onefootwasgone，onehungovertheedgeofthenichetowardsthefloor，andbeneathitonthefloor，redwithrust，laythebladeofabrokenspear。

“Nowcomehither，Umslopogaas，placeyourhanduponthewallofthecave，justhere；itissmooth，isitnot？——smoothasthestonesonwhichwomengrindtheircorn。"Whatmadeitsosmooth？"youask。I

willtellyou。

“WhenIpeeredthroughthedoorofthecaveIsawthis:onthefloorofthecavelayashe-wolfpanting，asthoughshehadgallopedmanyamile；shewasgreatandfierce。Neartoherwasanotherwolf——hewasadog——oldandblack，biggerthananyIhaveseen，averyfatherofwolves，andallhisheadandflankswerestreakedwithgrey。Butthiswolfwasonhisfeet。AsIwatchedhedrewbacknearlytothemouthofthecave，thenofasuddenheranforwardandboundedhighintotheairtowardsthewitheredfootofthatwhichhungfromthecleftoftherock。Hispadsstruckupontherockherewhereitissmooth，andthereforasecondheseemedtocling，whilehisgreatjawsclosedwithaclashbutaspear"sbreadthbeneaththedeadman"sfoot。Thenhefellbackwithahowlofrage，anddrewslowlydownthecave。Againheranandleaped，againthegreatjawsclosed，againhefelldownhowling。

Thentheshe-wolfrose，andtheysprangtogether，strivingtopulldownhimwhosatabove。Butitwasallinvain；theycouldnevercomenearerthanwithinaspear"sbreadthofthedeadman"sfoot。Andnow，Umslopogaas，youknowwhytherockissmoothandshines。Frommonthtomonthandyeartoyearthewolveshadravenedthere，seekingtodevourthebonesofhimwhosatabove。Nightuponnighttheyhadleapedthusagainstthewallofthecave，butnevermighttheirclashingjawscloseuponhisfoot。Onefoottheyhad，indeed，buttheothertheycouldnotcomeby。

“NowasIwatched，filledwithfearandwonder，theshe-wolf，hertonguelollingfromherjaws，madesomightyaboundthatshealmostreachedthehangingfoot，andyetnotquite。Shefellback，andthenI

sawthattheleapwasherlastforthattime，forshehadoversprungherself，andlaytherehowling，theblackbloodflowingfromhermouth。Thewolfsawalso:hedrewnear，sniffedather，then，knowingthatshewashurt，seizedherbythethroatandworriedher。Nowalltheplacewasfilledwithgroansandchokinghowls，asthewolvesrolledoverandoverbeneathhimwhosatabove，andintheblood-redlightofthedyingsunthesightandsoundsweresohorridthatI

trembledlikeachild。Theshe-wolfgrewfaint，forthefangsofhermatewereburiedinherthroat。ThenIsawthatnowwasthetimetosmitehim，lestwhenhehadkilledherheshouldkillmealso。SoI

liftedtheWatcherandsprangintothecave，havingitinmymindtoslaythewolfbeforehelifteduphishead。Butheheardmyfootsteps，orperhapsmyshadowfelluponhim。Loosinghisgrip，helookedup，thisfatherofwolves；then，makingnosound，hesprangstraightatmythroat。

“Isawhim，andwhirlingtheWatcheraloft，Ismotewithallmystrength。Theblowmethiminmid-air；itfellfullonhischestandstruckhimbackwardstotheearth。Buttherehewouldnotsay，for，risingbeforeIcouldsmiteagain，oncemorehesprangatme。ThistimeIleapedasideandstruckdownwards，andtheblowfelluponhisrightlegandbrokeit，sothathecouldspringnomore。Yetheranatmeonthreefeet，and，thoughtheclubfellonhisside，heseizedmewithhisteeth，bitingthroughthatleatherbag，whichwaswoundaboutmymiddle，intothefleshbehind。ThenIyelledwithpainandrage，andliftingtheWatcherendways，droveitdownwithbothhands，asamandrivesastakeintotheearth，andthatwithsogreatastrokethattheskullofthewolfwasshatteredlikeapot，andhefelldead，draggingmewithhim。PresentlyIsatupontheground，and，placingthehandleoftheWatcherbetweenhisjaws，Iforcedthemopen，freeingmyfleshfromthegripofhisteeth。ThenIlookedatmywounds；theywerenotdeep，fortheleatherbaghadsavedme，yetI

feelthemtothishour，forthereispoisoninthemouthofawolf。

PresentlyIglancedup，andsawthattheshe-wolfhadfoundherfeetagain，andstoodasthoughunhurt；forthisisthenatureoftheseghosts，Umslopogaas，that，thoughtheyfightcontinually，theycannotdestroyeachother。Theymaybekilledbymanalone，andthathardly。

Thereshestood，andyetshedidnotlookatmeoronherdeadmate，butathimwhosatabove。Isaw，andcreptsoftlybehindher，then，liftingtheWatcher，Idashedhimdownwithallmystrength。Theblowfellonherneckandbrokeit，sothatsherolledoverandatoncewasdead。

“NowIrestedawhile，thenwenttothemouthofthecaveandlookedout。Thesunwassinking:allthedepthoftheforestwasblack，butthelightstillshoneonthefaceofthestonewomanwhositsforeveronthemountain。Here，then，Imustbidethisnight，for，thoughthemoonshonewhiteandfullinthesky，Idarednotwendtowardstheplainsalonewiththewolvesandtheghosts。AndifIdarednotgoalone，howmuchlessshouldIdaretogobearingwithmehimwhosatinthecleftoftherock！Nay，hereImustbide，soIwentoutofthecavetothespringwhichflowsfromtherockontherightyonderandwashedmywoundsanddrank。ThenIcamebackandsatinthemouthofthecave，andwatchedthelightdieawayfromthefaceoftheworld。

Whileitwasdyingtherewassilence，butwhenitwasdeadtheforestawoke。Awindsprangupandtossedittillthegreenofitsboughswavedliketroubledwateronwhichthemoonshinesfaintly。Fromtheheartofit，too，camehowlingsofghostsandwolves，thatwereansweredbyhowlsfromtherocksabove——hearken，Umslopogaas，suchhowlingsaswehearto-night！

“Itwasawfulhereinthemouthofthecave，forIhadnotyetlearnedthesecretofthestone，andifIhadknownit，shouldIhavedaredtocloseit，leavingmyselfalonewiththedeadwolvesandhimwhomthewolveshadstruggledtoteardown？Iwalkedoutyonderontotheplatformandlookedup。ThemoonshonefulluponthefaceofthestoneWitchwhositsaloftforever。Sheseemedtogrinatme，and，oh！I

grewafraid，fornowIknewthatthiswasaplaceofdeadmen，aplacewherespiritsperchlikevulturesinatree，astheysweeproundandroundtheworld。Iwentbacktothecave，andfeelingthatImustdosomethinglestIshouldgomad，Idrewtomethecarcaseofthegreatdog-wolfwhichIhadkilled，and，takingmyknifeofiron，Ibegantoskinitbythelightofthemoon。ForanhourormoreIskinned，singingtomyselfasIworked，andstrivingtoforgethimwhosatinthecleftaboveandthehowlingswhichranaboutthemountains。Buteverthemoonlightshonemoreclearlyintothecave:nowbyitIcouldseehisshapeofboneandskin，ay，andeventhebandageabouthiseyes。Whyhadhetieditthere？Iwondered——perhapstohidethefacesofthefiercewolvesastheysprangupwardstogriphim。Andalwaysthehowlingsdrewnearer；nowIcouldseegreyformscreepingtoandfrointheshadowsoftherockyplacebeforeme。Ah！therebeforemeglaredtworedeyes:asharpsnoutsniffedatthecarcasewhichI

skinned。Withayell，IliftedtheWatcherandsmote。Therecameascreamofpain，andsomethinggallopedawayintotheshadows。

“Nowtheskinwasoff。Icastitbehindme，andseizingthecarcasedraggedittotheedgeoftherockandleftit。Presentlythesoundofhowlingsdrewnearagain，andIsawthegreyshapescreepuponebyone。Nowtheygatheredroundthecarcase，nowtheyfelluponitandrentit，fightinghorriblytillallwasfinished。Then，lickingtheirredchops，theyslunkbacktotheforest。

“DidIsleepordidIwake？Nay，Icannottell。ButIknowthis，thatofasuddenIseemedtolookupandsee。Isawalight——perchance，Umslopogaas，itwasthelightofthemoon，shininguponhimthatsataloftattheendofthecave。Itwasaredlight，andheglowedinitasglowsathingthatisrotten。Ilooked，orseemedtolook，andthenIthoughtthatthehangingjawmoved，andfromitcameavoicethatwasharshandhollowasofonewhospeaksfromanemptybelly，throughawitheredthroat。

“"Hail，Galazi，childofSiguyana！"saidthevoice，"GalazitheWolf！

Say，whatdostthouhereintheGhostMountain，wherethestoneWitchsitsforever，waitingfortheworldtodie？"

“Then，Umslopogaas，Ianswered，orseemedtoanswer，andmyvoice，too，soundedstrangeandhollow:——

“"Hail，DeadOne，whosittestlikeavultureonarock！IdothisontheGhostMountain。Icometoseekthybonesandbearthemtothymotherforburial。"

“"ManyandmanyayearhaveIsataloft，Galazi，"answeredthevoice，"watchingtheghost-wolvesleapandleaptodragmedown，tilltherockgrewsmoothbeneaththewearingoftheirfeet。SoIsatsevendaysandnights，beingyetalive，thehungrywolvesbelow，andhungergnawingatmyheart。SoIhavesatmanyandmanyayear，beingdeadintheheartoftheoldstoneWitch，watchingthemoonandthesunandthestars，hearkeningtothehowlsoftheghost-wolvesastheyravenedbeneathme，andlearningthewisdomoftheoldwitchwhositsaboveineverlastingstone。YetmymotherwasyoungandfairwhenItrodthehauntedforestandclimbedthekneesofstone。Howseemsshenow，Galazi？"

“"Sheiswhiteandwrinkledandveryaged，"Ianswered。"Theycallhermad，yetatherbiddingIcametoseekthee，DeadOne，bearingtheWatcherthatwasthyfather"sandshallbemine。"

“"Itshallbethine，Galazi，"saidthevoice，"forthoualonehastdaredtheghoststomesleepandburial。Hearken，thinealsoshallbethewisdomoftheoldwitchwhositsaloftforever，frozenintoeverlastingstone——thineandoneother"s。Thesearenotwolvesthatthouhastseen，thatisnowolfwhichthouhastslain；nay，theyareghosts——evilghostsofmenwholivedinagesgone，andwhomustnowlivetilltheybeslainbymen。Andknowestthouhowtheylived，Galazi，andwhatwasthefoodtheyate？Whenthelightcomesagain，Galazi，climbtothebreastsofthestoneWitch，andlookinthecleftwhichisbetweenherbreasts。Thereshaltthouseehowthesemenlived。Andnowthisdoomisonthem:theymustwandergauntandhungryintheshapeofwolves，hauntingthatGhostMountainwheretheyoncefed，tilltheyareledforthtodieatthehandsofmen。Becauseoftheirdevouringhungertheyhaveleaptfromyeartoyear，strivingtoreachmybones；andhewhomthouhastslainwasthekingofthem，andsheathissidewastheirqueen。

“"Now，GalazitheWolf，thisisthewisdomthatIgivethee:thoushaltbekingoftheghost-wolves，thouandanother，whomalionshallbringthee。Girdtheblackskinuponthyshoulders，andthewolvesshallfollowthee；allthethreehundredandsixtyandthreeofthemthatareleft，andlethimwhoshallbebroughttotheegirdontheskinofgrey。Whereyetwainleadthem，thereshalltheyraven，bringingyouvictorytillallaredead。Butknowthis，thatthereonlymaytheyravenwhereinlifetheyravened，seekingfortheirfood。

Yet，thatwasanillgiftthoutookestfrommymother——thegiftoftheWatcher，forthoughwithouttheWatcherthouhadstneverslainthekingoftheghost-wolves，yet，bearingtheWatcher，thoushaltthyselfbeslain。Now，onthemorrowcarrymebacktomymother，sothatImaysleepwheretheghost-wolvesleapnomore。Ihavespoken，Galazi。"

“NowtheDeadOne"svoiceseemedtogroweverfainterandmorehollowashespoke，tillatthelastIcouldscarcelyhearhiswords，yetI

answeredhim，askinghimthis:——

“"Whoisit，then，thatthelionshallbringtometorulewithmeovertheghost-wolves，andhowishenamed？"

“ThentheDeadOnespokeoncemoreveryfaintly，yetinthesilenceoftheplaceIheardhiswords:——

“"HeisnamedUmslopogaastheSlaughterer，sonofChaka，LionoftheZulu。“

NowUmslopogaasstartedupfromhisplacebythefire。

“IamnamedUmslopogaas，“hesaid，“buttheSlaughtererIamnotnamed，andIamthesonofMopo，andnotthesonofChaka，LionoftheZulu；youhavedreamedadream，Galazi，or，ifitwasnodream，thentheDeadOneliedtoyou。“

“Perchancethiswasso，Umslopogaas，“answeredGalazitheWolf。

“PerhapsIdreamed，ofperhapstheDeadOnelied；nevertheless，ifheliedinthismatter，inothermattershedidnotlie，asyoushallhear。

“AfterIhadheardthesewords，orhaddreamedthatIheardthem，I

sleptindeed，andwhenIwoketheforestbeneathwaslikethecloudsofmist，butthegreylightglinteduponthefaceofherwhositsinstoneabove。NowIrememberedthedreamthatIhaddreamed，andI

wouldseeifitwerealladream。SoIrose，andleavingthecave，foundaplacewhereImightclimbuptothebreastsandheadofthestoneWitch。Iclimbed，andasIwenttheraysofthesunlituponherface，andIrejoicedtoseethem。But，whenIdrewnear，thelikenesstothefaceofawomanfadedaway，andIsawnothingbeforemebutruggedheapsofpiled-uprock。Forthis，Umslopogaas，isthewayofwitches，betheyofstoneorflesh——whenyoudrawneartothemtheychangetheirshape。

“NowIwasonthebreastofthemountain，andwanderedtoandforawhilebetweenthegreatheapsofstone。AtlengthIfound，asitwere，acrackinthestonethriceaswideasamancanjump，andinlengthhalfaspear"sthrow，andnearthiscrackstoodgreatstonesblackenedbyfire，andbeneaththembrokenpotsandaknifeofflint。

Ilookeddownintothecrack——itwasverydeep，andgreenwithmoss，andtallfernsgrewaboutinit，forthedampgatheredthere。Therewasnothingelse。Ihaddreamedalyingdream。Iturnedtogo，thenfoundanothermind，andclimbeddownintothecleft，pushingasidetheferns。Beneaththefernswasmoss；IscrapeditawaywiththeWatcher。

Presentlytheironoftheclubstruckonsomethingthatwasyellowandroundlikeastone，andfromtheyellowthingcameahollowsound。I

liftedit，Umslopogaas；itwastheskullofachild。

“Idugdeeperandscrapedawaymoremoss，tillpresentlyIsaw。

Beneaththemosswasnothingbutthebonesofmen——oldbonesthathadlaintheremanyyears；thelittleoneshadrotted，thelargeronesremained——somewereyellow，someblack，andothersstillwhite。Theywerenotbroken，asarethosethathyenasandwolveshaveworried，yetonsomeofthemIcouldseethemarksofteeth。Then，Umslopogaas，I

wentbacktothecave，neverlookingbehindme。

“NowwhenIwascometothecaveIdidthis:Iskinnedtheshe-wolfalso。WhenIhadfinishedthesunwasup，andIknewthatitwastimetogo。ButIcouldnotgoalone——hewhosataloftinthecleftofthecavemustgowithme。Igreatlyfearedtotouchhim——thisDeadOne，whohadspokentomeinadream；yetImustdoit。SoIbroughtstonesandpiledthemuptillIcouldreachhim；thenIliftedhimdown，forhewasverylight，beingbutskinandbones。Whenhewasdown，Iboundthehidesofthewolvesaboutme，thenleavingtheleatherbag，intowhichhecouldnotenter，ItooktheDeadOneandplacedhimonmyshouldersasamanmightcarryachild，forhislegswerefixedsomewhatapart，andholdinghimbythefootwhichwasleftonhim，I

setoutforthekraal。DowntheslopeIwentasswiftlyasIcould，fornowIknewtheway，seeingandhearingnothing，exceptonce，whentherecamearushofwings，andagreateaglesweptdownatthatwhichsatuponmyshoulders。Ishouted，andtheeagleflewaway，thenI

enteredthedarkoftheforest。HereImustwalksoftly，lesttheheadofhimIcarriedshouldstrikeagainsttheboughsandbesmittenfromhim。

“ForawhileIwentonthus，tillIdrewneartotheheartoftheforest。ThenIheardawolfhowlonmyright，andfromtheleftcameansweringhowls，andthese，again，wereansweredbyothersinfrontofandbehindme。Iwalkedonboldly，forIdarednotstay，guidingmyselfbythesun，whichfromtimetotimeshonedownonmeredlythroughtheboughsofthegreattrees。NowIcouldseeformsgreyandblackslinkingnearmypath，sniffingattheairastheywent，andnowIcametoalittleopenplace，and，behold！allthewolvesintheworldweregatheredtogetherthere。Myheartmelted，mylegstrembledbeneathme。Oneverysidewerethebrutes，greatandhungry。AndI

stoodstill，withclubaloft，andslowlytheycreptup，mutteringandgrowlingastheycame，tilltheyformedadeepcircleroundme。Yettheydidnotspringonme，onlydrewnearerandevernearer。Presentlyonesprang，indeed，butnotatme；hesprangatthatwhichsatuponmyshoulders。Imovedaside，andhemissedhisaim，and，comingtothegroundagain，stoodtheregrowlingandwhininglikeabeastafraid。

ThenIrememberedthewordsofmydream，ifdreamitwere，howthattheDeadOnehadgivenmewisdomthatIshouldbekingoftheghost-

wolves——Iandanotherwhomalionshouldbeartome。Wasitnotso？Ifitwasnotso，howcameitthatthewolvesdidnotdevourme？

“ForamomentIstoodthinking，thenIliftedupmyvoiceandhowledlikeawolf，andlo！Umslopogaas，allthewolveshowledinanswerwithamightyhowling。Istretchedoutmyhandandcalledtothem。Theyrantome，gatheringroundmeasthoughtodevourme。Buttheydidnotharmme；theylickedmylegswiththeirredtongues，andfightingtocomenearme，pressedthemselvesagainstmeasdoesacat。One，indeed，snatchedathimwhosatonmyshoulder，butIstruckhimwiththeWatcherandheslunkbacklikeawhippedhound；moreover，theothersbithimsothatheyelled。NowIknewthatIhadnomoretofear，forIwaskingoftheghost-wolves，soIwalkedon，andwithmecameallthegreatpackofthem。Iwalkedonandon，andtheytrottedbesidemesilently，andthefallenleavescrackledbeneaththeirfeet，andthedustroseupaboutthem，tillatlengthIreachedtheedgeoftheforest。

“NowIrememberedthatImustnotbeseenthusbymen，lesttheyshouldthinkmeawizardandkillme。Therefore，attheedgeoftheforestIhaltedandmadesignstothewolvestogoback。Atthistheyhowledpiteously，asthoughingrief，butIcalledtothemthatI

wouldcomeagainandbetheirking，anditseemedasthoughtheirbruteheartsunderstoodmywords。Thentheyallwent，stillhowling，tillpresentlyIwasalone。

“Andnow，Umslopogaas，itistimetosleep；to-morrownightIwillendmytale。“

CHAPTERXIV

THEWOLF-BRETHREN

Now，myfather，onthemorrownight，onceagainUmslopogaasandGalazithewolfsatbythefireinthemouthoftheircave，aswesitto-

night，myfather，andGalazitookuphistale。

“IpassedontillIcametotheriver；itwasstillfull，butthewaterhadrundownalittle，sothatmyfeetfoundfoothold。Iwadedintotheriver，usingtheWatcherasastaff，andthestreamreachedtomyelbows，butnohigher。Nowoneonthefartherbankoftheriversawthatwhichsatuponmyshoulders，andsawalsothewolf"sskinonmyhead，andrantothekraalcrying，"Herecomesonewhowalksthewatersonthebackofawolf。"

“SoitcameaboutthatwhenIdrewtowardsthekraalallthepeopleofthekraalweregatheredtogethertomeetme，excepttheoldwoman，whocouldnotwalksofar。Butwhentheysawmecominguptheslopeofthehill，andwhentheyknewwhatitwasthatsatuponmyshoulders，theyweresmittenwithfear。Yettheydidnotrun，becauseoftheirgreatwonder，onlytheywalkedbackwardbeforeme，clingingeachtoeachandsayingnothing。Itoocameonsilently，tillatlengthIreachedthekraal，andbeforeitsgatessattheoldwomanbaskinginthesunoftheafternoon。Presentlyshelookedupandcried:——

“"Whatailsyou，peopleofmyhouse，thatyouwalkbackwardslikemenbewitched，andwhoisthattallanddeathlymanwhocomestowardyou？"

“Butstilltheydrewonbackward，sayingnoword，thelittlechildrenclingingtothewomen，thewomenclingingtothemen，tilltheyhadpassedtheoldwifeandrangedthemselvesbehindherlikearegimentofsoldiers。Thentheyhaltedagainstthefenceofthekraal。ButI

cameontotheoldwoman，andliftedhimwhosatuponmyshoulders，andplacedhimonthegroundbeforeher，saying，"Woman，hereisyourson；Ihavesnatchedhimwithmuchtoilfromthejawsoftheghosts——

andtheyaremanyupyonder——allsaveonefoot，whichIcouldnotfind。Takehimnowandburyhim，forIwearyofhisfellowship。"

“Shelookeduponthatwhichsatbeforeher。Sheputoutherwitheredhandanddrewthebandagefromhissunkeneyes。Thenshescreamedaloudashrillscream，and，flingingherarmsabouttheneckoftheDeadOne，shecried:"ItismysonwhomIbore——myveryson，whomfortwicetenyearsandhalfatenIhavenotlookedupon。Greeting，myson，greeting！Nowshaltthoufindburial，andIwiththree——ay，I

withthee！"

“Andoncemoreshecriedaloud，standinguponherfeetwitharmsoutstretched。Thenofasuddenfoamburstfromherlips，andshefellforwarduponthebodyofherson，andwasdead。

“Nowsilencecameupontheplaceagain，forallwerefearful。Atlastonecried:"Howisthismannamedwhohaswonthebodyfromtheghosts？"

“"IamnamedGalazi，"Ianswered。

“"Nay，"saidhe。"TheWolfyouarenamed。Lookatthewolf"sredhideuponhishead！"

“"IamnamedGalazi，andtheWolfyouhavenamedme，"Isaidagain。

"Sobeit:IamnamedGalazitheWolf。"

“"Methinksheisawolf，"saidhe。"Look，now，athisteeth，howtheygrin！Thisisnoman，mybrothers，butawolf。"

“"Nowolfandnoman，"saidanother，"butawizard。Nonebutawizardcouldhavepassedtheforestandwonthelapofherwhositsinstoneforever。"

“"Yes，yes！heisawolf——heisawizard！"theyscreamed。"Killhim！

Killthewolf-wizardbeforehebringstheghostsuponus！"Andtheyrantowardsmewithupliftedspears。

“"Iamawolfindeed，"Icried，"andIamawizardindeed，andIwillbringwolvesandghostsuponyouereallisdone。"AndIturnedandfledsoswiftlythatsoontheywereleftbehindme。NowasIranImetagirl；abasketofmealieswasonherhead，andsheboreadeadkidinherhand。Irushedatherhowlinglikeawolf，andIsnatchedthemealiesfromherheadandthekidfromherhand。ThenIfledon，andcomingtotheriver，Icrossedit，andforthatnightIhidmyselfintherocksbeyond，eatingthemealiesandthefleshofthekid。

“OnthemorrowatdawnIroseandshookthedewfromthewolf-hide。

ThenIwentonintotheforestandhowledlikeawolf。Theyknewmyvoice，theghost-wolves，andhowledinanswerfromfarandnear。ThenIheardthepatteringoftheirfeet，andtheycameroundmebytensandbytwenties，andfawneduponme。Icountedtheirnumber；theynumberedthreehundredandsixtyandthree。

“Afterwards，Iwentontothecave，andIhavelivedthereinthecave，Umslopogaas，fornighupontwelvemoons，andIhavebecomeawolf-man。ForwiththewolvesIhuntandraven，andtheyknowme，andwhatIbidthemthattheydo。Stay，Umslopogaas，nowyouarestrongagain，and，ifyourcouragedoesnotfailyou，youshallseethisverynight。Comenow，haveyoutheheart，Umslopogaas？“

ThenUmslopogaasroseandlaughedaloud。“Iamyounginyears，“hecried，“andscarcelycometothefullstrengthofmen；yethithertoI

havenotturnedmybackonlionorwitch，onwolforman。Nowletusseethisimpiofyours——thisimpiblackandgrey，thatrunsonfourlegswithfangsforspears！“

“Youmustfirstbindontheshe-wolf"shide，Umslopogaas，“quothGalazi，“else，beforeamancouldcounthisfingerstwicetherewouldbelittleenoughleftofyou。Binditabouttheneckandbeneaththearms，andseethatthefasteningsdonotburst，lestitbetheworseforyou。“

SoUmslopogaastookthegreywolf"shideandbounditonwiththongsofleather，anditsteethgleameduponhishead，andhetookaspearinhishand。Galazialsoboundonthehideofthekingofthewolves，andtheywentoutontothespacebeforethecave。Galazistoodthereawhile，andthemoonlightfelluponhim，andUmslopogaassawthathisfacegrewwildandbeastlike，thathiseyesshone，andhisteethgrinnedbeneathhiscurlinglips。Helifteduphisheadandhowledoutuponthenight。ThriceGalaziliftedhisheadandthricehehowledloudly，andyetmoreloud。Butbeforeevertheechoeshaddiedintheair，fromtheheightsoftherocksaboveandthedepthsoftheforestbeneath，therecamehowlingsinanswer。Nearertheygrewandnearer；

nowtherewasasoundoffeet，andawolf，greatandgrey，boundedtowardsthem，andafterhimmanyanother。TheycametoGalazi，theyspranguponhim，fawningroundhim，buthebeatthemdownwiththeWatcher。ThenofasuddentheysawUmslopogaas，andrushedathimopen-mouthed。

“Standanddonotmove！“criedGalazi。“Benotafraid！“

“Ihavealwaysfondleddogs，“answeredUmslopogaas，“shallIlearntofearthemnow？“

Yetthoughhespokeboldly，inhishearthewasafraid，forthiswasthemostterribleofallsights。Thewolvesrushedonhimopen-

mouthed，frombeforeandfrombehind，sothatinabreathhewaswell-

nighhiddenbytheirforms。Yetnofangpiercedhim，forastheyleapttheysmeltthesmelloftheskinuponhim。ThenUmslopogaassawthatthewolvesleaptathimnomore，buttheshe-wolvesgatheredroundhimwhoworetheshe-wolf"sskin。Theyweregreatandgauntandhungry，allwerefull-grown，therewerenolittleones，andtheirnumberwassomanythathecouldnotcounttheminthemoonlight。Umslopogaas，lookingintotheirredeyes，felthisheartbecomeastheheartofawolf，andhe，too，lifteduphisheadandhowled，andtheshe-wolveshowledinanswer。

“Thepackisgathered；nowforthehunt！“criedGalazi。“Makeyourfeetswift，mybrother，forweshalljourneyfarto-night。Ho，Blackfang！ho，Greysnout！Ho，mypeopleblackandgrey，away！away！“

Hespokeandboundedforward，andwithhimwentUmslopogaas，andafterhimstreamedtheghost-wolves。Theyfleddownthemountainsides，leapingfrombouldertoboulderlikebucks。Presentlytheystoodbyakloofthatwasthickwithtrees。Galazistopped，holdinguptheWatcher，andthewolvesstoppedwithhim。

“Ismellaquarry，“hecried；“in，mypeople，in！“

Thenthewolvesplungedsilentlyintothegreatkloof，butGalaziandUmslopogaasdrewtothefootofitandwaited。Presentlytherecameasoundofbreakingboughs，andlo！beforethemstoodabuffalo，abullwholowedfiercelyandsniffedtheair。

“Thisonewillgiveusagoodchase，mybrother；see，heisgauntandthin！Ah！thatmeatistenderwhichmypeoplehavehuntedtothedeath！“

AsGalazispoke，thefirstofthewolvesdrewfromthecovertandsawthebuffalo；then，givingtongue，theysprangtowardsit。Thebullsawalso，anddasheddownthehill，andafterhimcameGalaziandUmslopogaas，andwiththemalltheircompany，andtherocksshookwiththemusicoftheirhunting。Theyrusheddownthemountainside，anditcameintotheheartofUmslopogaas，thathe，too，wasawolf。Theyrushedmadly，yethisfeetwereswiftastheswiftest；nowolfcouldoutstriphim，andinhimwasbutonedesire——thedesireofprey。Nowtheynearedthebordersoftheforest，andGalazishouted。HeshoutedtoGreysnoutandtoBlackfang，toBloodandtoDeathgrip，andthesefourleapedforwardfromthepack，runningsoswiftlythattheirbelliesseemedtotouchtheground。Theypassedaboutthebull，turninghimfromtheforestandsettinghisheaduptheslopeofthemountain。Thenthechasewheeled，thebullleapedandboundedupthemountainside，andononeflanklayGreysnoutandDeathgripandontheotherlayBloodandBlackfang，whilebehindcametheWolf-Brethren，andafterthemthewolveswithlollingtongues。Upthehilltheysped，butthefeetofUmslopogaasneverwearied，hisbreathdidnotfailhim。OncemoretheydrewnearthelapoftheGreyWitchwherethecavewas。Onrushedthebull，madwithfear。Heransoswiftlythatthewolveswereleftbehind，sincehereforaspacethegroundwasleveltohisfeet。GalazilookedonUmslopogaasathisside，andgrinned。

“Youdonotrunsoill，mybrother，whohavebeensickoflate。Seenowifyoucanoutrunme！Whoshalltouchthequarryfirst？“

Nowthebullwasaheadbytwospear-throws。UmslopogaaslookedandgrinnedbackatGalazi。“Good！“hecried，“away！“

Theyspedforwardwithabound，andforawhileitseemedtoUmslopogaasasthoughtheystoodsidebyside，onlythebullgrewnearerandnearer。Thenheputouthisstrengthandtheswiftnessofhisfeet，andlo！whenhelookedagainhewasalone，andthebullwasverynear。NeverwerefeetsoswiftasthoseofUmslopogaas。Nowhereachedthebullashelabouredon。Umslopogaasplacedhishandsuponthebackofthebullandleaped；hewasonhim，hesathimasyouwhitemensitahorse。Thenheliftedthespearinhishand，anddroveitdownbetweentheshoulderstothespine，andofasuddenthegreatbuffalostaggered，stopped，andfelldead。

Galazicameup。“Whonowistheswiftest，Galazi？“criedUmslopogaas，“I，oryou，oryourwolfhost？“

“Youaretheswiftest，Umslopogaas，“saidGalazi，gaspingforhisbreath。“Neverdidamanrunasyourun，norevershallagain。“

Nowthewolvesstreamedup，andwouldhavetornthecarcase，butGalazibeatthemback，andtheyrestedawhile。ThenGalazisaid，“Letuscutmeatfromthebullwithaspear。“

Sotheycutmeatfromthebull，andwhentheyhadfinishedGalazimotionedtothewolves，andtheyfelluponthecarcase，fightingfuriously。Inalittlewhilenothingwasleftexceptthelargerbones，andyeteachwolfhadbutalittle。

Thentheywentbacktothecaveandslept。

AfterwardsUmslopogaastoldGalaziallhistale，andGalaziaskedhimifhewouldabidewithhimandbehisbrother，andrulewithhimoverthewolf-kind，orseekhisfatherMopoatthekraalofChaka。

UmslopogaassaidthatitwasratherinhismindtoseekhissisterNada，forhewaswearyofthekraalofChaka，buthethoughtofNadadayandnight。

“Where，then，isNada，yoursister？“askedGalazi。

“Shesleepsinthecavesofyourpeople，Galazi；shetarrieswiththeHalakazi。“

“Stayawhile，Umslopogaas，“criedGalazi；“staytillwearemenindeed。ThenwewillseekthissisterofyoursandsnatchherfromthecavesoftheHalakazi。“

Nowthedesireofthiswolf-lifehadenteredintotheheartofUmslopogaas，andhesaidthatitshouldbeso，andonthemorrowtheymadethemblood-brethren，tobeonetilldeath，beforeallthecompanyofghost-wolves，andthewolveshowledwhentheysmeltthebloodofmen。Inallthingsthenceforththesetwowereequal，andtheghost-

wolveshearkenedtothevoiceofbothofthem。Andonmanyamoonlightnighttheyandthewolveshuntedtogether，winningtheirfood。Attimestheycrossedtheriver，huntingintheplains，forgamewasscarceonthemountain，andthepeopleofthekraalwouldcomeout，hearingthemightyhowling，andwatchthepacksweepacrosstheveldt，andwiththemamanormen。Thentheywouldsaythattheghostswereabroadandcreepintotheirhutsshiveringwithfear。ButasyettheWolf-Brethrenandtheirpackkillednomen，butgameonly，or，attimes，elephantsandlions。

NowwhenUmslopogaashadabodesomemoonsintheWatchMountain，onanighthedreamedofNada，andawakeningsoftatheart，bethoughthimselfthathewouldlearntidingsconcerningme，hisfather，Mopo，andwhathadbefallenmeandherwhomhedeemedhismother，andNada，hissister，andhisotherbrethren。Soheclothedhimself，hidinghisnakedness，and，leavingGalazi，descendedtothatkraalwheretheoldwomanhaddwelt，andtheregaveitoutthathewasayoungman，achief"ssonfromafarplace，whosoughtawife。Thepeopleofthekraallistenedtohim，thoughtheyheldthathislookwasfierceandwild，andoneaskedifthiswereGalazitheWolf，GalazitheWizard。

ButanotheransweredthatthiswasnotGalazi，fortheireyeshadseenhim。UmslopogaassaidthatheknewnothingofGalazi，andlittleofwolves，andlo！whilehespoketherecameanimpioffiftymenandenteredthekraal。UmslopogaaslookedattheleadersoftheimpiandknewthemforcaptainsofChaka。Atfirsthewouldhavespokentothem，buthisEhlosebadehimholdhispeace。Sohesatinacornerofthebighutandlistened。Presentlytheheadmanofthekraal，whotrembledwithfear，forhebelievedthattheimpihadbeensenttodestroyhimandallthatwerehis，askedthecaptainwhatwashiswill。

“Alittlematter，andavain，“saidthecaptain。“Wearesentbythekingtosearchforacertainyouth，Umslopogaas，thesonofMopo，theking"sdoctor。Mopogaveitoutthattheyouthwaskilledbyalionnearthesemountains，andChakawouldlearnifthisistrue。“

“Weknownothingoftheyouth，“saidtheheadman。“Butwhatwouldyewithhim？“

“Onlythis，“answeredthecaptain，“tokillhim。“

“Thatisyettodo，“thoughtUmslopogaas。

“WhoisthisMopo？“askedtheheadman。

“Anevildoer，whosehousethekinghaseatenup——man，woman，andchild，“answeredthecaptain。

CHAPTERXV

THEDEATHOFTHEKING"SSLAYERS

WhenUmslopogaasheardthesewordshisheartwasheavy，andagreatangerburnedinhisbreast，forhethoughtthatI，Mopo，wasdeadwiththerestofhishouse，andhelovedme。Buthesaidnothing；only，watchingtillnonewerelooking，heslippedpastthebacksofthecaptainsandwonthedoorofthehut。Soonhewasclearofthekraal，and，runningswiftly，crossedtheriverandcametotheGhostMountain。Meanwhile，thecaptainaskedtheheadmanofthekraalifheknewanythingofsuchayouthashimforwhomtheysought。TheheadmantoldthecaptainofGalazitheWolf，butthecaptainsaidthatthiscouldnotbethelad，forGalazihaddweltmanymoonsupontheGhostMountain。

“Thereisanotheryouth，“saidtheheadman；“astranger，fierce，strongandtall，witheyesthatshinelikespears。Heisinthehutnow；hesitsyonderintheshadow。“

Thecaptainroseandlookedintotheshadow，butUmslopogaaswasgone。

“Nowthisyouthisfled，“saidtheheadman，“andyetnonesawhimfly！

Perhapshealsoisawizard！Indeed，IhaveheardthatnowtherearetwoofthemupontheGhostMountain，andthattheyhuntthereatnightwiththeghost-wolves，butIdonotknowifitistrue。“