第6章
“WhatdidIsaytoyouawhileago，Mopo？Ithascometopass。Sweartomethatyouwillliveonandthatthissamehandofyoursshalltakenvengeanceforme。“
“Iswearit，mysister。“
“SweartomethatwhenthevengeanceisdoneyouwillseekoutmysonUmslopogaasifhestilllives，andblesshiminmyname。“
“Iswearit，mysister。“
“Fareyouwell，Mopo！Wehavealwayslovedeachothermuch，andnowallfades，anditseemstomethatoncemorewearelittlechildrenplayingaboutthekraalsoftheLangeni。Somayweplayagaininanotherland！Now，Mopo“——andshelookedatmesteadily，andwithgreateyes——“Iamweary。Iwouldjointhespiritsofmypeople。Ihearthemcallinginmyears。Itisfinished。“
*****
Fortherest，Iwillnottellittoyou，myfather。
CHAPTERXIX
MASILOCOMESTOTHEKRAALDUGUZA
ThatnightthecurseofBalekafelluponChaka，andhesleptill。Soilldidhesleepthathesummonedmetohim，biddingmewalkabroadwithhim。Iwent，andwewalkedaloneandinsilence，ChakaleadingthewayandIfollowingafterhim。NowIsawthathisfeetledhimtowardstheU"Donga-lu-ka-Tatiyana，thatplacewhereallmypeoplelaydead，andwiththemBaleka，mysister。Weclimbedtheslopeofthehillslowly，andcametothemouthofthecleft，tothatsamespotwhereChakahadstoodwhenthepeoplefelloverthelipsoftherocklikewater。Thentherehadbeennoiseandcrying，nowtherewassilence，forthenightwasverystill。Themoonwasfullalso，andlightedupthedeadwholayneartous，sothatIcouldseethemall；
yes，IcouldseeeventhefaceofBaleka，mysister——theyhadthrownherintothemidstofthedead。Neverhaditlookedsobeautifulasinthishour，andyetasIgazedIgrewafraid。Onlythefarendofthedongawashidinshadow。
“Thouwouldstnothavewonthybetnow，Mopo，myservant，“saidChaka。
“See，theyhavesunktogether！Thedongaisnotfullbythelengthofastabbing-spear。“
Ididnotanswer，butatthesoundoftheking"svoicejackalsstirredandslunkaway。
Presentlyhespokeagain，laughingloudlyashespoke:“Thoushouldstsleepwellthisnight，mymother，forIhavesentmanytohushtheetorest。Ah，peopleoftheLangenitribe，youforgot，butIremembered！
Youforgothowawomanandaboycametoyouseekingfoodandshelter，andyouwouldgivethemnone——no，notagourdofmilk。WhatdidI
promiseyouonthatday，peopleoftheLangenitribe？DidInotpromiseyouthatforeverydropthegourdIcravedwouldholdIwouldtakethelifeofaman？AndhaveInotkeptmypromise？Donotmenlieheremoreinnumberthanthedropsofwaterinagourd，andwiththemwomanandchildrencountlessastheleaves？OpeopleoftheLangenitribe，whorefusedmemilkwhenIwaslittle，havinggrowngreat，Iamavengeduponyou！Havinggrowngreat！Ah！whoistheresogreatasI？
Theearthshakesbeneathmyfeet；whenIspeakthepeopletremble，whenIfrowntheydie——theydieinthousands。Ihavegrowngreat，andgreatIshallremain！Thelandismine，farasthefeetofmancantravelthelandismine，andminearethosewhodwellinit。AndI
shallgrowgreateryet——greater，evergreater。Isitthyface，Baleka，thatstaresuponmefromamongthefacesofthethousandswhomIhaveslain？ThoudidstpromisemethatIshouldsleepillhenceforth。
Baleka，Ifeartheenot——attheleast，thousleepestsound。Tellme，Baleka——risefromthysleepandtellmewhomthereisthatIshouldfear！“——andsuddenlyheceasedtheravingsofhispride。
Now，myfather，whileChakathekingspokethus，itcameintomymindtomakeanendofthingsandkillhim，formyheartwasmadewithrageandthethirstofvengeance。AlreadyIstoodbehindhim，alreadythestickinmyhandwasliftedtostrikeouthisbrains，whenIstoppedalso，forIsawsomething。There，inthemidstofthedead，Isawanarmstir。Itstirred，itlifteditself，itbeckonedtowardstheshadowwhichhidtheheadofthecleftandthepiled-upcorpsesthatlaythere，anditseemedtomethatthearmwasthearmofBaleka。
Perchanceitwasnotherarm，perchanceitwasbutthearmofonewhoyetlivedamongthethousandsofthedead，sayyou，myfather！Attheleast，thearmroseatherside，andwasringedwithsuchbraceletsasBalekawore，anditbeckonedfromherside，thoughhercoldfacechangednotatall。Thricethearmrose，thriceitstoodawhileinair，thriceitbeckonedwithcrookedfinger，asthoughitsummonedsomethingfromthedepthsoftheshadow，andfromthemultitudesofthedead。Thenitfelldown，andintheuttersilenceIhearditsfallandaclankofbrazenbracelets。Andasitfellthererosefromtheshadowasoundofsinging，ofsingingwildandsweet，suchasIhadneverheard。Thewordsofthatsongcametomethen，myfather；butafterwardstheypassedfromme，andIrememberthemnomore。OnlyI
knowthis，thatthesongwasofthemakingofThings，andofthebeginningandtheendofPeoples。Ittoldofhowtheblackfolkgrew，andofhowthewhitefolkshouldeatthemup，andwhereforetheywereandwhereforetheyshouldceasetobe。IttoldofEvilandofGood，ofWomanandofMan，andofhowthesewaragainsteachother，andwhyitisthattheywar，andwhataretheendsofthestruggle。IttoldalsoofthepeopleoftheZulu，anditspokeofaplaceofaLittleHandwheretheyshouldconquer，andofaplacewhereaWhiteHandshouldprevailagainstthem，andhowtheyshallmeltawaybeneaththeshadowoftheWhiteHandandbeforgotten，passingtoalandwherethingsdonotdie，butliveonforever，theGoodwiththeGood，theEvilwiththeEvil。IttoldofLifeandofDeath，ofJoyandofSorrow，ofTimeandofthatseainwhichTimeisbutafloatingleaf，andofwhyallthesethingsare。Manynamesalsocameintothesong，andIknewbutafewofthem，yetmyownwasthere，andthenameofBalekaandthenameofUmslopogaas，andthenameofChakatheLion。Butalittlewhiledidthevoicesing，yetallthiswasinthesong——ay，andmuchmore；butthemeaningofthesongisgonefromme，thoughIknewitonce，andshallknowitagainwhenallisdone。Thevoiceintheshadowsangontillthewholeplacewasfullofthesoundofitssinging，andeventhedeadseemedtolisten。Chakahearditandshookwithfear，buthisearsweredeaftoitsburden，thoughminewereopen。
Thevoicecamenearer，andnowintheshadowtherewasafaintglowoflight，liketheglowthatgathersonthesix-days"dead。Slowlyitdrewnearer，throughtheshadow，andasitcameIsawthattheshapeofthelightwastheshapeofawoman。NowIcouldseeitwell，andI
knewthefaceofglory。Myfather，itwasthefaceoftheInkosazana-
y-Zulu，theQueenofHeaven！Shecametowardsusveryslowly，glidingdownthegulfthatwasfullofdead，andthepathshetrodwaspavedwiththedead；andasshecameitseemedtomethatshadowsrosefromthedead，followingher，theQueenoftheDead——thousandsuponthousandsofthem。And，ah！herglory，myfather——thegloryofherhairofmoltengold——ofhereyes，thatwereasthenoondaysky——theflashofherarmsandbreast，thatwerelikethedrivensnow，whenitglowsinthesunset。Herbeautywasawfultolookon，butIamgladtohavelivedtoseeitasitshoneandchangedintheshiftingrobeoflightwhichwashergarment。
Nowshedrewneartous，andChakasankupontheearth，huddledupinfear，hidinghisfaceinhishands；butIwasnotafraid，myfather——
onlythewickedneedfeartolookontheQueenofHeaven。Nay，Iwasnotafraid:Istooduprightandgazeduponhergloryfacetoface。Inherhandsheheldalittlespearhaftedwiththeroyalwood:itwastheshadowofthespearthatChakaheldinhishand，thesamewithwhichhehadslainhismotherandwherewithheshouldhimselfbeslain。Nowsheceasedhersinging，andstoodbeforethecrouchingkingandbeforeme，whowasbehindtheking，sothatthelightofhergloryshoneuponus。Sheliftedthelittlespear，andwithittouchedChaka，sonofSenzangacona，onthebrow，givinghimtodoom。Thenshespoke；
but，thoughChakafeltthetouch，hedidnothearthewords，thatwereformyearsalone。
“Mopo，sonofMakedama，“saidthelowvoice，“staythyhand，thecupofChakaisnotfull。When，forthethirdtime，thouseestmeridingdownthestorm，thenSMITE，Mopo，mychild。“
Thusshespoke，andacloudsweptoverthefaceofthemoon。Whenitpassedshewasgone，andoncemoreIwasalonewithChaka，withthenightandthedead。
Chakalookedup，andhisfacewasgreywiththesweatoffear。
“Whowasthis，Mopo？“hesaidinahollowvoice。
“ThiswastheInkosazanaoftheHeavens，shewhowatcheseveroverthepeopleofourrace，OKing，andwhofromtimetotimeisseenofmeneregreatthingsshallbefall。“
“Ihaveheardspeakofthisqueen，“saidChaka。“Whereforecameshenow，whatwasthesongshesang，andwhydidshetouchmewithaspear？“
“Shecame，OKing，becausethedeadhandofBalekasummonedher，asthousawest。Thesongshesangwasofthingstoohighforme；andwhyshetouchedtheeontheforeheadwiththespearIdonotknow，OKing！
Perchanceitwastocrowntheechiefofayetgreaterrealm。“
“Yea，perchancetocrownmechiefofarealmofdeath。“
“Thatthouartalready，BlackOne，“Ianswered，glancingatthesilentmultitudebeforeusandthecoldshapeofBaleka。
AgainChakashuddered。“Come，letusbegoing，Mopo，“hesaid；“nowI
havelearntwhatitistobeafraid。“
“Earlyorlate，Fearisaguestthatallmustfeast，evenkings，O
Earth-Shaker！“Ianswered；andweturnedandwenthomewardsinsilence。
NowafterthisnightChakagaveitoutthatthekraalofGibamaxeguwasbewitched，andbewitchedwasthelandoftheZulus，becausehemightsleepnomoreinpeace，butwokeevercryingoutwithfear，andmutteringthenameofBaleka。Therefore，intheendhemovedhiskraalfaraway，andbuiltthegreattownofDuguzahereinNatal。
Looknow，myfather！Thereontheplainfarawayisaplaceofthewhitemen——itiscalledStanger。There，whereisthewhiteman"stown，stoodthegreatkraalDuguza。Icannotsee，formyeyesaredark；butyoucansee。Wherethegateofthekraalwasbuiltthereisahouse；
itistheplacewherethewhitemangivesoutjustice；thatistheplaceofthegateofthekraal，throughwhichJusticeneverwalked。
Behindisanotherhouse，wherethewhitemenwhohavesinnedagainstHimpraytotheKingofHeavenforforgiveness；thereonthatspothaveIseenmanyaonewhohaddonenowrongpraytoakingofmenformercy，butIhaveneverseenbutonewhofoundit。Ou！thewordsofChakahavecometrue:Iwilltellthemtoyoupresently，myfather。
Thewhitemanholdstheland，hegoestoandfroabouthisbusinessofpeacewhereimpisranforthtokill；hischildrenlaughandgatherflowerswheremendiedinbloodbyhundreds；theybatheinthewatersoftheImbozamo，whereoncethecrocodileswerefeddailywithhumanflesh；hisyoungmenwoothemaidenswhereothermaidshavekissedtheassegai。Itischanged，nothingisthesame，andofChakaareleftonlyagraveyonderandanameoffear。
Now，afterChakahadcometotheDuguzakraal，forawhilehesatquiet，thentheoldthirstofbloodcameonhim，andhesenthisimpisagainstthepeopleofthePondos，andtheydestroyedthatpeople，andbroughtbacktheircattle。Butthewarriorsmightnotrest；againtheyweredoctoredforwar，andsentoutbytensofthousandstoconquerSotyangana，chiefofthepeoplewholivenorthoftheLimpopo。Theywentsinging，afterthekinghadlookeduponthemandbiddenthemreturnvictoriousornotatall。Theirnumberwassogreatthatfromthehourofdawntillthesunwashighintheheavenstheypassedthegatesofthekraallikecountlessherdsofcattle——theytheunconquered。Littledidtheyknowthatvictorysmiledonthemnomore；
thattheymustdiebythousandsofhungerandfeverinthemarshesoftheLimpopo，andthatthoseofthemwhoreturnedshouldcomewiththeirshieldsintheirbellies，havingdevouredtheirshieldsbecauseoftheirravenoushunger！Butwhatofthem？Theywerenothing。“Dust“
wasthenameofoneofthegreatregimentsthatwentoutagainstSotyangana，anddusttheywere——dusttobedriventodeathbythebreathofChaka，LionoftheZulu。
NowfewmenremainedinthekraalDuguza，fornearlyallhadgonewiththeimpi，andonlywomenandagedpeoplewereleft。DingaanandUmhlangana，brothersoftheking，werethere，forChakawouldnotsufferthemtodepart，fearinglesttheyshouldplotagainsthim，andhelookedonthemalwayswithanangryeye，sothattheytrembledfortheirlives，thoughtheydarednotshowtheirfearlestfateshouldfollowfear。ButIguessedit，andlikeasnakeIwoundmyselfintotheirsecrets，andwetalkedtogetherdarklyandinhints。Butofthatpresently，myfather，forImusttellofthecomingofMasilo，hewhowouldhavewedZinita，andwhomUmslopogaastheSlaughtererhaddrivenoutfromthekraalsofthePeopleoftheAxe。
ItwasonthedayaftertheimpihadleftthatMasilocametothekraalDuguza，cravingleavetospeakwiththeking。Chakasatbeforehishut，andwithhimwereDingaanandUmhlangana，hisroyalbrothers。
Iwastherealso，andcertainoftheindunas，councillorsoftheking。
Chakawaswearythatmorning，forhehadsleptbadly，asnowhealwaysdid。Therefore，whenonetoldhimthatacertainwanderernamedMasilowouldspeakwithhim，hedidnotcommandthatthemanshouldbekilled，butbadethembringhimbeforehim。Presentlytherewasasoundofpraising，andIsawafatman，muchwornwithtravel，whocrawledthroughthedusttowardsusgivingthesibonga，thatis，namingthekingbyhisroyalnames。Chakabadehimceasefrompraisingandtellhisbusiness。Thenthemansatupandtoldallthattalewhichyouhaveheard，myfather，ofhowayoungman，greatandstrong，cametotheplaceofthePeopleoftheAxeandconqueredJikiza，theholderoftheaxe，andbecomechiefofthatpeople，andofhowhehadtakenthecattleofMasiloanddrivenhimaway。NowChakaknewnothingofthisPeopleoftheAxe，forthelandwasgreatinthosedays，myfather，andthereweremanylittletribesinit，livingfaraway，ofwhomthekinghadnotevenheard；sohequestionedMasiloaboutthem，andofthenumberoftheirfighting-men，oftheirwealthincattle，ofthenameoftheyoungmanwhoruledthem，andespeciallyastothetributewhichtheypaidtotheking。
Masiloanswered，sayingthatthenumberoftheirfighting-menwasperhapsthehalfofafullregiment，thattheircattleweremany，fortheywererich，thattheypaidnotribute，andthatthenameoftheyoungmanwasBulaliotheSlaughterer——attheleast，hewasknownbythatname，andhehadheardnoother。
Thenthekinggrewwroth。“Arise，Masilo，“hesaid，“andruntothispeople，andspeakintheearofthepeople，andofhimwhoisnamedtheSlaughterer，saying:"ThereisanotherSlaughterer，whositsinakraalthatisnamedDuguza，andthisishiswordtoyou，OPeopleoftheAxe，andtothee，thouwhoholdesttheaxe。Riseupwithallthepeople，andwithallthecattleofyourpeople，andcomebeforehimwhositsinthekraalDuguza，andlayinhishandsthegreataxeGroan-Maker。Riseupswiftlyanddothisbidding，lestyesitdownshortlyandforthelasttimeofall。"“[1]
[1]TheZuluareburiedsitting。
Masiloheard，andsaidthatitshouldbeso，thoughthewaywasfar，andhefearedgreatlytoappearbeforehimwhowascalledtheSlaughterer，andwhosattwentydays"journeytothenorth，beneaththeshadowoftheWitchMountain。
“Begone，“saidtheking，“andstandbeforemeonthethirtiethdayfromnowwiththeanswerofthisboywithanaxe！Ifthoustandestnotbeforeme，thensomeshallcometoseektheeandtheboywithanaxealso。“
SoMasiloturnedandfledswiftlytodothebiddingoftheking，andChakaspokenomoreofthatmatter。ButIwonderedinmyheartwhothisyoungmanwithanaxemightbe；forIthoughtthathehaddealtwithJikizaandwiththesonsofJikizaasUmslopogaaswouldhavedealtwiththemhadhecometotheyearsofhismanhood。ButIalsosaidnothingofthematter。
NowonthisdayalsotherecametomenewsthatmywifeMacrophaandmydaughterNadaweredeadamongtheirpeopleinSwaziland。ItwassaidthatthemenofthechiefoftheHalakazitribehadfallenontheirkraalandputallinittotheassegai，andamongthemMacrophaandNada。Iheardthenews，butIweptnotear，for，myfather，Iwassolostinsorrowsthatnothingcouldmovemeanymore。
CHAPTERXX
MOPOBARGAINSWITHTHEPRINCES
Eight-and-twentydayswentby，myfather，andonthenine-and-
twentiethitbefellthatChaka，havingdreamedadreaminhistroubledsleep，summonedbeforehimcertainwomenofthekraal，tothenumberofahundredormore。Someofthesewerehiswomen，whomhenamedhis“sisters，“andsomeweremaidensnotyetgiveninmarriage；butallwereyoungandfair。NowwhatthisdreamofChakamayhavebeenIdonotknow，orhaveforgotten，forinthosedayshedreamedmanydreams，andallhisdreamsledtooneend，thedeathofmen。Hesatinfrontofhishutscowling，andIwaswithhim。Totheleftofhimweregatheredthegirlsandwomen，andtheirkneeswereweakwithfear。Onebyonetheywereledbeforehim，andstoodbeforehimwithbowedheads。Thenhewouldbidthembeofgoodcheer，andspeaksoftlytothem，andintheendwouldaskthemthisquestion:“Hastthou，mysister，acatinthyhut？“
Now，somewouldsaythattheyhadacat，andsomewouldsaythattheyhadnone，andsomewouldstandstillandmakenoanswer，beingdumbwithfear。But，whatevertheysaid，theendwasthesame，forthekingwouldsighgentlyandsay:“Faretheewell，mysister；itisunfortunatefortheethatthereisacatinthyhut，“or“thatthereisnocatinthyhut，“or“thatthoucanstnottellmewhethertherebeacatinthyhutorno。“
Thenthewomanwouldbetakenbytheslayers，draggedwithoutthekraal，andtheirendwasswift。Soitwentonforthemostpartofthatday，tillsixty-and-twowomenandgirlshadbeenslaughtered。Butatlastamaidenwasbroughtbeforetheking，andtothisonehersnakehadgivenareadywit；forwhenChakaaskedherwhetherornotherewasacatinherhut，sheanswered，sayingthatshedidnotknow，“butthattherewasahalfacatuponher，“andshepointedtoacat"s-skinwhichwasboundaboutherloins。
Thenthekinglaughed，andclappedhishands，sayingthatatlengthhisdreamwasanswered；andhekillednomorethatdaynoreveragain——saveonceonly。
Thateveningmyheartwasheavywithinme，andIcriedinmyheart，“Howlong？“——normightIrest。SoIwanderedoutfromthekraalthatwasnamedDuguzatothegreatcleftinthemountainsyonder，andsatdownuponarockhighupinthecleft，sothatIcouldseethewidelandsrollingtothenorthandthesouth，tomyrightandtomyleft。
Now，thedaywasdrawingtowardsthenight，andtheairwasverystill，fortheheatwasgreatandatempestwasgathering，asI，whoamaHeaven-Herd，knewwell。Thesunsankredly，floodingthelandwithblood；itwasasthoughallthebloodthatChakahadshedflowedaboutthelandwhichChakaruled。Thenfromthewombofthenightgreatshapesofcloudroseupandstoodbeforethesun，andhecrownedthemwithhisglory，andintheirheartsthelightningquiveredlikeabloodoffire。Theshadowoftheirwingsfelluponthemountainandtheplains，andbeneaththeirwingswassilence。Slowlythesunsank，andtheshapesofcloudgatheredtogetherlikeahostatthewordofitscaptain，andtheflickerofthelightningwasastheflashofthespearsofahost。Ilooked，andmyheartgrewafraid。Thelightningdiedaway，thesilencedeepenedanddeepenedtillIcouldhearit，noleafmoved，nobirdcalled，theworldseemeddead——Ialonelivedinthedeadworld。
Now，ofasudden，myfather，abrightstarfellfromtheheightofheavenandlituponthecrestofthestorm，andasitlitthestormburst。Thegreyairshivered，amoanranabouttherocksanddiedaway，thenanicybreathburstfromthelipsofthetempestandrushedacrosstheearth。Itcaughtthefallingstaranddroveitontowardsme，arushingglobeoffire，andasitcamethestargrewandtookshape，andtheshapeittookwastheshapeofawoman。Iknewhernow，myfather；whileshewasyetfaroffIknewher——theInkosazanawhocameasshehadpromised，ridingdownthestorm。Onsheswept，borneforwardbytheblast，andoh！shewasterribletosee，forhergarmentwasthelightning，lightningsshonefromherwideeyesandlightningswereinherstreaminghair，whileinherhandwasaspearoffire，andsheshookitasshecame。Nowshewasatthemouthofthepass；beforeherwasstillness，behindherbeatthewingsofthestorm，thethunderroared，therainhissedlikesnakes；sherushedonpastme，andasshepassedsheturnedherawfuleyesuponme，witheringme。Shewasthere！
shewasgone！butshespokenoword，onlyshookherflamingspear。Yetitseemedtomethatthestormspoke，thattherockscriedaloud，thattherainhissedoutawordinmyear，andthewordwas:——
“Smite，Mopo！“
Ihearditinmyheart，orwithmyears，whatdoesitmatter？ThenI
turnedtolook；throughtherushofthetempestandthereekoftherain，stillIcouldseehersweepingforwardhighinair。NowthekraalDuguzawasbeneathherfeet，andtheflamingspearfellfromherhanduponthekraalandfireleapedupinanswer。
Thenshepassedonovertheedgeoftheworld，seekingherownplace。
Thus，myfather，forthethirdandlasttimedidmyeyesseetheInkosazana-y-Zulu，ormayhapmyheartdreamedthatIsawher。SoonI
shallseeheragain，butitwillnotbehere。
ForawhileIsatthereinthecleft，thenIroseandfoughtmywaythroughthefuryofthestormbacktothekraalDuguza。AsIdrewnearthekraalIheardcriesoffearcomingthroughtheroaringofthewindandthehissoftherain。Ienteredandaskedoneofthematter，anditwastoldmethatfirefromabovehadfallenonthehutofthekingashelaysleeping，andalltheroofofthehutwasburnedaway，butthattherainhadputoutthefire。
ThenIwentontillIcametothefrontofthegreathut，andIsawbythelightofthemoon，whichnowshoneoutintheheavens，thattherebeforeitstoodChaka，shakingwithfear，andthewateroftherainwasrunningdownhim，whilehestaredatthegreathut，ofwhichallthethatchwasburned。
Isalutedtheking，askinghimwhatevilthinghadhappened。Seeingme，heseizedmebythearm，andclungtomeas，whentheslayersareathand，achildclingstohisfather，drawingmeafterhimintoasmallhutthatwasnear。
“Whatevilthinghasbefallen，OKing？“Isaidagain，whenlighthadbeenmade。
“LittlehaveIknownoffear，Mopo，“saidChaka，“yetIamafraidnow；
ay，asmuchafraidaswhenonceonabygonenightthedeadhandofBalekasummonedsomethingthatwalkeduponthefacesofthedead。“
“Andwhatfearestthou，OKing，whoartthelordofalltheearth？“
NowChakaleanedforwardandwhisperedtome:“Hearken，Mopo，Ihavedreamedadream。Whenthejudgmentofthosewitcheswasdonewith，I
wentandlaidmedowntosleepwhileitwasyetlight，forIcanscarcelysleepatallwhendarknesshasswalloweduptheworld。Mysleephasgonefromme——thatsisterofthine，Baleka，tookmysleepwithhertotheplaceofdeath。IlaidmedownandIslept，butadreamaroseandsatbymewithahoodedface，andshowedmeapicture。
Itseemedtomethatthewallofmyhutfelldown，andIsawanopenplace，andinthecentreoftheplaceIlaydead，coveredwithmanywounds，whileroundmycorpsemybrothersDingaanandUmhlanganastalkedinpridelikelions。OntheshouldersofUmhlanganawasmyroyalkaross，andtherewasbloodonthekaross；andinthehandofDingaanwasmyroyalspear，andtherewasblooduponthespear。Then，inthevisionofmydream，Mopo，thoudidstdrawnear，and，liftingthyhand，didstgivetheroyalsaluteofBayetetothesebrothersofmine，andwiththyfootdidstspurnthecarcaseofme，thyking。ThenthehoodedDreampointedupwardsandwasgone，andIawoke，andlo！
fireburnedintheroofofmyhut。ThusIdreamed，Mopo，andnow，myservant，saythou，whereforeshouldInotslaythee，thouwhowouldstserveotherkingsthanI，thouwhowouldstgivemyroyalsalutetotheprinces，mybrothers？“andheglareduponmefiercely。
“Asthouwilt，OKing！“Iansweredgently。“Doubtlessthydreamwasevil，andyetmoreevilwastheomenofthefirethatfelluponthyhut。Andyet——“andIceased。
“Andyet——Mopo，thoufaithlessservant？“
“Andyet，OKing，itseemstomeinmyfollythatitwerewelltostriketheheadofthesnakeandnotitstail，forwithoutthetailtheheadmaylive，butnotthetailwithoutthehead。“
“Thouwouldstsay，Mopo，thatiftheseprincesdienevercanstthouoranyothermangivethemtheroyalnames。DoIheararight，Mopo？“
“WhoamIthatIshouldliftupmyvoiceaskingforthebloodofprinces？“Ianswered。“Judgethou，OKing！“
Now，Chakabroodedawhile，thenhespoke:“Say，Mopo，canitbedonethisnight？“
“Therearebutfewmeninthekraal，OKing。Allaregoneouttowar；
andofthosefewmanyaretheservantsoftheprinces，andperhapstheymightgiveblowforblow。“
“Howthen，Mopo？“
“Nay，Iknownot，OKing；yetatthegreatkraalbeyondtheriversitsthatregimentwhichisnamedtheSlayers。Bymiddayto-morrowtheymightbehere，andthen——“
“Thouspeakestwisely，mychildMopo；itshallbeforto-morrow。GosummontheregimentoftheSlayers，and，Mopo，seethatthoufailmenot。“
“IfIfailthee，OKing，thenIfailmyself，foritseemsthatmylifehangsonthismatter。“
“Ifallthewordsthateverpassedthylipsarelies，yetisthatwordtrue，Mopo，“saidChaka:“moreover，knowthis，myservant:ifaughtmiscarriesthoushaltdienocommondeath。Begone！“
“Iheartheking，“Ianswered，andwentout。
Now，myfather，IknewwellthatChakahaddoomedmetodie，thoughfirsthewouldusemetodestroytheprinces。ButIfearednothing，forIknewthisalso，thatthehourofChakawascomeatlast。
ForawhileIsatinmyhutpondering，thenwhenallmensleptIaroseandcreptlikeasnakebymanypathstothehutofDingaantheprince，whoawaitedmeonthatnight。Followingtheshadowofthehut，Icametothedoorandscratcheduponitafteracertainfashion。Presentlyitwasopened，andIcrawledin，andthedoorwasshutagain。Nowtherewasalittlelightinthehut，andbyitsflameIsawthetwoprincessittingsidebyside，wrappedaboutwithblanketswhichhungbeforetheirbrows。
“Whoisthisthatcomes？“saidthePrinceDingaan。
ThenIliftedtheblanketfrommyheadsothattheymightseemyface，andtheyalsodrewtheblanketsfromtheirbrows。Ispoke，saying:
“Hailtoyou，Princes，whoto-morrowshallbedust！Hailtoyou，sonsofSenzangacona，whoto-morrowshallbespirits！“andIpointedtowardsthemwithmywitheredhand。
Nowtheprincesweretroubled，andshookwithfear。
“Whatmeanestthou，thoudog，thatthoudostspeaktouswordsofsuchill-omen？“saidthePrinceDingaaninalowvoice。
“Wheredostthoupointatuswiththatwhiteandwitheredhandofthine，Wizard？“hissedthePrinceUmhlangana。
“HaveInottoldyou，OyePrinces！“Iwhispered，“thatyemuststrikeordie，andhasnotyourheartfailedyou？Nowhearken！Chakahasdreamedanotherdream；nowitisChakawhostrikes，andyearealreadydead，yechildrenofSenzangacona。“
“Iftheslayersofthekingbewithoutthegates，atleastthoushaltdiefirst，thouwhohastbetrayedus！“quoththePrinceDingaan，anddrewanassegaifromunderhiskaross。
“Firstheartheking"sdream，OPrince，“Isaid；“then，ifthouwilt，killme，anddie。Chakathekingsleptanddreamedthathelaydead，andthatoneofyou，theprinces，worehisroyalkaross。“
“Whoworetheroyalkaross？“askedDingaan，eagerly；andbothlookedup，waitingonmywords。
“ThePrinceUmhlanganaworeit——inthedreamofChaka——ODingaan，shootofaroyalstock！“Iansweredslowly，takingsnuffasIspoke，andwatchingthetwoofthemovertheedgeofmysnuff-spoon。
NowDingaanscowledheavilyatUmhlangana；butthefaceofUmhlanganawasasthemorningsky。
“Chakadreamedthisalso，“Iwenton:“thatoneofyou，theprinces，heldhisroyalspear。“
“Whoheldtheroyalspear？“askedUmhlangana。
“ThePrinceDingaanheldit——inthedreamofChaka——OUmhlangana，sprungfromtherootofkings！——anditdrippedblood。“
NowthefaceofUmhlanganagrewdarkasnight，butthatofDingaanbrightenedlikethedawn。
“Chakadreamedthisalso:thatI，Mopo，yourdog，whoamnotworthytobementionedwithsuchnames，cameupandgavetheroyalsalute，eventheBayete。“
“TowhomdidstthougivetheBayete，OMopo，sonofMakedama？“askedbothoftheprincesaswithonebreath，waitingonmywords。
“Igaveittobothofyou，Otwinstarsofthemorning，princesoftheZulu——inthedreamofChakaIgaveittobothofyou。“
Nowtheprinceslookedthiswayandthat，andweresilent，notknowingwhattosay，fortheseprinceshatedeachother，thoughadversityandfearhadbroughtthemtoonebed。
“Butwhatavailsittotalkthus，yelordsoftheland，“Iwenton，“seeingthat，bothofyou，yearealreadyasdeadmen，andthatvultureswhicharehungryto-nightto-morrowshallbefilledwithmeatofthebest？ChakathekingisnowaDoctorofDreams，andtoclearawaysuchadreamasthishehasapurgingmedicine。“
Nowthebrowsofthesebrothersgrewblackindeed，fortheysawthattheirfatewasonthem。
“ThesearethewordsofChakatheking，Oyebullswholeadtheherd！
Allaredoomed，yetwainandI，andmanyanothermanwholovesus。Inthegreatkraalbeyondtherivertheresitsaregiment:itissummoned——andthen——good-night！Haveyeanywordstosaytothoseyetleftupontheearth？Perhapsitwillbegiventometolivealittlewhileafteryearegone，andImaybringthemtotheirears。“
“CanwenotriseupnowandfalluponChaka？“askedDingaan。
“Itisnotpossible，“Isaid；“thekingisguarded。“
“Hastthounoplan，Mopo？“groanedUmhlangana。“Methinksthouhastaplantosaveus。“
“AndifIhaveaplan，yePrinces，whatshallbemyreward？Itmustbegreat，forIamwearyoflife，andIwillnotusemywisdomforalittlething。“
Nowboththeprincesofferedmegoodthings，eachofthempromisingmorethantheother，astwoyoungmenwhoarerivalspromisetothefatherofagirlwhombothwouldwed。Ilistened，sayingalwaysthatitwasnotenough，tillintheendbothofthemsworebytheirheads，andbythebonesofSenzangacona，theirfather，andbymanyotherthings，thatIshouldbethefirstmanintheland，afterthem，itskings，andshouldcommandtheimpisoftheland，ifIwouldbutshowthemawaytokillChakaandbecomekings。Then，whentheyhaddoneswearing，Ispoke，weighingmywords:——
“Inthegreatkraalbeyondtheriver，OyePrinces，theresit，notoneregimentbuttwo。OneisnamedtheSlayersandlovesChakatheking，whohasdonewellbythem，givingthemcattleandwives。TheotherisnamedtheBees，andthatregimentishungryandlongsforcattleandgirls；moreover，ofthatregimentthePrinceUmhlanganaisthegeneral，anditloveshim。Nowthisismyplan——tosummontheBeesinthenameofUmhlangana，nottheSlayersinthenameofChaka。Bendforward，OPrinces，thatImaywhisperinyourears。“
Sotheybentforward，andIwhisperedawhileofthedeathofaking，andthesonsofSenzangaconanoddedtheirheadsasonemaninanswer。
ThenIroseup，andcreptfromthehutasIhadenteredit，androusingcertaintrustymessengers，Idispatchedthem，runningswiftlythroughthenight。
CHAPTERXXI
THEDEATHOFCHAKA
Now，onthemorrow，twohoursbeforemidday，Chakacamefromthehutwherehehadsatthroughthenight，andmovedtoalittlekraalsurroundedbyafencethatwassomefiftypacesdistantfromthehut。
Foritwasmyduty，daybyday，tochoosethatplacewherethekingshouldsittohearthecounselofhisindunas，andgivejudgmentonthosewhomhewouldkill，andto-dayIhadchosenthisplace。Chakawentalonefromhishuttothekraal，and，formyownreasons，I
accompaniedhim，walkingafterhim。Aswewentthekingglancedbackatmeoverhisshoulder，andsaidinalowvoice:——
“Isallprepared，Mopo？“
“Allisprepared，BlackOne，“Ianswered。“TheregimentoftheSlayerswillbeherebynoon。“
“Wherearetheprinces，Mopo？“askedthekingagain。
“Theprincessitwiththeirwivesinthehousesoftheirwomen，O
King，“Ianswered；“theydrinkbeerandsleepinthelapsoftheirwives。“
Chakasmiledgrimly，“Forthelasttime，Mopo！“
“Forthelasttime，OKing。“
Wecametothekraal，andChakasatdownintheshadeofthereedfence，uponanox-hidethatwasbrayedsoft。Neartohimstoodagirlholdingagourdofbeer；therewerealsopresenttheoldchiefInguazonca，brotherofUnandi，MotheroftheHeavens，andthechiefUmxamama，whomChakaloved。Whenwehadsatalittlewhileinthekraal，certainmencameinbearingcranes"feathers，whichthekinghadsentthemtogatheramonth"sjourneyfromthekraalDuguza，andtheywereadmittedbeforetheking。Thesemenhadbeenawaylongupontheirerrand，andChakawasangrywiththem。NowtheleaderofthemenwasanoldcaptainofChaka"s，whohadfoughtunderhiminmanybattles，butwhoseservicewasdone，becausehisrighthandhadbeenshornawaybytheblowofanaxe。Hewasagreatmanandverybrave。
Chakaaskedthemanwhyhehadbeensolonginfindingthefeathers，andheansweredthatthebirdshadflownfromthatpartofthecountrywhitherhewassent，andhemustwaittheretilltheyreturned，thathemightsnarethem。
“Thoushouldsthavefollowedthecranes，yes，iftheyflewthroughthesunset，thoudisobedientdog！“saidtheking。“Lethimbetakenaway，andallthosewhowerewithhim。“
Nowsomeofthemenprayedalittleformercy，butthecaptaindidbutsalutetheking，callinghim“Father，“andcravingaboonbeforehedied。
“Whatwouldstthou？“askedChaka。
“Myfather，“saidtheman，“Iwouldasktheetwothings。Ihavefoughtmanytimesatthysideinbattlewhilewebothwereyoung；nordidI
everturnmybackuponthefoe。Theblowthatshorethehandfromoffthisarmwasaimedatthyhead，OKing；Istayeditwithmynakedarm。
Itisnothing；atthywillIlive，andatthywillIdie。WhoamI
thatIshouldquestionthewordoftheking？YetIwouldaskthis，thatthouwiltwithdrawthekarossfromaboutthee，OKing，thatforthelasttimemyeyesmayfeastthemselvesuponthebodyofhimwhom，aboveallmen，Ilove。“
“Thouartlong-winded，“saidtheking，“whatmore？“
“This，myfather，thatImaybidfarewelltomyson；heisalittlechild，sohigh，OKing，“andheheldhishandabovehisknee。
“Thyfirstboonisgranted，“saidtheking，slippingthekarossfromhisshouldersandshowingthegreatbreastbeneath。“Fortheseconditshallbegrantedalso，forIwillnotwillinglydividethefatherandtheson。Bringtheboyhere；thoushaltbidhimfarewell，thenthoushaltslayhimwiththineownhanderethouthyselfartslain；itwillbegoodsporttosee。“
Nowthemanturnedgreybeneaththeblacknessofhisskin，andtrembledalittleashemurmured，“Theking"swillisthewillofhisservant；letthechildbebrought。“
ButIlookedatChakaandsawthatthetearswererunningdownhisface，andthatheonlyspokethustotrythecaptainwholovedhimtothelast。
“Letthemango，“saidtheking，“himandthosewithhim。“
Sotheywentgladatheart，andpraisingtheking。
Ihavetoldyouthis，myfather，thoughithasnottodowithmystory，becausethen，andthenonly，didIeverseeChakashowmercytoonewhomhehaddoomedtodie。
Asthecaptainandhispeopleleftthegateofthekraal，itwasspokenintheearofthekingthatamansoughtaudiencewithhim。Hewasadmittedcrawlingonhisknees。IlookedandsawthatthiswasthatMasilowhomChakahadchargedwithamessagetohimwhowasnamedBulalio，ortheSlaughterer，andwhoruledoverthePeopleoftheAxe。
ItwasMasiloindeed，buthewasnolongerfat，formuchtravelhadmadehimthin；moreover，onhisbackwerethemarksofrods，asyetscarcelyhealedover。
“Whoartthou？“saidChaka。
“IamMasilo，ofthePeopleoftheAxe，towhomcommandwasgiventorunwithamessagetoBulaliotheSlaughterer，theirchief，andtoreturnonthethirtiethday。Behold，OKing，Ihavereturned，thoughinasorryplight！“
“Itseemsso！“saidtheking，laughingaloud。“Iremembernow:speakon，MasilotheThin，whowastMasilotheFat；whatofthisSlaughterer？DoeshecomewithhispeopletolaytheaxeGroan-Makerinmyhands？“
“Nay，OKing，hecomesnot。Hemetmewithscorn，andwithscornhedrovemefromhiskraal。Moreover，asIwentIwasseizedbytheservantsofZinita，shewhomIwooed，butwhoisnowthewifeoftheSlaughterer，andlaidonmyfaceuponthegroundandbeatencruellywhileZinitanumberedthestrokes。“
“Hah！“saidtheking。“Andwhatwerethewordsofthispuppy？“
“Thesewerehiswords，OKing:"BulaliotheSlaughterer，whositsbeneaththeshadowoftheWitchMountain，toBulaliotheSlaughtererwhositsinthekraalDuguza——TotheeIpaynotribute；ifthouwouldsthavetheaxeGroan-Maker，cometotheGhostMountainandtakeit。ThisIpromisethee:thoushaltlookonafacethouknowest，forthereisonetherewhowouldbeavengedforthebloodofacertainMopo。"“
Now，whileMasilotoldthistaleIhadseentwothings——first，thatalittlepieceofstickwasthrustthroughthestrawofthefence，and，secondly，thattheregimentoftheBeeswasswarmingontheslopeoppositetothekraalinobediencetothesummonsIhadsenttheminthenameofUmhlangana。Thesticktoldmethattheprinceswerehiddenbehindthefencewaitingthesignal，andthecomingoftheregimentthatitwastimetodothedeed。
WhenMasilohadspokenChakasprangupinfury。Hiseyesrolled，hisfaceworked，foamflewfromhislips，forsuchwordsasthesehadneveroffendedhisearssincehewasking，andMasiloknewhimlittle，elsehehadnotdaredtoutterthem。
Forawhilehegasped，shakinghissmallspear，foratfirsthecouldnotspeak。Atlengthhefoundwords:——
“Thedog，“hehissed，“thedogwhodaresthustospitinmyface！
Hearkenall！AswithmylastbreathIcommandthatthisSlaughtererbetornlimbfromlimb，heandallhistribe！Andthou，thoudaresttobringmethistalkfromaskunkofthemountains。Andthou，too，Mopo，thynameisnamedinit。Well，oftheepresently。Ho！Umxamama，myservant，slaymethisslaveofamessenger，beatouthisbrainswiththystick。Swift！swift！“
Now，theoldchiefUmxamamaspranguptodotheking"sbidding，buthewasfeeblewithage，andtheendofitwasthatMasilo，beingmadwithfear，killedUmxamama，notUmxamamaMasilo。ThenInguazonca，brotherofUnandi，MotheroftheHeavens，felluponMasiloandendedhim，butwashurthimselfinsodoing。NowIlookedatChaka，whostoodshakingthelittleredspear，andthoughtswiftly，forthehourhadcome。
“Help！“Icried，“oneisslayingtheKing！“
AsIspokethereedfenceburstasunder，andthroughitplungedtheprincesUmhlanganaandDingaan，asbullsplungethroughabrake。
ThenIpointedtoChakawithmywitheredhand，saying，“Beholdyourking！“
Now，frombeneaththeshelterofhiskaross，eachPrincedrewoutashortstabbingspear，andplungeditintothebodyofChakatheking。
Umhlanganasmotehimontheleftshoulder，Dingaanstruckhimintherightside。Chakadroppedthelittlespearhandledwiththeredwoodandlookedround，andsoroyallythattheprinces，hisbrothers，grewafraidandshrankawayfromhim。
Twicehelookedoneach；thenhespoke，saying:“What！doyouslayme，mybrothers——dogsofmineownhouse，whomIhavefed？Doyouslayme，thinkingtopossessthelandandtoruleit？Itellyouitshallnotbeforlong。Ihearasoundofrunningfeet——thefeetofagreatwhitepeople。Theyshallstampyouflat，childrenofmyfather！TheyshallrulethelandthatIhavewon，andyouandyourpeopleshallbetheirslaves！“
ThusChakaspokewhilethebloodrandownhimtotheground，andagainhelookedonthemroyally，likeabuckatgaze。
“Makeanend，Oyewhowouldbekings！“Icried；buttheirheartshadturnedtowaterandtheycouldnot。ThenI，Mopo，sprangforwardandpickedfromthegroundthatlittleassegaihandledwiththeroyalwood——thesameassegaiwithwhichChakahadmurderedUnandi，hismother，andMoosa，myson，andlifteditonhigh，andwhileIliftedit，myfather，oncemore，aswhenIwasyoung，aredveilseemedtowavebeforemyeyes。
“Whereforewouldstthoukillme，Mopo？“saidtheking。
“ForthesakeofBaleka，mysister，towhomIsworethedeed，andofallmykin，“Icried，andplungedthespearthroughhim。Hesankdownuponthetannedox-hide，andlaytheredying。Oncemorehespoke，andonceonly，saying:“WouldnowthatIhadhearkenedtothevoiceofNobela，whowarnedmeagainstthee，thoudog！“
Thenhewassilentforever。ButIkneltoverhimandcalledinhisearthenamesofallthoseofmybloodwhohaddiedathishands——thenamesofMakedama，myfather，ofmymother，ofAnadimywife，ofMoosamyson，andallmyotherwivesandchildren，andofBalekamysister。
Hiseyesandearswereopen，andIthink，myfather，thathesawandunderstood；IthinkalsothatthehateuponmyfaceasIshookmywitheredhandbeforehimwasmorefearfultohimthatthepainofdeath。Attheleast，heturnedhisheadaside，shuthiseyes，andgroaned。Presentlytheyopenedagain，andhewasdead。
Thusthen，myfather，didChakatheKing，thegreatestmanwhohaseverlivedinZululand，andthemostevil，passbymyhandtothosekraalsoftheInkosazanawherenosleepis。Inbloodhediedashehadlivedinblood，fortheclimberatlastfallswiththetree，andintheendtheswimmerisborneawaybythestream。Nowhetrodthatpathwhichhadbeenbeatenflatforhimbythefeetofpeoplewhomhehadslaughtered，manyasthebladesofgrassuponamountain-side；butitisalietosay，assomedo，thathediedacoward，prayingformercy。
Chakadied，ashehadlived，abraveman。Ou！myfather，Iknowit，fortheseeyessawitandthishandletouthislife。
NowhewasdeadandtheregimentoftheBeesdrewnear，norcouldI
knowhowtheywouldtakethismatter，for，thoughthePrinceUmhlanganawastheirgeneral，yetallthesoldierslovedtheking，becausehehadnoequalinbattle，andwhenhegavehegavewithanopenhand。Ilookedround；theprincesstoodlikemenamazed；thegirlhadfled；thechiefUmxamamawasdeadatthehandsofdeadMasilo；andtheoldchiefInguazonca，whohadkilledMasilo，stoodby，hurtandwondering；therewerenoothersinthekraal。
“Awake，yekings，“Icriedtothebrothers，“theimpiisatthegates！
Swift，nowstabthatman！“——andIpointedtotheoldchief——“andleavethemattertomywit。“
ThenDingaanrousedhimself，andspringinguponInguazonca，thebrotherofUnandi，smotehimagreatblowwithhisspear，sothathesankdowndeadwithoutaword。Thenagaintheprincesstoodsilentandamazed。
“Thisonewilltellnotales，“Icried，pointingatthefallenchief。
Nowarumouroftheslayinghadgotabroadamongthewomen，whohadheardcriesandseentheflashingofspearsabovethefence，andfromthewomenithadcometotheregimentoftheBees，whoadvancedtothegatesofthekraalsinging。Thenofasuddentheyceasedtheirsingingandrushedtowardsthehutinfrontofwhichwestood。
ThenIrantomeetthem，utteringcriesofwoe，holdinginmyhandthelittleassegaiofthekingredwiththeking"sblood，andspokewiththecaptain"sinthegate，saying:——
“Lament，yecaptainsandyesoldiers，weepandlament，foryourfatherisnomore！Hewhonursedyouisnomore！Thekingisdead！nowearthandheavenwillcometogether，forthekingisdead！“
“Howso，Mopo？“criedtheleaderoftheBees。“Howisourfatherdead？“
“HeisdeadbythehandofawickedwanderernamedMasilo，who，whenhewasdoomedtodiebytheking，snatchedthisassegaifromtheking"shandandstabbedhim；andafterwards，beforehecouldbecutdownhimselfbyusthree，theprincesandmyself，hekilledthechiefsInguazoncaandUmxamamaalso。Drawnearandlookonhimwhowastheking；itisthecommandofDingaanandUmhlangana，thekings，thatyoudrawnearandlookonhimwhowastheking，thathisdeathatthehandofMasilomaybetoldthroughalltheland。“
“Youarebetteratmakingofkings，Mopo，thanatthesavingofonewhowasyourkingfromthestrokeofawanderer，“saidtheleaderoftheBees，lookingatmedoubtfully。
Buthiswordspassedunheeded，forsomeofthecaptainswentforwardtolookontheGreatOnewhowasdead，andsome，togetherwithmostofthesoldiers，ranthiswayandthat，cryingintheirfearthatnowtheheavenandearthwouldcometogether，andtheraceofmanwouldceasetobe，becauseChaka，theking，wasdead。
Now，myfather，howshallI，whosedaysarefew，tellyouofallthemattersthathappenedafterthedeadofChaka？WereItospeakofthemalltheywouldfillmanybooksofthewhitemen，and，perhaps，someofthemarewrittendownthere。Forthisreasonitis，thatImaybebrief，IhaveonlyspokenofafewofthoseeventswhichbefellinthereignofChaka；formytaleisnotofthereignofChaka，butofthelivesofahandfulofpeoplewholivedinthosedays，andofwhomI
andUmslopogaasaloneareleftalive——if，indeed，Umslopogaas，thesonofChaka，isstilllivingontheearth。Therefore，inafewwordsI
willpassoverallthatcameaboutafterthefallofChakaandtillI
wassentdownbyDingaan，theking，tosummonhimtosurrendertothekingwhowascalledtheSlaughtererandwhoruledthePeopleoftheAxe。Ah！wouldthatIhadknownforcertainthatthiswasnoneotherthanUmslopogaas，forthenhadDingaangonethewaythatChakawentandwhichUmhlanganafollowed，andUmslopogaasruledthepeopleoftheZulusastheirking。But，alas！mywisdomfailedme。IpaidnoheedtothevoiceofmyheartwhichtoldmethatthiswasUmslopogaaswhosentthemessagetoChakathreateningvengeanceforoneMopo，andIknewnothingtilltoolate；surely，Ithought，themanspokeofsomeotherMopo。Forthus，myfather，doesdestinymakefoolsofusmen。Wethinkthatwecanshapeourfate，butitisfatethatshapesus，andnothingbefallsexceptfatewillit。Allthingsareagreatpattern，myfather，drawnbythehandoftheUmkulunkuluuponthecupwhencehedrinksthewaterofhiswisdom；andourlives，andwhatwedo，andwhatwedonotdo，arebutalittlebitofthepattern，whichissobigthatonlytheeyesofHimwhoisabove，theUmkulunkulu，canseeitall。EvenChaka，theslayerofmen，andallthoseheslew，arebutasatinygrainofdustinthegreatnessofthatpattern。How，then，canwebewise，myfather，whoarebutthetoolsofwisdom？howcanbebuildwhoarebutpebblesinawall？howcanwegivelifewhoarebabesinthewomboffate？orhowcanweslaywhoarebutspearsinthehandsoftheslayer？
Thiscameabout，myfather。MattersweremadestraightinthelandafterthedeathofChaka。AtfirstpeoplesaidthatMasilo，thestranger，hadstabbedtheking；thenitwasknownthatMopo，thewiseman，thedoctorandthebody-servantoftheking，hadslaintheking，andthatthetwogreatbulls，hisbrothersUmhlanganaandDingaan，childrenofSenzangacona，hadalsoliftedspearsagainsthim。Buthewasdead，andearthandheavenhadnotcometogether，sowhatdiditmatter？Moreover，thetwonewkingspromisedtodealgentlywiththepeople，andtolightentheheavyyokeofChaka，andmeninabadcasearealwaysreadytohomeforabetter。SoitcameaboutthattheonlyenemiestheprincesfoundwereeachotherandEngwade，thesonofUnandi，Chaka"shalf-brother。ButI，Mopo，whowasnowthefirstmaninthelandafterthekings，ceasingtobeadoctorandbecomingageneral，wentupagainstEngwadewiththeregimentoftheBeesandtheregimentoftheSlayersandsmotehiminhiskraals。Itwasahardfight，butintheendIdestroyedhimandallhispeople:EngwadekilledeightmenwithhisownhandbeforeIslewhim。ThenIcamebacktothekraalwiththefewthatwereleftaliveofthetworegiments。
Afterthatthetwokingsquarrelledmoreandmore，andIweighedthembothinmybalance，forIwouldknowwhichwasthemostfavourabletome。IntheendIfoundthatbothfearedme，butthatUmhlanganawouldcertainlyputmetodeathifhegainedtheupperhand，whereasthiswasnotyetinthemindofDingaan。SoIpresseddownthebalanceofUmhlanganaandraisedthatofDingaan，sendingthefearsofUmhlanganatosleeptillIcouldcausehishuttobesurrounded。ThenUmhlanganafollowedupontheroadofChakahisbrother，theroadoftheassegai；
andDingaanruledaloneforawhile。Sucharethethingsthatbefallprincesofthisearth，myfather。See，Iambutalittleman，andmylotishumbleatthelast，yetIhavebroughtaboutthedeathofthreeofthem，andofthesetwodiedbymyhand。
ItwasfourteendaysafterthepassingawayofthePrinceUmhlanganathatthegreatarmycamebackinasorryplightfromthemarshesoftheLimpopo，forhalfofthemwereleftdeadoffeverandthemightofthefoe，andtherestwerestarving。ItwaswellforthemwhoyetlivedthatChakawasnomore，elsetheyhadjoinedtheirbrethrenwhoweredeadontheway；sinceneverbeforeformanyyearshadaZuluimpireturnedunvictoriousandwithoutasingleheadofcattle。Thusitcameaboutthattheyweregladenoughtowelcomeakingwhosparedtheirlives，andthenceforth，tillhisfatefoundhim，Dingaanreignedunquestioned。
Now，DingaanwaaprinceofthebloodofChakaindeed；for，likeChaka，hewasgreatinpresenceandcruelatheart，buthehadnotthemightandthemindofChaka。Moreover，hewastreacherousandaliar，andtheseChakawasnot。Also，helovedwomenmuch，andspentwiththemthetimethatheshouldhavegiventomattersoftheState。Yethereignedawhileintheland。Imusttellthisalso；thatDingaanwouldhavekilledPanda，hishalf-brother，sothatthehouseofSenzangacona，hisfather，mightbesweptoutclean。NowPandawasamanofgentleheart，whodidnotlovewar，andthereforeitwasthoughtthathewashalf-witted；and，becauseIlovedPanda，whenthequestionofhisslayingcameon，IandthechiefMapitaspokeagainstit，andpleadedforhim，sayingthattherewasnothingtobefearedathishandswhowasafool。SointheendDingaangaveway，saying，“Well，youaskmetosparethisdog，andIwillsparehim，butonedayhewillbiteme。“
SoPandawasmadegovernoroftheking"scattle。YetintheendthewordsofDingaancametrue，foritwasthegripofPanda"steeththatpulledhimfromthethrone；only，ifPandawasthedogthatbit，I，Mopo，wasthemanwhosethimonthehunt。
CHAPTERXXII
MOPOGOESTOSEEKTHESLAUGHTERER
NowDingaan，desertingthekraalDuguza，movedbacktoZululand，andbuiltagreatkraalbytheMahlabatine，whichhenamed“Umgugundhlovu“——
thatis，“therumblingoftheelephant。“Also，hecausedallthefairestgirlsinthelandtobesoughtoutashiswives，andthoughmanywerefoundyethecravedformore。AndatthistimearumourcametotheearsoftheKingDingaanthattherelivedinSwazilandamongtheHalakazitribeagirlofthemostwonderfulbeauty，whowasnamedtheLily，andwhoseskinwaswhiterthanaretheskinsofourpeople，andhedesiredgreatlytohavethisgirltowife。SoDingaansentanembassytothechiefoftheHalakazi，demandingthatthegirlshouldbegiventohim。Attheendofamonththeembassyreturnedagain，andtoldthekingthattheyhadfoundnothingbuthardwordsatthekraaloftheHalakazi，andhadbeendriventhencewithscornandblows。
ThiswasthemessageofthechiefoftheHalakazitoDingaan，kingoftheZulus:ThatthemaidwhowasnamedtheLily，was，indeed，thewonderoftheearth，andasyetunwed；forshehadfoundnomanuponwhomshelookedwithfavour，andshewasheldinsuchlovebythispeoplethatitwasnottheirwishtoforceanyhusbandonher。
Moreover，thechiefsaidthatheandhispeopledefiedDingaanandtheZulus，astheirfathershaddefiedChakabeforehim，andspatuponhisname，andthatnomaidoftheirsshouldgotobethewifeofaZuludog。
ThenthechiefoftheHalakazicausedthemaidwhowasnamedtheLilytobeledbeforethemessengersofDingaan，andtheyfoundherwonderfullyfair，forsotheysaid:shewastallasareed，andhergracewasthegraceofareedthatisshakeninthewind。Moreover，herhaircurled，andhunguponhershoulders，hereyeswerelargeandbrown，andsoftasabuck"s，hercolourwasthecolourofrichcream，hersmilewaslikearippleonthewaters，andwhenshespokehervoicewaslowandsweeterthanthesoundofaninstrumentofmusic。
Theysaidalsothatthegirlwishedtospeakwiththem，butthechiefforbadeit，andcausedhertobeledthencewithallhonour。
Now，whenDingaanheardthismessagehegrewmadasalioninanet，forhedesiredthismaidaboveeverything，andyethewhohadallthingscouldnotwinthemaid。Thiswashiscommand，thatagreatimpishouldbegatheredandsenttoSwazilandagainsttheHalakazitribe，todestroythemandseizethemaid。Butwhenthemattercameontobediscussedwiththeindunasinthepresenceoftheking，attheAmapakatiorcouncil，I，aschiefoftheindunas，spokeagainstit，sayingthatthetribeoftheHalakaziweregreatandstrong，andthatwarwiththemwouldmeanwarwiththeSwazisalso；moreover，theyhadtheirdwellingincaveswhichwerehadtowin。Also，Isaid，thatthiswasnotimetosendimpistoseekasinglegirl，forfewyearshadgonebysincetheBlackOnefell；andfoesweremany，andthesoldiersofthelandhadwaxedfewwithslaughter，halfofthemhavingperishedinthemarshesoftheLimpopo。Now，timemustbegiventhemtogrowupagain，forto-daytheywereasalittlechild，orlikeamanwastedwithhunger。Maidsweremany，letthekingtakethemandsatisfyhisheart，butlethimmakenowarforthisone。
ThusIspokeboldlyinthefaceoftheking，asnonehaddaredtospeakbeforeChaka；andcouragepassedfrommetotheheartsoftheotherindunasandgenerals，andtheyechoedmywords，fortheyknewthat，ofallfollies，tobeginanewwarwiththeSwazipeoplewouldbethegreatest。
Dingaanlistened，andhisbrowgrewdark，yethewasnotsofirmlyseatedonthethronethathedaredputawayourwords，forstillthereweremanyinthelandwholovedthememoryofChaka，andrememberedthatDingaanhadmurderedhimandUmhlanganaalso。FornowthatChakawasdead，peopleforgothowevillyhehaddealtwiththem，andrememberedonlythathewasagreatman，whohadmadetheZulupeopleoutofnothing，asasmithfashionsabrightspearfromalumpofiron。Also，thoughtheyhadchangedmasters，yettheirburdenwasnotlessened，for，asChakaslew，soDingaanslewalso，andasChakaoppressed，sodidDingaanoppress。ThereforeDingaanyieldedtothevoiceofhisindunasandnoimpiwassentagainsttheHalakazitoseekthemaidthatwasnamedtheLily。Butstillhehankeredforherinhisheart，andfromthathourhehatedmebecauseIhadcrossedhiswillandrobbedhimofhisdesire。
Now，myfather，thereisthistobetold:thoughIdidnotknowitthen，themaidwhowasnamedtheLilywasnootherthanmydaughterNada。Thethought，indeed，cameintomymind，thatnonebutNadacouldbesofair。YetIknewforcertainthatNadaandhermotherMacrophaweredead，forhewhobroughtmethenewsoftheirdeathhadseentheirbodieslockedineachother"sarms，killed，asitwere，bythesamespear。Yet，asitchanced，hewaswrong；forthoughMacrophaindeedwaskilled，itwasanothermaidwholayinbloodbesideher；
forthepeoplewhitherIhadsentMacrophaandNadaweretributarytotheHalakazitribe，andthatchiefoftheHalakaziwhosatintheplaceofGalazitheWolfhadquarrelledwiththem，andfallenonthembynightandeatenthemup。
AsIlearnedafterwards，thecauseoftheirdestruction，asinlaterdaysitwasthecauseoftheslayingoftheHalakazi，wasthebeautyofNadaandnothingelse，forthefameofherlovelinesshadgoneabouttheland，andtheoldchiefoftheHalakazihadcommandedthatthegirlshouldbesenttohiskraaltolivethere，thatherbeautymightshineuponhisplacelikethesun，andthat，ifsoshewilled，sheshouldchooseahusbandfromthegreatmenoftheHalakazi。Buttheheadmenofthekraalrefused，fornonewhohadlookedonherwouldsuffertheireyestolosesightofNadatheLily，thoughtherewasthisfateaboutthemaidthatnonestrovetowedheragainstherwill。
Many，indeed，askedherinmarriage，boththereandamongtheHalakazipeople，buteversheshookherheadandsaid，“Nay，Iwouldwednoman，“anditwasenough。
Foritwasthesayingamongmen，thatitwasbetterthatsheshouldremainunmarried，andallshouldlookonher，thanthatsheshouldpassfromtheirsightintothehouseofahusband；sincetheyheldthatherbeautywasgiventobeajoytoall，likethebeautyofthedawnandoftheevening。YetthisbeautyofNada"swasadreadfulthing，andthemotherofmuchdeath，asshallbetold；andbecauseofherbeautyandthegreatloveshebore，she，theLilyherself，mustwither，andthecupofmysorrowsmustbefilledtooverflowing，andtheheartofUmslopogaastheSlaughterer，sonofChakatheking，mustbecomedesolateastheblackplainwhenfirehassweptit。Soitwasordained，myfather，andsoitbefell，seeingthatthusallmen，whiteandblack，seekthatwhichisbeautiful，andwhenatlasttheyfindit，thenitpassesswiftlyaway，or，perchance，itistheirdeath。Forgreatjoyandgreatbeautyarewinged，norwilltheysojournlongupontheearth。Theycomedownlikeeaglesoutofthesky，andintotheskytheyreturnagainswiftly。
Thusthenitcameabout，myfather，thatI，Mopo，believingmydaughterNadatobedead，littleguessedthatitwasshewhowasnamedtheLilyinthekraalsoftheHalakazi，andwhomDingaanthekingdesiredforawife。
NowafterIhadthwartedhiminthismatterofthesendingofanimpitoplucktheLilyfromthegardensoftheHalakazi，Dingaanlearnedtohateme。AlsoIwasinhissecrets，andwithmehehadkilledhisbrotherChakaandhisbrotherUmhlangana，anditwasIwhoheldhimbackfromtheslayingofhisbrotherPandaalso；and，therefore，hehatedme，asisthefashionofsmall-heartedmenwiththosewhohaveliftedthemup。Yethedidnotdaretodoawaywithme，formyvoicewasloudintheland，andwhenIspokethepeoplelistened。Therefore，intheend，hecastaboutforsomewaytoberidofmeforawhile，tillheshouldgrowstrongenoughtokillme。
“Mopo，“saidthekingtomeonedayasIsatbeforehimincouncilwithothersoftheindunasandgenerals，“mindestthouofthelastwordsoftheGreatElephant，whoisdead？“ThishesaidmeaningChakahisbrother，onlyhedidnotnamehim，fornowthenameofChakawasblonipaintheland，asisthecustomwiththenamesofdeadkings——
thatis，myfather，itwasnotlawfulthatitshouldpassthelips。
“Irememberthewords，OKing，“Ianswered。“Theywereominouswords，forthiswastheirburden:thatyouandyourhouseshouldnotsitlonginthethroneofkings，butthatthewhitemenshouldtakeawayyourroyaltyanddivideyourterritories。SuchwastheprophecyoftheLionoftheZulu，whyspeakofit？OncebeforeIheardhimprophecy，andhiswordswerefulfilled。Maytheomenbeaneggwithoutmeat；mayitneverbecomefledged；maythatbirdneverperchuponyourroof，O
King！“
NowDingaantrembledwithfear，forthewordsofChakawereinhismindbynightandbyday；thenhegrewangryandbithislip，saying:——
“Thoufool，Mopo！canstthounotheararavencroakatthegatesofakraalbutthoumustneedsgotellthosewhodwellwithinthathewaitstopicktheireyes？Suchcriersofilltocomemaywellfindillathand，Mopo。“Heceased，lookedonmethreateninglyawhile，andwenton:“Ididnotspeakofthosewordsrollingbychancefromatonguehalfloosedbydeath，butofothersthattoldofacertainBulalio，ofaSlaughtererwhorulesthePeopleoftheAxeanddwellsbeneaththeshadowoftheGhostMountainfarawaytothenorthyonder。SurelyI
heardthemallasIsatbeneaththeshadeofthereed-fencebeforeeverIcametosavehimwhowasmybrotherfromthespearofMasilo，themurderer，whosespearstoleawaythelifeofaking？“
“Irememberthosewordsalso，OKing！“Isaid。“Isitthewillofthekingthatanimpishouldbegatheredtoeatupthisupstart？Suchwasthecommandoftheonewhoisgone，given，asitwere，withhislastbreath。“
“Nay，Mopo，thatisnotmywill。IfnoimpicanbefoundbytheetowipeawaytheHalakaziandbringonewhomIdesiretodelightmyeyes，thensurelynonecanbefoundtoeatupthisSlaughtererandhispeople。Moreover，Bulalio，chiefofthePeopleoftheAxe，hasnotoffendedagainstme，butagainstanelephantwhosetrumpetingsaredone。Nowthisismywill，Mopo，myservant:thatthoushouldsttakewiththeeafewmenonlyandgogentlytothisBulalio，andsaytohim:"AgreaterElephantstalksthroughthelandthanhewhohasgonetosleep，andithascometohisears——thatthou，ChiefofthePeopleoftheAxe，dostpaynotribute，andhastsaidthat，becauseofthedeathofacertainMopo，thouwilthavenothingtodowithhimwhoseshadowliesupontheland。NowoneMopoissenttothee，Slaughterer，toknowifthistaleistrue，for，ifitbetrue，thenshaltthoulearntheweightofthehoofofthatElephantwhotrumpetsinthekraalofUmgugundhlovu。Think，then，andweighthywordsbeforethoudostanswer，Slaughterer。"“
NowI，Mopo，heardthecommandsofthekingandponderedtheminmymind，forIknewwellthatitwasthedesignofDingaantoberidofmeforaspacethathemightfindtimetoplotmyoverthrow，andthathecaredlittleforthismatterofapettychief，who，livingfaraway，haddaredtodefyChaka。YetIwishedtogo，fortherehadariseninmeagreatdesiretoseethisBulalio，whospokeofvengeancetobetakenforoneMopo，andwhosedeedsweresuchasthedeedsofUmslopogaaswouldhavebeen，hadUmslopogaaslivedtolookuponthelight。ThereforeIanswered:——
“Iheartheking。Theking"swordshallbedone，though，OKing，thousendestabigmanuponalittleerrand。“
“Notso，Mopo，“answeredDingaan。“MyhearttellsmethatthischickenofaSlaughtererwillgrowtoagreatcockifhiscombisnotcutpresently；andthou，Mopo，artversedincuttingcombs，evenofthetallest。“
“Iheartheking，“Iansweredagain。
So，myfather，itcameaboutthatonthemorrow，takingwithmebuttenchosenmen，I，Mopo，startedonmyjourneytowardstheGhostMountain，andasIjourneyedIthoughtmuchofhowIhadtrodthatpathinbygonedays。Then，Macropha，mywife，andNada，mydaughter，andUmslopogaas，thesonofChaka，whowasthoughttobemyson，walkedatmyside。Now，asIimagined，allweredeadandIwalkedalone；doubtlessIalsoshouldsoonbedead。Well，peoplelivedfewdaysandevilinthosetimes，andwhatdiditmatter？AttheleastI
hadwreakedvengeanceonChakaandsatisfiedmyheart。
AtlengthIcameonenighttothatlonelyspotwherewehadcampedintheevilhourwhenUmslopogaaswasborneawaybythelioness，andoncemoreIlookeduponthecavewhencehehaddraggedthecub，andupontheawfulfaceofthestoneWitchwhositsaloftupontheGhostMountainforeverandforever。Icouldsleeplittlethatnight，becauseofthesorrowatmyheart，butsatawakelooking，inthebrightnessofthemoon，uponthegreyfaceofthestoneWitch，andonthedepthsoftheforestthatgrewaboutherknees，wonderingthewhileifthebonesofUmslopogaaslaybrokeninthatforest。NowasIjourneyed，manytaleshadbeentoldtomeofthisGhostMountain，whichallsworewashaunted，sosaidsome，bymenintheshapeofwolves；andsosaidsome，bytheEsemkofu——thatis，bymenwhohavediedandwhohavebeenbroughtbackagainbymagic。Theyhavenotongues，theEsemkofu，forhadtheytonguestheywouldcryaloudtomortalstheawfulsecretsofthedead，therefore，theycanbututterawailinglikethatofababe。
Surelyonemayhearthemintheforestsatnightastheywail“Ai！——
ah！Ai——ah！“amongthesilenttrees！
Youlaugh，myfather，butIdidnotlaughasIthoughtofthesetales；
for，ifmenhavespirits，wheredothespiritsgowhenthebodyisdead？Theymustgosomewhere，andwoulditbestrangethattheyshouldreturntolookuponthelandswheretheywereborn？YetIneverthoughtmuchofsuchmatters，thoughIamadoctor，andknowsomethingofthewaysoftheAmatongo，thepeopleoftheghosts。Tospeaktruth，myfather，IhavehadsomuchtodowiththeloosingofthespiritsofmenthatInevertroubledmyselfovermuchwiththemaftertheywereloosed；therewillbetimetodothiswhenImyselfamoftheirnumber。