第8章
NowUmslopogaasgazeduponheragain，andGroan-Makerfellfromhishand。
“Lookonme，Nada，daughterofMopo，“hesaidinalowvoice；“lookatmeandsaywhoamI。“
Shelookedoncemoreandyetagain。Nowherfacewasthrustforwardasonewhogazesovertheedgeoftheworld；itgrewfixedandstrange。
“Bymyheart，“shesaid，“bymyheart，youareUmslopogaas，mybrotherwhoisdead，andwhomdeadaslivingIhavelovedeverandalone。“
Thenthetorchflaredout，butUmslopogaastookholdofherinthedarknessandpressedhertohimandkissedher，thesisterwhomhefoundaftermanyyears，andshekissedhim。
“Youkissmenow，“shesaid，“yetnotlongagothatgreataxeshoremylocks，missingmebutbyafinger"s-breadth——andstillthesoundoffightingringsinmyears！Ah！aboonofyou，mybrother——aboon:lettherebenomoredeathsincewearemetoncemore。ThepeopleoftheHalakaziareconquered，anditistheirjustdoom，forthus，inthissameway，theykilledthosewithwhomIlivedbefore。Yettheyhavetreatedmewell，notforcingmeintowedlock，andprotectingmefromDingaan；sosparethem，mybrother，ifyoumay。“
ThenUmslopogaaslifteduphisvoice，commandingthatthekillingshouldcease，andsentmessengersrunningswiftlywiththesewords:
“ThisisthecommandofBulalio:thatheshouldliftshandagainstonemoreofthepeopleoftheHalakazishallbekilledhimself“；andthesoldiersobeyedhim，thoughtheordercamesomewhatlate，andnomoreoftheHalakaziwerebroughttodoom。Theyweresufferedtoescape，exceptthoseofthewomenandchildrenwhowerekepttobeledawayascaptives。Andtheyranfarthatnight。Nordidtheycometogetheragaintobeapeople，fortheyfearedGalazitheWolf，whowouldbechiefoverthem，buttheywerescatteredwideintheworld，tosojournamongstrangers。
NowwhenthesoldiershadeatenabundantlyofthestoreoftheHalakazi，andguardshadbeensenttowardthecattleandwatchagainstsurprise，UmslopogaasspokelongwithNadatheLily，takingherapart，andhetoldherallhisstory。Shetoldhimalsothetalewhichyouknow，myfather，ofhowshehadlivedwiththelittlepeoplethatweresubjecttotheHalakazi，sheandhermotherMacropha，andhowthefameofherbeautyhadspreadabouttheland。ThenshetoldhimhowtheHalakazihadclaimedher，andofhow，intheend，theyhadtakenherbyforceofarms，killingthepeopleofthatkraal，andamongthemherownmother。Thereafter，shehaddweltamongtheHalakazi，whonamedheranew，callinghertheLily，andtheyhadtreatedherkindly，givingherreverencebecauseofhersweetnessandbeauty，andnotforcingherintomarriage。
“Andwhywouldyounotwed，Nada，mysister？“askedUmslopogaas，“youwhoarefarpasttheageofmarriage？“
“Icannottellyou，“sheanswered，hangingherhead；“butIhavenoheartthatway。Ionlyseektobeleftalone。“
NowUmslopogaasthoughtawhileandspoke。“Doyounotknowthen，Nada，whyitisthatIhavemadethiswar，andwhythepeopleoftheHalakaziaredeadandscatteredandtheircattletheprizeofmyarm？
Iwilltellyou:Iamcomeheretowinyou，whomIknewonlybyreportastheLilymaid，thefairestofwomen，tobeawifetoDingaan。ThereasonthatIbeganthiswarwastowinyouandmakemypeacewithDingaan，andnowIhavecarrieditthroughtotheend。“
Nowwhensheheardthesewords，NadatheLilytrembledandwept，and，sinkingtotheearth，sheclaspedthekneesofUmslopogaasinsupplication:“Oh，donotthiscruelthingbyme，yoursister，“sheprayed；“takeratherthatgreataxeandmakeanendofme，andofthebeautywhichhaswroughtsomuchwoe，andmostofalltomewhowearit！WouldthatIhadnotmovedmyheadbehindtheshield，buthadsufferedtheaxetofalluponit。TothisendIwasdressedasaman，thatImightmeetthefateofaman。Ah！acursebeonmywoman"sweaknessthatsnatchedmefromdeathtogivemeuptoshame！“
ThussheprayedtoUmslopogaasinherlowsweetvoice，andhisheartwasshakeninhim，though，indeed，hedidnotnowpurposetogiveNadatoDingaan，asBalekawasgiventoChaka，perhapsintheendtomeetthefateofBaleka。
“Therearemany，Nada，“hesaid，“whowouldthinkitnomisfortunethattheyshouldbegivenasawifetothefirstofchiefs。“
“ThenIamnotoftheirnumber，“sheanswered；“nay，Iwilldiefirst，bymyownhandifneedbe。“
NowUmslopogaaswonderedhowitcameaboutthatNadalookeduponmarriagethus，buthedidnotspeakofthematter；hesaidonly，“Tellmethen，Nada，howIcandelivermyselfofthischarge。ImustgotoDingaanasIpromisedourfatherMopo，andwhatshallIsaytoDingaanwhenheasksfortheLilywhomIwentouttopluckandwhomhisheartdesires？WhatshallIsaytosavemyselfalivefromthewrathofDingaan？“
ThenNadathoughtandanswered，“Youshallsaythis，mybrother。YoushalltellhimthattheLily，beingclothedinthewar-dressofawarrior，fellbychanceinthefray。See，now，noneofyourpeopleknowthatyouhavefoundme；theyarethinkingofotherthingsthanmaidsinthehouroftheirvictory。This，then，ismyplan:wewillsearchnowbythestarlighttillwefindthebodyofafairmaid，for，doubtless，somewerekilledbyhazardinthefight，andonherwewillsetawarrior"sdress，andlaybyherthecorpseofoneofyourownmen。To-morrow，atthelight，youshalltakethecaptainsofyoursoldiersand，havinglaidthebodyofthegirlinthedarkofthecave，youshallshowittothemhurriedly，andtellthemthatthiswastheLily，slainbyoneofyourownpeople，whominyourwrathyouslewalso。Theywillnotlooklongonsocommonasight，andifbyhazardtheyseethemaid，andthinkhernotsoveryfair，theywilldeemthatitisdeathwhichhasrobbedherofhercomeliness。SothetalewhichyoumusttelltoDingaanshallbebuiltupfirmly，andDingaanshallbelieveittobetrue。“
“Andhowshallthisbe，Nada？“askedUmslopogaas。“Howshallthisbewhenmenseeyouamongthecaptivesandknowyoubyyourbeauty？Arethere，then，twosuchLiliesintheland？“
“Ishallnotbeknown，forIshallnotbeseen，Umslopogaas。Youmustsetmefreeto-night。Iwillwanderhencedisguisedasayouthandcoveredwithablanket，andifanymeetme，whoshallsaythatIamtheLily？“
“Andwherewillyouwander，Nada？toyourdeath？Mustwe，then，meetaftersomanyyearstopartagainforever？“
“Wherewasitthatyousaidyoulived，mybrother？BeneaththeshadeofaGhostMountain，thatmenmayknowbyashapeofstonewhichisfashionedlikeanoldwomanfrozenintostone，wasitnot？Tellmeoftheroadthither。“
SoUmslopogaastoldhertheroad，andshelistenedsilently。
“Good，“shesaid。“Iamstrongandmyfeetareswift；perhapstheymayservetobringmesofar，andperhaps，ifIwintheshadowofthatmountain，youwillfindmeahuttohidein，Umslopogaas，mybrother。“
“Surelyitshallbeso，mysister，“answeredUmslopogaas，“andyetthewayislongandmanydangerslieinthepathofamaidjourneyingalone，withoutfoodorshelter，“andashespokeUmslopogaasthoughtofZinitahiswife，forheguessedthatshewouldnotloveNada，althoughshewasonlyhissister。
“Still，itmustbetravelled，andthedangersmustbebraved，“sheanswered，smiling。“Alas！thereisnootherway。“
ThenUmslopogaassummonedGalazitheWolfandtoldhimallthisstory，forGalaziwastheonlymanwhomhecouldtrust。TheWolflistenedinsilence，marvellingthewhileatthebeautyofNada，asthestarlightshowedit。Wheneverythingwastold，hesaidonlythathenolongerwonderedthatthepeopleoftheHalakazihaddefiedDingaanandbroughtdeathuponthemselvesforthesakeofthismaid。Still，tobeplain，hisheartthoughtillofthematter，fordeathwasnotdonewithyet:therebeforethemshonetheStarofDeath，andhepointedtotheLily。
NowNadatrembledathiswordsofevilomen，andtheSlaughterergrewangry，butGalaziwouldneitheraddtothemnortakeawayfromthem。
“Ihavespokenthatwhichmyhearthears，“heanswered。
Thentheyroseandwenttosearchamongthedeadforagirlwhowouldsuittheirpurpose；soontheyfoundone，atallandfairmaiden，andGalaziboreherinhisarmstothegreatcave。Hereinthecavewerenonebutthedead，and，tossedhitherandthitherintheirlastsleep，theylookedawfulintheglareofthetorches。
“Theysleepsound，“saidtheLily，gazingonthem；“restissweet。“
“Weshallsoonwinit，maiden，“answeredGalazi，andagainNadatrembled。
Then，havingarrayedherinthedressofawarrior，andputashieldandspearbyher，theylaiddownthebodyofthegirlinadarkplaceinthecave，and，findingadeadwarriorofthePeopleoftheAxe，placedhimbesideher。Nowtheyleftthecave，and，pretendingthattheyvisitedthesentries，UmslopogaasandGalazipassedfromspottospot，whiletheLilywalkedafterthemlikeaguard，hidingherfacewithashield，holdingaspearinherhand，andhavingwithherabagofcornanddriedflesh。
Sotheypassedon，tillatlengththeycametotheentranceinthemountainside。ThestonesthathadblockeditwerepulleddownsoastoallowthoseoftheHalakazitoflywhohadbeensparedattheentreatyofNada，buttherewereguardsbytheentrancetowatchthatnonecameback。Umslopogaaschallengedthem，andtheysalutedhim，buthesawthattheywerewornoutwithbattleandjourneying，andknewlittleofwhattheysaworsaid。Thenhe，Galazi，andNadaandpassedthroughtheopeningontotheplainbeyond。
HeretheSlaughtererandtheLilybadeeachotherfarewell，whileGalaziwatched，andpresentlytheWolfsawUmslopogaasreturnasonewhoisheavyatheart，andcaughtsightoftheLilyskimmingacrosstheplainlightlylikeaswallow。
“Idonotknowwhenwetwoshallmeetagain，“saidUmslopogaassosoonasshehadmeltedintotheshadowsofthenight。
“Mayyounevermeet，“answeredGalazi，“forIamsurethatifyoumeetthatsisterofyourswillbringdeathonmanymorethanthosewhonowlielowbecauseofherloveliness。SheisaStarofDeath，andwhenshesetstheskyshallbebloodred。“
Umslopogaasdidnotanswer，butwalkedslowlythroughthearchwayinthemountainside。
“Howisthis，chief？“saidhewhowascaptainoftheguard。“Threewentout，butonlytworeturn。“
“Fool！“answeredUmslopogaas。“AreyoudrunkwithHalakazibeer，orblindwithsleep？Twowentout，andtworeturn。Isenthimwhowaswithusbacktothecamp。“
“Sobeit，father，“saidthecaptain。“Twowentout，andtworeturn。
Alliswell！“
CHAPTERXXVII
THESTAMPINGOFTHEFIRE
Onthemorrowtheimpiawokerefreshedwithsleep，and，aftertheyhadeaten，Umslopogaasmusteredthem。Alas！nearlyhalfofthosewhohadseenthesunofyesterdaywouldwakenomoreforever。TheSlaughterermusteredthemandthankedthemforthatwhichtheyhaddone，winningfameandcattle。Theyweremerry，reckinglittleofthosewhoweredead，andsanghispraisesandthepraisesofGalaziinaloudsong。
WhenthesongwasendedUmslopogaasspoketothemagain，sayingthatthevictorywasgreat，andthecattletheyhadwonwerecountless。Yetsomethingwaslacking——shewaslackingwhomhecametoseektobeagifttoDingaantheking，andforwhosesakethiswarwasmade。WherenowwastheLily？Yesterdayshehadbeenhere，cladinamoochalikeamanandbearingashield；thisheknewfromthecaptives。Where，then，wasshenow？
Thenallthesoldierssaidthattheyhadseennothingofher。Whentheyhaddone，Galazispokeaword，aswasagreedbetweenhimandUmslopogaas。Hesaidthatwhentheystormedthecavehehadseenamanrunatawarriorinthecavetokillhim。Thenashecame，hewhowasabouttobeslainthrewdowntheshieldandcriedformercy，andGalaziknewthatthiswasnowarrioroftheHalakazi，butaverybeautifulgirl。Sohecalledtothemantoletheraloneandnottotouchher，fortheorderwasthatnowomenshouldbekilled。Butthesoldier，beingmadewiththelustoffight，shoutedthatmaidormansheshoulddie，andslewher。Thereon，he——Galazi——inhiswrathranupandsmotethemanwiththeWatcherandkilledhimalso，andheprayedthathehaddonenowrong。
“Youhavedonewell，mybrother，“saidUmslopogaas。“Comenow，someofyou，andletuslookatthisdeadgirl。PerhapsitistheLily，andifsothatisunluckyforus，forIdonotknowwhattaleweshalltelltoDingaanofthematter。“
SothecaptainswentwithUmslopogaasandGalazi，andcametothespotwherethegirlhadbeenlaid，andbyherthemanofthePeopleoftheAxe。
“AllisastheWolf，mybrother，hastold，“saidUmslopogaas，wavingthetorchinhishandoverthetwowholaydead。“Here，withoutadoubt，liesshewhowasnamedtheLily，whomwecametowin，andbyherthatfoolwhoslewher，slainhimselfbytheblowoftheWatcher。
Anillsighttosee，andanilltaleformetotellatthekraalofDingaan。Still，whatisis，andcannotbealtered；andthismaidwhowasthefairestofthefairisnownonetolovelytolookon。Letusaway！“Andheturnedswiftly，thenspokeagain，saying:——
“Bindupthisdeadgirlinoxhides，coverherwithsalt，andletherbebroughtwithus。“Andtheydidso。
Thenthecaptainssaid:“Surelyitisso，myfather；nowitcannotbealtered，andDingaanmustmisshisbride。“SosaidtheyallexceptthatmanwhohadbeencaptainoftheguardwhenUmslopogaasandGalaziandanotherpassedthroughthearchway。Thisman，indeed，saidnothing，yethewasnotwithouthisthoughts。Foritseemedtohimthathehadseenthreepassthroughthearchway，andnottwo。Itseemedtohim，moreover，thatthekarosswhichthethirdworehadslippedasideasshepressedpasthim，andthatbeneathithehadseentheshapeofabeautifulwoman，andaboveithadcaughttheglintofawoman"seye——aneyefullanddark，likeabuck"s。
Also，thiscaptainnotedthatBulaliocallednoneofthecaptivestosweartothebodyoftheLilymaid，andthatheshookthetorchtoandfroashehelditoverher——hewhosehandwasofthesteadiest。Allofthishekeptinhismind，forgettingnothing。
Nowitchancedafterwards，onthehomewardmarch，myfather，thatUmslopogaashadcausetospeakangrilytothisman，becausehetriedtorobanotherofhisshareofthespoiloftheHalakazi。Hespokesharplytohim，degradinghimfromhisrank，andsettinganotheroverhim。Alsohetookcattlefromtheman，andgavethemtohimwhomhewouldhaverobbed。
Andthereafter，thoughhewasjustlyserved，thismanthoughtmoreandmoreofthethirdwhohadpassedthroughthearchofthecaveandhadnotreturned，andwhoseemedtohimtohaveafairwoman"sshape，andeyeswhichgleamedlikethoseofawoman。
Onthatday，then，UmslopogaasbeganhismarchtothekraalUmgugundhlovu，whereDingaansat。Butbeforehesethisfacehomewards，inthepresenceofthesoldiers，heaskedGalazitheWolfifhewouldcomebackwithhim，orifhedesiredtostaytobechiefoftheHalakazi，ashewasbyrightofbirthandwar。ThentheWolflaughed，andansweredthathehadcomeouttoseekforvengeance，andnotfortheplaceofachief，alsothattherewerefewoftheHalakazipeopleleftoverwhomhemightruleifhewished。Moreover，headdedthis:that，liketwintrees，theytwoblood-brethrenhadgrownupsidebysidetilltheirrootsweremattedtogether，andthat，wereoneofthemdugupandplantedinSwazisoil，hefearedlestbothshouldwither，or，atthelast，thathe，Galazi，wouldwither，wholovedbutonemanandcertainwolves。
SoUmslopogaassaidnomoreofthechieftainship，butbeganhisjourney。Withhimhebroughtagreatnumberofcattle，tobeagiftforDingaan，andamultitudeofcaptives，youngwomenandchildren，forhewouldappeasetheheartofDingaan，becausehedidnotbringherwhomhesought——theLily，flowerofflowers。Yet，becausehewascautiousandputlittlefaithinthekindnessofkings，Umslopogaas，sosoonashereachedthebordersofZululand，sentthebestofthecattleandthefairestofthemaidsandchildrenontothekraalofthePeopleoftheAxebytheGhostMountain。Andhewhohadbeencaptainoftheguardbutnowwasacommonsoldiernoticedthisalso。
NowitchancedthatonacertainmorningI，Mopo，satinthekraalUmgugundhlovuinattendanceonDingaan。ForstillIwaitedontheking，thoughhehadspokennowordtome，goodorbad，sincetheyesterday，whenIforetoldtohimthatinthebloodofthewhitemenwhomhehadbetrayedgrewtheflowerofhisowndeath。For，myfather，itwasonthemorrowoftheslayingoftheAmaboonathatUmslopogaascametothekraalUmgugundhlovu。
NowthemindofDingaanwasheavy，andhesoughtsomethingtolightenit。Presentlyhebethoughthimselfofthewhiteprayingman，whohadcometothekraalseekingtoteachuspeopleoftheZulutoworshipothergodsthantheassegaiandtheking。Nowthiswasagoodman，butnoluckwentwithhisteaching，whichwashardtounderstand；and，moreover，theindunasdidnotlikeit，becauseitseemedtosetamasteroverthemaster，andakingovertheking，andtopreachofpeacetothosewhosetradewaswar。Still，Dingaansentforthewhitemanthathemightdisputewithhim，forDingaanthoughtthathehimselfwasthecleverestofallmen。
Nowthewhitemancame，buthisfacewaspale，becauseofthatwhichhehadseenbefalltheBoers，forhewasgentleandhatedsuchsights。
Thekingbadehimbeseatedandspoketohimsaying:——
“Theotherday，OWhiteMan，thoutoldestmeofaplaceoffirewhitherthosegoafterdeathwhohavedonewickedlyinlife。Tellmenowofthywisdom，domyfatherslieinthatplace？“
“HowcanIknow，King，“answeredtheprayer-doctor，“whomaynotjudgeofthedeedsofmen？ThisIsayonly:thatthosewhomurderandrobandoppresstheinnocentandbearfalsewitnessshalllieinthatplaceoffire。“
“Itseemsthatmyfathershavedoneallthesethings，andiftheyareinthisplaceIwouldgotherealso，forIammindedtobewithmyfathersatthelast。YetIthinkthatIshouldfindawaytoescapeifeverIcamethere。“
“How，King？“
NowDingaanhadsetthistrapfortheprayer-doctor。InthecentreofthatopenspacewherehehadcausedtheBoerstobefallenuponhehadbuiltupagreatpyreofwood——brushwoodbeneath，andontopofthebrushwoodlogs，andevenwholetrees。Perhaps，myfather，thereweresixtyfullwagonloadsofdrywoodpiledtogetherthereinthecentreoftheplace。
“Thoushaltseewiththineeyes，WhiteMan，“heanswered，andbiddingattendantssetfiretothepileallround，hesummonedthatregimentofyoungmenwhichwasleftinthekraal。Maybetherewereathousandandhalfathousandofthem——notmore——thesamethathadslaintheBoers。
Nowthefirebegantoburnfiercely，andtheregimentfiledinandtookitsplaceinranks。Bythetimethatallhadcome，thepyrewaseverywhereasheetofragingflame，and，thoughwesatahundredpacesfromit，itsheatwasgreatwhenthewindturnedourway。
“Now，DoctorofPrayers，isthyhotplacehotterthanyonderfire？“
saidtheking。
Heansweredthathedidnotknow，butthefirewascertainlyhot。
“ThenIwillshowtheehowIwillcomeoutofitifeverIgotolieinsuchafire——ay，thoughitbetentimesasbigandfierce。Ho！mychildren！“hecriedtothesoldiers，and，springingup，“Youseeyonderfire。Runswiftlyandstampitflatwithyourfeet。Wheretherewasfirelettherebeblacknessandashes。“
NowtheWhiteManliftedhishandsandprayedDingaannottodothisthingthatshouldbethedeathofmany，butthekingbadehimbesilent。Thenheturnedhiseyesupwardandprayedtohisgods。Foramomentalsothesoldierslookedoneachotherindoubt，forthefireragedfuriously，andspoutsofflameshothightowardtheheaven，andaboveitandaboutitthehotairdanced。Buttheircaptaincalledtothemloudly:“Greatistheking！Hearthewordsoftheking，whohonoursyou！YesterdayweateuptheAmaboona——itwasnothing，theywereunarmed。Thereisafoemoreworthyofourvalour。Come，mychildren，letuswashinthefire——wewhoarefiercerthanthefire！
Greatisthekingwhohonoursus！“
Thushespokeandranforward，and，witharoar，afterhimsprangthesoldiers，rankbyrank。Theywerebravemenindeed；moreover，theyknewthatifdeathlaybeforethemdeathalsoawaitedhimwholaggedbehind，anditisfarbettertodiewithhonourthanashamed。Ontheywent，astothejoyofbattle，theircaptainleadingthem，andastheywenttheysangtheIngomo，thewar-chantoftheZulu。Nowthecaptainnearedtheragingfire；wesawhimlifthisshieldtokeepoffitsheat。Thenhewasgone——hehadsprungintotheheartofthefurnace，andbutlittleofhimwaseverfoundagain。Afterhimwentthefirstcompany。Intheywent，beatingattheflameswiththeirox-hideshields，stampingthemoutwiththeirnakedfeet，tearingdowntheburninglogsandcastingthemaside。Notonemanofthatcompanylived，myfather；theyfelldownlikemothswhichflutterthroughacandle，andwheretheyfelltheyperished。Butafterthemcameothercompanies，anditwaswellforthoseinthisfightwhowerelasttograpplewiththefoe。Nowagreatsmokewasmixedwiththeflame，nowtheflamegrewlessandless，andthesmokemoreandmore；andnowblackenedmen，hairless，naked，andblistered，whitewiththescorchingofthefire，staggeredoutonthefarthersideoftheflames，fallingtoearthhereandthere。Afterthemcameothers；nowtherewasnoflame，onlyagreatsmokeinwhichmenmoveddimly；andpresently，myfather，itwasdone:theyhadconqueredthefire，andthatwithbutverylittlehurttothelastsevencompanies，thougheverymanhadtroddenit。Howmanyperished？——nay，Iknownot，theywerenevercounted；butwhatbetweenthedeadandtheinjuredthatregimentwasathalfstrengthtillthekingdraftedmoremenintoit。
“See，DoctorofPrayers，“saidDingaan，withalaugh，“thusshallI
escapethefiresofthatlandofwhichthoutellest，ifsuchtherebeindeed:Iwillbidmyimpisstampthemout。“
ThentheprayingmanwentfromthekraalsayingthathewouldteachnomoreamongtheZulus，andafterwardshelefttheland。Whenhehadgonetheburntwoodandthedeadwereclearedaway，theinjuredweredoctoredorkilledaccordingtotheirhurts，andthosewhohadlittleharmcamebeforethekingandpraisedhim。
“Newshieldsandheadressesmustbefoundforyou，mychildren，“saidDingaan，fortheshieldswereblackandshrivelled，andofheadsofhairandplumestherewerebutfewleftamongthatregiment。
“Wow！“saidDingaanagain，lookingatthesoldierswhostilllived:
“shavingwillbeeasyandcheapinthatplaceoffireofwhichthewhitemanspeaks。“
Thenheorderedbeartobebroughttothemen，fortheheathadmadethemthirsty。
Nowthoughyoumaynotguessit，myfather，Ihavetoldyouthistalebecauseithassomethingtodowithmystory；forscarcelyhadthematterbeenendedwhenmessengerscame，sayingthatBulalio，chiefofthePeopleoftheAxe，andhisimpiwerewithout，havingreturnedwithmuchspoilfromtheslayingoftheHalakaziinSwaziland。NowwhenI
heardthismyheartleaptforjoy，seeingthatIhadfearedgreatlyforthefateofUmslopogaas，myfosterling。Dingaanalsowasveryglad，and，springingup，dancedtoandfrolikeachild。
“Nowatlastwehavegoodtidings，“hesaid，atonceforgettingthestampingofthefire，“andnowshallmyeyesbeholdthatLilywhommyhandhaslongedtopluck。LetBulalioandhispeopleenterswiftly。“
Forawhiletherewassilence；thenfromfaraway，withoutthehighfenceofthegreatplace，therecameasoundofsinging，andthroughthegatesofthekraalrushedtwogreatmen，wearingblackplumesupontheirheads，havingblackshieldsintheirlefthands，andintheirright，oneanaxeandoneaclub；whileabouttheirshoulderswereboundwolf-skins。Theyranlow，neckandneck，withoutstretchedshieldsandheadsheldforward，asabuckrunswhenheishardpressedbydogs，andnosuchrunninghadbeenseeninthekraalUmgugundhlovuastherunningoftheWolf-Brethren。Halfacrossthespacetheyran，andhaltedsuddenly，and，astheyhalted，thedeadashesofthefireflewupbeforetheirfeetinalittlecloud。
“Bymyhead！look，thesecomearmedbeforeme！“saidDingaan，frowning，“andtodothisisdeath。Nowsaywhoisthatman，greatandfierce，whobearsanaxealoft？DidInotknowhimdeadIshouldsayitwastheBlackOne，mybrother，ashewasinthedaysofthesmitingofZwide:sowashisheadsetonhisshouldersandsohewaswonttolookround，likealion。“
“IthinkthatisBulaliotheSlaughterer，chiefofthePeopleoftheAxe，OKing，“Ianswered。
“Andwhoistheotherwithhim？Heisagreatmanalso。NeverhaveI
seensuchapair！“
“IthinkthatisGalazitheWolf，hewhoisblood-brothertotheSlaughterer，andhisgeneral，“Isaidagain。
NowafterthesetwocamethesoldiersofthePeopleoftheAxe，armedwithshortsticksalone。Fourbyfourtheycame，allholdingtheirheadslow，andwithblackshieldsoutstretched，andformedthemselvesintocompaniesbehindtheWolf-Brethren，tillallwerethere。Then，afterthem，thecrowdoftheHalakazislavesweredrivenin，——women，boys，andmaids，agreatnumber——andtheystoodbehindtherankshuddledtogetherlikefrightenedcalves。
“Agallantsight，truly！“saidDingaan，ashelookeduponthecompaniesofblack-plumedandshieldedwarriors。“Ihavenobettersoldiersinmyimpis，andyetmyeyesbeholdtheseforthefirsttime，“andagainhefrowned。
NowsuddenlyUmslopogaasliftedhisaxeandstartedforwardatfullspeed，andafterhimthunderedthecompanies。Ontheyrushed，andtheirplumeslaybackuponthewind，tillitseemedasthoughtheymuststampusflat。ButwhenhewaswithintenpacesofthekingUmslopogaasliftedGroan-Makeragain，andGalaziheldtheWatcheronhigh，andeverymanhaltedwherehewas，whileoncemorethedustflewupinclouds。Theyhaltedinlong，unbrokenlines，withoutstretchedshieldsandheadsheldlow；noman"sheadrosemorethanthelengthofadancekerriefromtheearth。Sotheystoodoneminute，then，forthethirdtime，UmslopogaasliftedGroan-Maker，andinaninstanteverymanstraightenedhimself，eachshieldwastossedonhigh，andfromeverythroatwasroaredtheroyalsalute，“Bayete！“
“Aprettysightforsooth，“quothDingaan；“butthesesoldiersaretoowelldrilledwhohaveneverdonemeservicenortheBlackOnewhowasbeforeme，andthisSlaughtereristoogoodacaptain，Isay。Comehither，yetwain！“hecriedaloud。
ThentheWolf-Brethrenstrodeforwardandstoodbeforetheking，andforawhiletheylookeduponeachother。
CHAPTERXXVIII
THELILYISBROUGHTTODINGAAN
“Howareyounamed？“saidDingaan。
“WearenamedBulaliotheSlaughtererandGalazitheWolf，OKing，“
answeredUmslopogaas。
“WasitthouwhodidstsendacertainmessagetotheBlackOnewhoisdead，Bulalio？“
“Yea，OKing，Isentamessage，butfromallIhaveheard，Masilo，mymessenger，gavemorethanthemessage，forhestabbedtheBlackOne。
Masilohadanevilheart。“
NowDingaanwinced，forheknewwellthathehimselfandoneMopohadstabbedtheBlackOne，buthethoughtthatthisoutlandchiefhadnotheardthetale，sohesaidnomoreofthemessage。
“Howisitthatyedaretocomebeforemearmed？Knowyenottherulethathewhoappearsarmedbeforethekingdies？“
“Wehavenotheardthatlaw，OKing，“saidUmslopogaas。“Moreover，thereisthistobetold:myvirtueoftheaxeIbearIrulealone。IfIamseenwithouttheaxe，thenanymanmaytakemyplacewhocan，fortheaxeischieftainessofthePeopleoftheAxe，andhewhoholdsitisitsservant。“
“Astrangecustom，“saidDingaan，“butletitpass。Andthou，Wolf，whathastthoutosayofthatgreatclubofthine？“
“Thereisthistobetoldoftheclub，OKing，“answeredGalazi:“byvirtueoftheclubIguardmylife。IfIamseenwithouttheclub，thenmayanymantakemylifewhocan，fortheclubismyWatcher，notIWatcheroftheclub。“
“Neverwastthounearertothelosingofbothclubandlife，“saidDingaan，angrily。
“Itmaybeso，OKing，“answeredtheWolf。“Whenthehouris，then，withoutadoubt，theWatchershallceasefromhiswatching。“
“Yeareastrangepair，“quothDingaan。“Wherehaveyoubeennow，andwhatisyourbusinessatthePlaceoftheElephant？“
“Wehavebeeninafarcountry，OKing！“answeredUmslopogaas。“WehavewanderedinadistantlandtosearchforaFlowertobeagifttoaking，andinoursearchingwehavetrampleddownaSwazigarden，andyonderaresomeofthosewhotendedit“——andhepointedtothecaptives——“andwithoutarethecattlethatploughedit。“
“Good，Slaughterer！Iseethegardeners，andIhearthelowingofthecattle，butwhatoftheFlower？WhereisthisFloweryewentsofartodiginSwazisoil？WasitaLily-bloom，perchance？“
“ItwasaLily-bloom，OKing！andyet，alas！theLilyhaswithered。
Nothingisleftbutthestalk，whiteandwitheredasarethebonesofmen。“
“Whatmeanestthou？“saidDingaan，startingtohisfeet。
“Thatthekingshalllearn，“answeredUmslopogaas；and，turning，hespokeawordtothecaptainswhowerebehindhim。Presentlytheranksopenedup，andfourmenranforwardfromtherearofthecompanies。Ontheirshoulderstheyboreastretcher，anduponthestretcherlaysomethingwrappedaboutwithrawox-hides，andboundroundwithrimpis。Themensaluted，andlaidtheirburdendownbeforetheking。
“Open！“saidtheSlaughterer；andtheyopened，andtherewithinthehides，packedinsalt，laythebodyofagirlwhooncewastallandfair。“
“HereliestheLily"sstalk，OKing！“saidUmslopogaas，pointingwiththeaxe，“butifherflowerbloomsonanyair，itisnothere。“
NowDingaanstaredatthesightofdeath，andbitternessofhearttookholdofhim，sincehedesiredaboveallthingstowinthebeautyoftheLilyforhimself。
“Bearawaythiscarrionandcastittothedogs！“hecried，forthushecouldspeakofherwhomhewouldhavetakentowife，whenoncehedeemedherdead。“Takeitaway，andthou，Slaughterer，tellmehowitcameaboutthatthemaidwasslain。Itwillbewellfortheeifthouhastagoodanswer，forknowthylifehangsonthewords。“
SoUmslopogaastoldthekingallthattalewhichhadbeenmadereadyagainstthewrathofDingaan。AndwhenhehadfinishedGalazitoldhisstory，ofhowhehadseenthesoldierkillthemaid，andinhiswrathhadkilledthesoldier。Thencertainofthecaptainswhohadseenthesoldierandthemaidlyinginonedeathcameforwardandspoketoit。
NowDingaanwasveryangry，andyettherewasnothingtobedone。TheLilywasdead，andbynofaultofanyexceptofone，whowasalsodeadandbeyondhisreach。
“Getyouhence，youandyourpeople，“hesaidtotheWolf-Brethren。“I
takethecattleandthecaptives。BethankfulthatIdonottakeallyourlivesalso——first，becauseyehavedaredtomakewarwithoutmyword，andsecondly，because，havingmadewar，yehavesobroughtitaboutthat，thoughyebringmethebodyofherIsought，yedonotbringthelife。“
NowwhenthekingspokeoftakingthelivesofallthePeopleoftheAxe，Umslopogaassmiledgrimlyandglancedathiscompanies。Thensalutingtheking，heturnedtogo。ButasheturnedamansprangforwardsfromtheranksandcalledtoDingaan，saying:——
“IsitgrantedthatImayspeaktruthbeforetheking，andafterwardssleepintheking"sshadow？“
Nowthiswasthatmanwhohadbeencaptainoftheguardonthenightwhenthreepassedoutthroughthearchwayandtworeturned，thatsamemanwhomUmslopogaashaddegradedfromhisrank。
“Speakon，thouartsafe，“answeredDingaan。
“OKing，thyearshavebeenfilledwithlies，“saidthesoldier。
“Hearken，OKing！IwascaptainoftheguardofthegateonthatnightoftheslayingoftheHalakazi。Threecametothegateofthemountain——theywereBulalio，theWolfGalazi，andanother。Thatotherwastallandslim，bearingashieldhigh——so。Asthethirdpassedthegate，thekarossheworebrushedagainstmeandslippedaside。Beneaththatkarosswasnoman"sbreast，OKing，buttheshapeofawoman，almostwhiteincolour，andveryfair。Indrawingbackthekarossthisthirdonemovedtheshield。Behindthatshieldwasnoman"sface，OKing，butthefaceofagirl，lovelierthanthemoon，andhavingeyesbrighterthanthestars。Threewentoutatthemountaingate，OKing，onlytworeturned，and，peepingafterthem，itseemedthatIsawthethirdrunningswiftlyacrosstheplains，asayoungmaidruns，OKing。
Thisalso，Elephant，Bulalioyonderdeniedmewhen，ascaptainoftheguard，Iaskedforthethirdwhohadpassedthegate，sayingthatonlytwohadpassed。Further，noneofthecaptiveswerecalledtosweartothebodyofthemaid，andnowitistoolate，andthatmanwholaybesideherwasnotkilledbyGalaziinthecave。HewaskilledoutsidethecavebyablowofaHalakazikerrie。Isawhimfallwithmyowneyes，andslewthemanwhosmotehim。Onethingmore，KingoftheWorld，thebestofthecaptivesandthecattlearenothereforagifttothee——theyareatthekraalofBulalio，ChiefofthePeopleoftheAxe。Ihavespoken，OKing，yes，becausemyheartlovesnotlies。I
havespokenthetruth，andnowdothouprotectmefromtheseWolf-
Brethren，OKing，fortheyareveryfierce。“
NowallthiswhilethatthetraitortoldhistaleUmslopogaas，inchbyinch，wasedgingneartohimandyetnearer，tillatlengthhemighthavetouchedhimwithanoutstretchedspear。NonenotedhimexceptI，Mopo，alone，andperhapsGalazi，forallwerewatchingthefaceofDingaanasmenwatchastormthatisabouttoburst。
“FearthounottheWolf-Brethren，soldier，“gaspedDingaan，rollinghisredeyes；“thepawoftheLionguardsthee，myservant。“
Erethewordshadlefttheking"slipstheSlaughtererleapt。Heleapedfullontothetraitor，speakingneveraword，andoh！hiseyeswereawful。Heleapeduponhim，heseizedhimwithhishands，liftingnoweapon，andinhisterriblemighthebrokehimasachildbreaksastick——nay，Iknownothow，itwastooswifttosee。Hebrokehim，and，hurlinghimonhigh，casthimdeadatthefeetofDingaan，cryinginagreatvoice:——
“Takethyservant，King！Surelyhe"sleepsinthyshadow"！“
Thentherewassilence，onlythroughthesilencewasheardagaspoffearandwonder，fornosuchdeedasthishadbeenwroughtinthepresenceoftheking——no，notsincethedayofSenzangaconatheRoot。
NowDingaanspoke，andhisvoicecamethickwithrage，andhislimbstrembled。
“Slayhim！“hehissed。“Slaythedogandallthosewithhim！“
“NowwecometoagamewhichIcanplay，“answeredUmslopogaas。“Ho，PeopleoftheAxe！Willyoustandtobeslaughteredbythesesingedrats？“andhepointedwithGroan-Makeratthosewarriorswhohadescapedwithouthurtinthefire，butwhosefacesthefirehadscorched。
Thenforansweragreatshoutwentup，ashoutandaroaroflaughter。
Andthiswastheshout:——
“No，Slaughterer，notsoareweminded！“andrightandlefttheyfacedtomeetthefoe，whilefromallalongthecompaniescamethecracklingoftheshakenshields。
BacksprangUmslopogaastoheadhismen；forwardleapedthesoldiersofthekingtoworktheking"swill，ifsotheymight。AndGalazitheWolfalsosprangforward，towardsDingaan，and，ashesprang，swunguptheWatcher，cryinginagreatvoice:——
“Hold！“
Againtherewassilence，formensawthattheshadowoftheWatcherlaydarkupontheheadofDingaan。
“Itisapitythatmanyshoulddiewhenonewillsuffice，“criedtheWolfagain。“Letablowbestruck，andwherehisshadowliesthereshalltheWatcherbe，andlo！theworldwilllackaking。Aword，King！“
NowDingaanlookedupatthegreatmanwhostoodabovehim，andfelttheshadowoftheshiningclubliecolduponhisbrow，andagainheshook——thistimeitwaswithfear。
“Begoneinpeace！“hesaid。
“Agoodwordforthee，King，“saidtheWolf，grinning，andslowlyhedrewhimselfbackwardstowardsthecompanies，saying，“Praisetheking！Thekingbidshischildrengoinpeace。“
ButwhenDingaanfeltthathisbrowwasnolongercoldwiththeshadowofdeathhisragecamebacktohim，andhewouldhavecalledtothesoldierstofalluponthePeopleoftheAxe，onlyIstayedhim，saying:——
“Thydeathisinit，OKing；theSlaughtererwillgrindsuchmenasthouhastherebeneathhisfeet，andthenoncemoreshalltheWatcherlookuponthee。“
NowDingaansawthatthiswastrue，andgavenocommand，forhehadonlythosemenwithhimwhomthefirehadleft。AlltherestweregonetoslaughtertheBoersinNatal。Still，hemusthaveblood，soheturnedonme。
“Thouartatraitor，Mopo，asIhaveknownforlong，andIwillservetheeasyonderdogservedhisfaithlessservant！“andhethrustatmewiththeassegaiinhishand。
ButIsawthestroke，and，springinghighintotheair，avoidedit。
ThenIturnedandfledveryswiftly，andaftermecamecertainofthesoldiers。ThewaywasnotfartothelastcompanyofthePeopleoftheAxe；moreover，itsawmecoming，and，headedbyUmslopogaas，whowalkedbehindthemall，rantomeetme。Thenthesoldierswhofollowedtokillmehungbackoutofreachoftheaxe。
“Herewiththekingisnoplaceformeanymore，myson，“IsaidtoUmslopogaas。
“Fearnot，myfather，Iwillfindyouaplace，“heanswered。
ThenIcalledamessagetothesoldierswhofollowedme，saying:——
“Tellthistotheking:thathehasdoneilltodrivemefromhim，forI，Mopo，sethimonthethroneandIalonecanholdhimthere。Tellhimthisalso，thathewilldoyetworsetoseekmewhereIam，forthatdaywhenweareoncemorefacetofaceshallbehisdayofdeath。
ThusspeaksMopotheinyanga，Mopothedoctor，whoneveryetprophesiedthatwhichshouldnotbe。“
ThenwemarchedfromthekraalUmgugundhlovu，andwhennextIsawthatkraalitwastoburnallofitwhichDingaanhadleftunburnt，andwhennextIsawDingaan——ah！thatistobetoldof，myfather。
Wemarchedfromthekraal，nonehinderingus，fortherewerenonetohinder，andafterwehadgonealittlewayUmslopogaashaltedandsaid:——
“NowitisinmymindtoreturnwhencewecameandslaythisDingaan，ereheslayme。“
“Yetitiswelltoleaveafrightenedlioninhisthicket，myson，foralionatbayishardtohandle。Doubtnotthateveryman，youngandold，inUmgugundhlovunowstandsarmedaboutthegates，lestsuchathoughtshouldtakeyou，myson；andthoughjustnowhewasafraid，yetDingaanwillstrikeforhislife。Whenyoumighthavekilledyoudidnotkill；nowthehourhasgone。“
“Wisewords！“saidGalazi。“IwouldthattheWatcherhadfallenwherehisshadowfell。“
“Whatisyourcounselnow，father？“askedUmslopogaas。
“This，then:thatyoutwoshouldabidenomorebeneaththeshadowoftheGhostMountain，butshouldgatheryourpeopleandyourcattle，andpasstothenorthonthetrackofMosilikatzetheLion，whobrokeawayfromChaka。Thereyoumayruleapartortogether，andneverdreamofDingaan。“
“Iwillnotdothat，father，“heanswered。“IwilldwellbeneaththeshadowoftheGhostMountainwhileImay。“
“AndsowillI，“saidGalazi，“orratheramongitsrocks。What！shallmywolveslackamasterwhentheywouldgoa-hunting？ShallGreysnoutandBlackfang，BloodandDeathgrip，andtheircompanyblackandgrey，howlformeinvain？“
“Sobeit，children。Yeareyoungandwillnotlistentothecounseloftheold。Letitbefallasitchances。“
Ispokethus，forIdidnotknowthenwhyUmslopogaaswouldnotleavehiskraals。Itwasforthisreason:becausehehadbiddenNadatomeethimthere。
Afterwards，whenhefoundherhewouldhavegone，butthentheskywasclear，thedanger-cloudshadmeltedforawhile。
Oh！thatUmslopogaasmyfosterlinghadlistenedtome！Nowhewouldhavereignedasaking，notwanderedanoutcastinstrangelandsI
knownotwhere；andNadashouldhavelived，notdied，norwouldthePeopleoftheAxehaveceasedtobeapeople。
ThisofDingaan。Whenheheardmymessagehegrewafraidoncemore，forheknewmetobenoliar。
Thereforeheheldhishandforawhile，sendingnoimpitosmiteUmslopogaas，lestitmightcomeaboutthatIshouldbringhimhisdeathasIhadpromised。Andbeforethefearhadwornaway，ithappenedthatDingaan"shandswerefullwiththewaragainsttheAmaboona，becauseofhisslaughterofthewhitepeople，andhehadnosoldierstosparewithwhomtowreakvengeanceonapettychieflivingfaraway。
Yethisragewasgreatbecauseofwhathadchanced，and，afterhiscustom，hemurderedmanyinnocentpeopletosatisfyit。
CHAPTERXXIX
MOPOTELLSHISTALE
Nowafterwards，aswewentuponourroad，UmslopogaastoldmealltherewastotelloftheslayingoftheHalakaziandofthefindingofNada。
WhenIheardthatNada，mydaughter，stilllived，Iweptforjoy，thoughlikeUmslopogaasIwastornbydoubtandfear，foritisfarforanunaidedmaidtotravelfromSwazilandtotheGhostMountain。
YetallthiswhileIsaidnothingtoUmslopogaasofthetruthastohisbirth，becauseonthejourneythereweremanyaroundus，andtheverytreeshaveears，andthesamewindtowhichwewhisperedmightwhispertotheking。StillIknewthatthehourhadcomenowwhenI
mustspeak，foritwasinmymindtobringitaboutthatUmslopogaasshouldbeproclaimedthesonofChaka，andbemadekingoftheZulusintheplaceofDingaan，hisuncle。Yetallthesethingshadgonecrossforus，becauseitwasfatedso，myfather。HadIknownthatUmslopogaasstilllivedwhenIslewChaka，thenIthinkthatIcouldhavebroughtitaboutthatheshouldbeking。OrhadthingsfallenoutasIplanned，andtheLilymaidbeenbroughttoDingaan，andUmslopogaasgrewgreatinhissight，then，perhaps，Icouldhavebroughtitabout。Butallthingshadgonewrong。TheLilywasnoneotherthanNada；andhowcouldUmslopogaasgiveNada，whomhethoughthissister，andwhowasmydaughter，toDingaanagainstherwill？
Also，becauseofNada，DingaanandUmslopogaaswerenowatbitterenmity，andforthissamecauseIwasdisgracedandafugitive，andmycounselswouldnolongerbeheardintheearoftheking。
Soeverythingmustbebegunafresh:andasIwalkedwiththeimpitowardstheGhostMountain，Ithoughtmuchandoftenofthemannerinwhichthismightbedone。ButasyetIsaidnothing。
NowatlastwewerebeneaththeGhostMountain，andlookeduponthefaceoftheoldWitchwhositstherealoftforeverwaitingfortheworldtodie；andthatsamenightwecametothekraalofthePeopleoftheAxe，andentereditwithagreatsinging。ButGalazididnotenteratthattime；hewasawaytothemountaintocallhisflockofwolves，andaswepasseditsfootweheardthewelcomethatthewolveshowledingreetingtohim。
Nowaswedrewnearthekraal，allthewomenandchildrencameouttomeetus，headedbyZinita，theheadwifeofUmslopogaas。Theycamejoyfully，butwhentheyfoundhowmanywerewantingwhoamoonbeforehadgonethencetofight，theirjoywasturnedtomourning，andthevoiceoftheirweepingwentuptoheaven。
UmslopogaasgreetedZinitakindly；andyetIthoughtthattherewassomethinglacking。Atfirstshespoketohimsoftly，butwhenshelearnedallthathadcometopass，herwordswerenotsoft，forshereviledmeandsangaloudsongatUmslopogaas。
“Seenow，Slaughterer，“shesaid，“seenowwhathascameaboutbecauseyoulistenedtothisagedfool！“——thatwasI，myfather——“thisfoolwhocallshimself"Mouth"！Ay，amouthheis，amouthoutofwhichproceedfollyandlies！Whatdidhecounselyoutodo？——togoupagainsttheseHalakaziandwinagirlforDingaan！Andwhathaveyoudone？——youhavefallenupontheHalakazi，anddoubtlesshavekilledmanyinnocentpeoplewiththatgreataxeofyours，alsoyouhaveleftnearlyhalfofthesoldiersoftheAxetowhitenintheSwazicaves，andinexchangehavebroughtbackcertaincattleofasmallbreed，andgirlsandchildrenwhomwemustnourish！
“Nordoesthematterendhere。Youwent，itseems，towinagirlwhomDingaandesired，yetwhenyoufindthatgirlyoulethergo，because，indeed，yousayshewasyoursisterandwouldnotwedDingaan。
Forsooth，isnotthekinggoodenoughforthissisterofyours？Nowwhatistheendofthetale？Youtrytoplaytricksontheking，becauseofyoursister，andarefoundout。ThenyoukillamanbeforeDingaanandescape，bringingthisfoolofanagedMouthwithyou，thathemayteachyouhisownfolly。Soyouhavelosthalfofyourmen，andyouhavegainedthekingforafoewhoshallbringaboutthedeathofallofus，andafoolforacouncillor。Wow！Slaughterer，keeptoyourtradeandletothersfindyouwit。“
Thusshespokewithoutceasing，andtherewassometruthinherwords。
Zinitahadabittertongue。Isatsilenttillshehadfinished，andUmslopogaasalsoremainedsilent，thoughhisangerwasgreat，becausetherewasnocrackinhertalkthroughwhichamanmightthrustaword。
“Peace，woman！“Isaidatlength，“donotspeakillofthosewhoarewiseandwhohadseenmuchbeforeyouwereborn。“
“Speaknoillofhimwhoismyfather，“growledUmslopogaas。“Ay！
thoughyoudonotknowit，thisMouthwhomyourevileisMopo，myfather。“
“ThenthereisamanamongthePeopleoftheAxewhohasafoolforafather。Ofalltidingsthisistheworst。“
“ThereisamanamongthePeopleoftheAxewhohasajadeandascoldforawife，“saidUmslopogaas，springingup。“Begone，Zinita！——andknowthis，thatifIhearyousnarlsuchwordsofhimwhoismyfather，youshallgofurtherthanyourownhut，forIwillputyouawayanddriveyoufrommykraal。Ihavesufferedyoutoolong。“
“Igo，“saidZinita。“Oh！Iamwellserved！Imadeyouchief，andnowyouthreatentoputmeaway。“
“Myownhandsmademechief，“saidUmslopogaas，and，springingup，hethrustherfromthehut。
“Itisapoorthingtobeweddedtosuchawoman，myfather，“hesaidpresently。
“Yes，apoorthing，Umslopogaas，yetthesearetheburdensthatmenmustbear。Learnwisdomfromit，Umslopogaas，andhaveaslittletodowithwomenasmaybe；attheleast，donotlovethemovermuch，soshallyoufindthemorepeace。“ThusIspoke，smiling，andwouldthathehadlistenedtomycounsel，foritistheloveofwomenwhichhasbroughtruinonUmslopogaas！
Allthiswasmanyyearsago，andbutlatelyIhaveheardthatUmslopogaasisfledintotheNorth，andbecomeawanderertohisdeathbecauseofthematterofawomanwhohadbetrayedhim，makingitseemthathehadmurderedoneLoustra，whowashisbloodbrother，justasGalazihadbeen。Idonotknowhowitcameabout，buthewhowassofierceandstronghadthatweaknesslikehisuncleDingaan，andithasdestroyedhimatthelast，andforthiscauseIshallbeholdhimnomore。
Now，myfather，forawhileweweresilentandaloneinthehut，andaswesatIthoughtIheardaratstirinthethatch。
ThenIspoke。“Umslopogaas，atlengththehourhascomethatIshouldwhispersomethingintoyourear，awordwhichIhaveheldsecreteversinceyouwereborn。“
“Speakon，myfather，“hesaid，wondering。
Icrepttothedoorofthehutandlookedout。ThenightwasdarkandIcouldseenoneabout，andcouldhearnoonemove，yet，beingcautious，Iwalkedroundthehut。Ah，myfather，whenyouhaveasecrettotell，benotsoeasilydeceived。Itisnotenoughtolookforthandtopeerround。Digbeneaththefloor，andsearchtheroofalso；then，havingdoneallthis，goelsewhereandtellyourtale。Thewomanwasright:Iwasbutafool，forallmywisdomandmywhitehairs。HadInotbeenafoolIwouldhavesmokedoutthatratinthethatchbeforeeverIopenedmylips。FortheratwasZinita，myfather——Zinita，whohadclimbedthehut，andnowlaythereinthedark，herearuponthesmoke-hole，listeningtoeverywordthatpassed。Itwasawickedthingtodo，and，moreover，theworstofomens，butthereislittlehonouramongwomenwhentheylearnthatwhichotherswishtohideawayfromthem，nor，indeed，dotheythenweightomens。
Sohavingsearchedandfoundnothing，IspoketoUmslopogaas，myfosterling，notknowingthatdeathinawoman"sshapelayonthehutaboveus。“Hearken，“Isaid，“youarenosonofmine，Umslopogaas，thoughyouhavecalledmefatherfromababe。Youspringfromaloftierstock，Slaughterer。“
“YetIwaswellpleasedwithmyfathering，oldman，“saidUmslopogaas。
“Thebreedisgoodenoughforme。Say，then，whosesonamI？“
NowIbentforwardandwhisperedtohim，yet，alas！notlowenough。
“YouarethesonoftheBlackOnewhoisdead，yea，sprungfromthebloodofChakaandofBaleka，mysister。“
“Istillhavesomekinshipwithyouthen，Mopo，andthatIamgladof。
Wow！whowouldhaveguessedthatIwasthesonoftheSilwana，ofthathyenaman？Perhapsitisforthisreasonthat，likeGalazi，Ilovethecompanyofthewolves，thoughnolovegrowsinmyheartformyfatheroranyofhishouse。“
“Youhavelittlecausetolovehim，Umslopogaas，forhemurderedyourmother，Baleka，andwouldhaveslainyoualso。ButyouarethesonofChakaandofnootherman。“
“Well，hiseyesmustbekeenindeed，myuncle，whocanpickhisownfatheroutofacrowd。AndyetIonceheardthistalebefore，thoughI
hadlongforgottenit。“
“Fromwhomdidyouhearit，Umslopogaas？Anhoursince，itwasknowntoonealone，theothersaredeadwhoknewit。Nowitisknowntotwo“——
ah！myfather，Ididnotguessofthethird；——“fromwhom，then，didyouhearit？“
“Itwasfromthedead；atleast，GalazitheWolfhearditfromthedeadOnewhosatinthecaveonGhostMountain，forthedeadOnetoldhimthatamanwouldcometobehisbrotherwhoshouldbenamedUmslopogaasBulalio，sonofChaka，andGalazirepeatedittome，butI
hadlongforgottenit。“
“Itseemsthatthereiswisdomamongthedead，“Ianswered，“forlo！
to-dayyouarenamedUmslopogaasBulalio，andto-dayIdeclareyouthesonofChaka。Butlistentomytale。“
ThenItoldhimallthestoryfromthehourofhisbirthonwards，andwhenIspokeofthewordsofhismother，Baleka，afterIhadtoldmydreamtoher，andofthemannerofherdeathbythecommandofChaka，andofthegreatfashioninwhichshehaddied，then，Isay，Umslopogaaswept，who，Ithink，seldomweptbeforeorafter。ButasmytaledrewititsendIsawthathelistenedill，asamanlistenswhohasaweightiermatterpressingonhisheart，andbeforeitwaswelldonehebrokein:——
“So，Mopo，myuncle，ifIamthesonofChakaandBaleka，NadatheLilyisnosistertome。“
“Nay，Umslopogaas，sheisonlyyourcousin。“
“Overnearofblood，“hesaid；“yetthatshallnotstandbetweenus，“
andhisfacegrewglad。
Ilookedathiminquestion。
“Yougrowdull，myuncle。Thisismymeaning:thatIwillmarryNadaifshestilllives，foritcomesuponmenowthatIhaveneverlovedanywomanasIloveNadatheLily，“andwhilehespoke，Iheardtheratstirinthethatchofthehut。
“Wedherifyouwill，Umslopogaas，“Ianswered，“yetIthinkthatoneZinita，yourInkosikasi，willfindwordstosayinthematter。“
“Zinitaismyheadwifeindeed，butshallsheholdmebackfromtakingotherwives，afterthelawfulcustomofourpeople？“heaskedangrily，andhisangershowedthathefearedthewrathofZinita。
“Thecustomislawfulandgood，“Isaid，“butithasbredtroubleattimes。Zinitacanhavelittletosayifshecontinuesinherplaceandyoustillloveherasofold。Butenoughofher。Nadaisnotyetatyourgates，andperhapsshewillneverfindthem。See，Umslopogaas，itismydesirethatyoushouldruleinZululandbyrightofblood，and，thoughthingspointotherwise，yetIthinkawaycanbefoundtobringitabout。“
“Howso？“heasked。
“Thus:ManyofthegreatchiefswhoarefriendstomehateDingaanandfearhim，anddidtheyknowthatasonofChakalived，andthatsontheSlaughterer，hewellmightclimbtothethroneupontheirshoulders。AlsothesoldierslovethenameofChaka，thoughhedealtcruellywiththem，becauseatleasthewasbraveandgenerous。ButtheydonotloveDingaan，forhisburdensaretheburdensofChakabuthisgiftsarethegiftsofDingaan；thereforetheywouldwelcomeChaka"ssonifoncetheyknewhimforcertain。Butitisherethattheneckletchafes，forthereisbutmywordtoproveit。YetIwilltry。“
“Perhapsitisworthtryingandperhapsitisnot，myuncle，“answeredUmslopogaas。“OnethingIknow:IhadratherseeNadaatmygatesto-
nightthanhearallthechiefsinthelandcrying"Hail，OKing！"“
“Youwilllivetothinkotherwise，Umslopogaas；andnowspiesmustbesetatthekraalUmgugundhlovutogiveuswarningofthemindoftheking，lestheshouldsendanimpisuddenlytoeatyouup。Perhapshishandsmaybetoofullforthaterelong，forthosewhiteAmaboonawillanswerhisassegaiswithbullets。Andonemoreword:letnothingbesaidofthismatterofyourbirth，leastofalltoZinitayourwife，ortoanyotherwoman。“
“Fearnot，uncle，“heanswered；“Iknowhowtobesilent。“
NowafterawhileUmslopogaasleftmeandwenttothehutofZinita，hisInkosikasi，whereshelaywrappedinherblankets，and，asitseemed，asleep。
“Greeting，myhusband，“shesaidslowly，likeonewhowakens。“Ihavedreamedastrangedreamofyou。Idreamedthatyouwerecalledaking，andthatalltheregimentsoftheZulusfiledpastgivingyoutheroyalsalute，Bayete。“
Umslopogaaslookedatherwondering，forhedidnotknowifshehadlearnedsomethingorifthiswasanomen。“Suchdreamsaredangerous，“
hesaid，“andhewhodreamsthemdoeswelltolockthemfasttilltheybeforgotten。“
“Orfulfilled，“saidZinita，andagainUmslopogaaslookedatherwondering。
NowafterthisnightIbeganmywork，forIestablishedspiesatthekraalofDingaan，andfromthemIlearnedallthatpassedwiththeking。
AtfirsthegaveordersthatanimpishouldbesummonedtoeatupthePeopleoftheAxe，butafterwardscametidingsthattheBoers，tothenumberoffivehundredmountedmen，weremarchingonthekraalUmgugundhlovu。SoDingaanhadnoimpitosparetosendtotheGhostMountain，andwewhowerebeneathitsshadowdweltthereinpeace。
ThistimeforBoerswerebeaten，forBogoza，thespy，ledthemintoanambush；stillfewwerekilled，andtheydidbutdrawbackthattheymightjumpthefurther，andDingaanknewthis。AtthistimealsotheEnglishwhitemenofNatal，thepeopleofGeorge，whoattackedDingaanbytheLowerTugela，wereslainbyoursoldiers，andthosewiththem。
Also，bythehelpofcertainwitch-doctors，Ifilledthelandwithrumours，prophecies，anddarksayings，andIworkedcunninglyonthemindsofmanychiefsthatwereknowntome，sendingthemmessageshardlytobeunderstood，suchasshouldpreparetheirthoughtsforthecomingofonewhoshouldbedeclaredtothem。Theylistened，butthetaskwaslong，forthemendweltfarapart，andsomeofthemwereawaywiththeregiments。
Sothetimewentby，tillmanydayshadpassedsincewereachedtheGhostMountain。UmslopogaashadnomorewordswithZinita，butshealwayswatchedhim，andhewentheavily。ForheawaitedNada，andNadadidnotcome。
ButatlengthNadacame。
CHAPTERXXX
THECOMINGOFNADA
Onenight——itwasanightoffullmoon——IsatalonewithUmslopogaasinmyhut，andwespokeofthematterofourplots；then，whenwehadfinishedthattalk，wespokeofNadatheLily。
“Alas！myuncle，“saidUmslopogaassadly，“weshallneverlookmoreonNada；sheissurelydeadorinbonds，otherwiseshehadbeenherelongago。Ihavesoughtfarandwide，andcanhearnotidingsandfindnothing。“
“Allthatishiddenisnotlost，“Ianswered，yetImyselfbelievedthattherewasanendofNada。
Thenweweresilentawhile，andpresently，inthesilence，adogbarked。Werose，andcreptoutofthehuttoseewhatitmightbethatstirred，forthenightdrewon，anditwasneedfultobewary，sinceadogmightbarkatthestirringofaleaf，orperhapsitmightbethedistantfootfallofanimpithatitheard。
Wehadnotfartolook，forstandinggazingatthehuts，likeonewhoisafraidtocall，wasatallslimman，holdinganassegaiinonehandandalittleshieldintheother。Wecouldnotseethefaceoftheman，becausethelightwasbehindhim，andaraggedblankethungabouthisshoulders。Also，hewasfootsore，forherestedononeleg。Nowwewerepeeringroundthehut，anditsshadowhidus，sothatthemansawnothing。Forawhilehestoodstill，thenhespoketohimself，andhisvoicewasstrangelysoft。
“Herearemanyhuts，“saidthevoice，“nowhowmayIknowwhichisthehouseofmybrother？PerhapsifIcallIshallbringsoldierstome，andbeforcedtoplaythemanbeforethem，andIamwearyofthat。
Well，Iwillliehereunderthefencetillmorning；itisasofterbedthansomeIhavefound，andIamwordoutwithtravel——sleepImust，“
andthefiguresighedandturnedsothatthelightofthemoonfellfulluponitsface。
Myfather，itwasthefaceofNada，mydaughter，whomIhadnotseenforsomanyyears，yetacrosstheyearsIknewitatonce；yes，thoughthebudhadbecomeaflowerIknewit。Thefacewaswearyandworn，butah！itwasbeautiful，neverbeforenorsincehaveIseensuchbeauty，fortherewasthisaboutthelovelinessofmydaughter，theLily:itseemedtoflowfromwithin——yes，aslightwillflowthroughthethinrindofagourd，andinthatshedifferedfromtheotherwomenofourpeople，who，whentheyarefairarefairwiththefleshalone。
NowmyheartwentouttoNadaasshestoodinthemoonlight，oneforsaken，nothavingwheretolayherhead，Nada，whoalonewasleftaliveofallmychildren。ImotionedtoUmslopogaastohidehimselfintheshadow，andsteppedforward。
“Ho！“Isaidroughly，“whoareyou，wanderer，andwhatdoyouhere？“
NowNadastartedlikeafrightenedbird，butquicklygatheredupherthoughts，andturneduponmeinalordlyway。
“Whoareyouthataskme？“shesaid，feigningaman"svoice。
“Onewhocanuseastickuponthievesandnight-prowlers，boy。Come，showyourbusinessorbemoving。Youarenotofthispeople；surelythatmoochaisofaSwazimake，andherewedonotloveSwazis。“
“Wereyounotold，Iwouldbeatyouforyourinsolence，“saidNada，strivingtolookbraveandallthewhilesearchingawaytoescape。
“Also，Ihavenostick，onlyaspear，andthatisforwarriors，notforanoldumfagozanlikeyou。“Ay，myfather，Ilivedtohearmydaughternamemeanumfagozan——alowfellow！
Nowmakingpretencetobeangry，Ileapedatherwithmykerrieup，and，forgettinghercourage，shedroppedherspear，andutteredalittlescream。Butshestillheldtheshieldbeforeherface。Iseizedherbythearm，andstruckablowupontheshieldwithmykerrie——itwouldscarcelyhavecrushedafly，butthisbravewarriortrembledsorely。
“Wherenowisyourvalour，youwhonamemyumfagozan？“Isaid:“youwhocrylikeamaidandwhosearmissoftasamaid"s。“
Shemadenoanswer，buthuggedhertatteredblanketroundher，andshiftingmygripfromherarm，Iseizeditandrentit，showingherbreastandshoulder；thenIlethergo，laughing，andsaid:——
“Lo！hereisthewarriorthatwouldbeatanoldumfagozanforhisinsolence，awarriorwellshapedforwar！Now，myprettymaidwhowanderatnightinthegarmentofaman，whattalehaveyoutotell？
Swiftwithit，lestIdragyoutothechiefashisprize！Theoldmanseeksanewwife，theytellme？“
NowwhenNadasawthatIhaddiscoveredhershethrewdowntheshieldafterthespear，asathingthatwasofnomoreuse，andhungherheadsullenly。ButwhenIspokeofdragginghertothechiefthensheflungherselfupontheground，andclaspedmyknees，forsinceIcalledhimold，shethoughtthatthischiefcouldnotbeUmslopogaas。
“Oh，myfather，“saidtheLily，“oh，myfather，havepityonme！Yes，yes！Iamagirl，amaid——nowife——andyouwhoareold，you，perchancehavedaughterssuchasI，andintheirnameIaskforpity。Myfather，Ihavejourneyedfar，Ihaveenduredmanythings，tofindmywaytoakraalwheremybrotherrules，andnowitseemsIhavecometothewrongkraal。ForgivemethatIspoketoyouso，myfather；itwasbutawoman"sfeint，andIwashardpressedtohidemysex，formyfather，youknowitisilltobealonelygirlamongstrangemen。“
NowIsaidnothinginanswer，forthisreasononly:thatwhenIheardNadacallmefather，notknowingme，andsawherclaspmykneesandpraytomeinmydaughter"sname，I，whowaschildlesssaveforher，wentnightoweeping。ButshethoughtthatIdidnotanswerherbecauseIwasangry，andabouttodraghertothisunknownchief，andimploredmethemoreevenwithtears。
“Myfather，“shesaid，“donotthiswickedthingbyme。LetmegoandshowmethepaththatIshallask:youwhoareold，youknowthatIamtoofairtobedraggedbeforethischiefofyours。Hearken！AllIknewaredead，IamaloneexceptforthisbrotherIseek。Oh！ifyoubetraymemaysuchafatefalluponyourowndaughteralso！Mayshealsoknowthedayofslavery，andthelovethatshewillsnot！“andsheceased，sobbing。
NowIturnedmyheadandspoketowardsthehut，“Chief，“Isaid，“yourEhloseiskindtoyouto-night，forhehasgivenyouamaidfairastheLilyoftheHalakazi“——hereNadaglancedupwildly。“Come，then，andtakethegirl。“
NowNadaturnedtosnatchuptheassegaifromtheground，butwhethertokillme，orthechiefshefearedsomuch，orherself，Idonotknow，andassheturned，inherwoeshecalleduponthenameofUmslopogaas。Shefoundtheassegai，andstraightenedherselfagain。
Andlo！therebeforeherstoodatallchiefleaningonanaxe；buttheoldmanwhothreatenedherwasgone——notveryfar，intruth，butroundthecornerofthehut。
NowNadatheLilylooked，thenrubbedhereyes，andlookedagain。
“SurelyIdream？“shesaidatlast。“ButnowIspoketoanoldman，andinhisplacetherestandsbeforemetheshapeofonewhomIdesiretosee。“
“Ithought，Maiden，thatthevoiceofacertainNadacalledupononeUmslopogaas，“saidhewholeanedupontheaxe。
“Ay，Icalled:butwhereistheoldmanwhotreatedmesoscurvily？
Nay，whatdoesitmatter？——whereheis，therelethimstop。Atleast，youareUmslopogaas，mybrother，orshouldbebyyourgreatnessandtheaxe。TothemanIcannotaltogetherswearinthislight；buttotheaxeIcanswear，foronceitpassedsoverynearmyeyes。“