第9章
Thusshespokeon，gainingtime，andallthewhileshewatchedUmslopogaastillshewassurethatitwasheandnoother。Thensheceasedtalking，and，flingingherselfonhim，shekissedhim。
“NowItrustthatZinitasleepssound，“murmuredUmslopogaas，forsuddenlyherememberedthatNadawasnosisterofhis，asshethought。
Nevertheless，hetookherbythehandandsaid，“Enter，sister。Ofallmaidensintheworldyouarethemostwelcomehere，forknowI
believedyoudead。“
ButI，Mopo，ranintothehutbeforeher，andwhensheenteredshefoundmesittingbythefire。
“Now，here，mybrother，“saidNada，pointingatmewithherfinger，“hereisthatoldumfagozan，thatlowfellow，who，unlessIdream，butaverylittlewhileagobroughtshameuponme——ay，mybrother，hestruckme，amaid，withhiskerrie，andthatonlybecauseIsaidthatIwouldstabhimforhisinsolence，andhedidworse:hesworethathewoulddragmetosomeoldchiefofhistobeagifttohim，andthishewasabouttodo，hadyounotcome。Willyousufferthesethingstogounpunished，mybrother？“
NowUmslopogaassmiledgrimly，andIanswered:——
“Whatwasitthatyoucalledmejustnow，Nada，whenyouprayedmetoprotectyou？Father，wasitnot？“andIturnedmyfacetowardstheblazeofthefire，sothatthefulllightfelluponit。
“Yes，Icalledyoufather，oldman。Itisnotstrange，forahomelesswanderermustfindfatherswhereshecan——andyet！no，itcannotbe——
sochanged——andthatwhitehand？Andyet，oh！whoareyou？OncetherewasamannamedMopo，andhehadalittledaughter，andshewascalledNada——Oh！myfather，myfather，Iknowyounow！“
“Ay，Nada，andIknewyoufromthefirst；throughallyourman"swrappingsIknewyouafterthesemanyyears。“
SotheLilyfelluponmyneckandsobbedthere，andIrememberthatI
alsowept。
Nowwhenshehadsobbedherfillofjoy，UmslopogaasbroughtNadatheLilymasstoeatandmealieporridge。Sheatethecurdledmilk，buttheporridgeshewouldnoteat，sayingthatshewastooweary。
ThenshetoldusallthetaleofherwanderingssinceshehadfledawayfromthesideofUmslopogaasatthestrongholdoftheHalakazi，anditwaslong，solongthatIwillnotrepeatit，foritisastorybyitself。ThisIwillsayonly:thatNadawascapturedbyrobbers，andforawhilepassedherselfoffamongthemasayouth。But，intheend，theyfoundheroutandwouldhavegivenherasawifetotheirchief，onlyshepersuadedthemtokillthechiefandmakehertheirruler。TheydidthisbecauseofthatmedicineoftheeyeswhichNadahadonlyamongwomen，forassheruledtheHalakazisosheruledtherobbers。But，atthelast，theyalllovedher，andshegaveitoutthatshewouldwedthestrongest。Thensomeofthemfelltofighting，andwhiletheykilledeachother——foritcameaboutthatNadabroughtdeathupontherobbersasonallothers——sheescaped，forshesaidthatshedidnotwishtolookupontheirstrugglebutwouldawaittheupshotinaplaceapart。
Afterthatshehadmanyfurtheradventures，butatlengthshemetanoldwomanwhoguidedheronherwaytotheGhostMountain。Andwhothisoldwomanwasnonecoulddiscover，butGalazisworeafterwardsthatshewastheStoneWitchofthemountain，whoputontheshapeofanagedwomantoguideNadatoUmslopogaas，tobethesorrowandthejoyofthePeopleoftheAxe。Idonotknow，myfather，yetitseemstomethattheoldwitchwouldscarcelyhaveputoffherstoneforsosmallamatter。
Now，whenNadahadmadeanendofhertale，Umslopogaastoldhis，ofhowthingshadgonewithDingaan。Whenhetoldherhowhehadgiventhebodyofthegirltotheking，sayingthatitwastheLily"sstalk，shesaidithadbeenwelldone；andwhenhespokeoftheslayingofthetraitorsheclappedherhands，thoughNada，whoseheartwasgentle，didnotlovetohearofdeedsofdeath。Atlasthefinished，andshewassomewhatsad，andsaiditseemedthatherfatefollowedher，andthatnowthePeopleoftheAxewereindangeratthehandsofDingaanbecauseofher。
“Ah！mybrother，“shecried，takingUmslopogaasbythehand，“itwerebetterIshoulddiethanthatIshouldbringeviluponyoualso。“
“Thatwouldnotmendmatters，Nada，“heanswered。“Forwhetheryoubedeadoralive，thehateofDingaan。Also，Nada，knowthis:Iamnotyourbrother。“
WhentheLilyheardthesewordssheutteredalittlecry，and，lettingfallthehandofUmslopogaas，claspedmine，shrinkingupagainstme。
“Whatisthistale，father？“sheasked。“Hewhowasmytwin，hewithwhomIhavebeenbredup，saysthathehasdeceivedmethesemanyyears，thatheisnotmybrother；who，then，ishe，father？“
“Heisyourcousin，Nada。“
“Ah，“sheanswered，“Iamglad。ItwouldhavegrievedmehadhewhomI
lovedbeenshowntobebutastrangerinwhomIhavenopart，“andshesmiledalittleintheeyesandatthecornersofhermouth。“Buttellmethistalealso。“
SoItoldherthetaleofthebirthofUmslopogaas，forItrustedher。
“Ah，“shesaid，whenIhadfinished，“ah！youcomeofabadstock，Umslopogaas，thoughitisakinglyone。Ishallloveyoulittlehenceforth，childofthehyenaman。“
“Thenthatisbadnews，“saidUmslopogaas，“forknow，Nada，Idesirenowthatyoushouldlovememorethanever——thatyoushouldbemywifeandlovemeasyourhusband！“
NowtheLily"sfacegrewsadandsweet，andallthehiddenmockerywentoutofhertalk——forNadalovedtomock。
“DidyounotspeaktomeonthatnightintheHalakazicaves，Umslopogaas，ofoneZinita，whoisyourwife，andInkosikaasofthePeopleoftheAxe？“
ThenthebrowofUmslopogaasdarkened:“WhatofZinita？“hesaid。“Itistruesheismychieftainess；isitnotallowedamantotakemorethanonewife？“
“SoItrust，“answeredNada，smiling，“elsemenwouldgounwedforlong，forfewmaidswouldmarrythemwhothenmustlabouralonealltheirdays。But，Umslopogaas，iftherearetwentywives，yetonemustbefirst。Nowthishascomeabouthitherto:thatwhereverIhavebeenithasbeenthrustuponmetobefirst，andperhapsitmightbethusoncemore——whatthen，Umslopogaas？“
“Letthefruitripenbeforeyoupluckit，Nada，“heanswered。“Ifyoulovemeandwillwedme，itisenough。“
“Ipraythatitmaynotbemorethanenough，“shesaid，stretchingoutherhandtohim。“Listen，Umslopogaas:askmyfatherherewhatwerethewordsIspoketohimmanyyearsago，beforeIwasawoman，when，withmymother，Macropha，IlefthimtogoamongtheSwazipeople。Itwasafteryouhadbeenborneawaybythelion，Umslopogaas，ItoldmyfatherthatIwouldmarrynomanallmylife，becauseIlovedonlyyou，whoweredead。Myfatherreproachedme，sayingthatImustnotspeakthusofmybrother，butitwasmyheartwhichspoke，anditspoketruly；forsee，Umslopogaas，youarenobrothertome！Ihavekeptthatvow。HowmanymenhavesortmeinwedlocksinceIbecameawoman，Umslopogaas？Itellyouthattheyareastheleavesuponatree。YetIhavegivenmyselftonone，andthishasbeenmyfortune:
thatnonehavesoughttoconstrainmetomarriage。NowIhavemyreward，forhewhomIlostisfoundagain，andtohimaloneIgivemylove。Yet，Umslopogaas，beware！Littleluckhascometothosewhohavelovedmeinthepast；no，noteventothosewhohavebutsoughttolookonme。“
“Iwillbeartherisk，Nada，“theSlaughtereranswered，andgatheringhertohisgreatbreasthekissedher。
Presentlysheslippedfromhisarmsandbadehimbegone，forshewaswearyandwouldrest。
Sohewent。
CHAPTERXXXI
THEWAROFTHEWOMEN
Nowonthemorrowatdaybreak，leavinghiswolves，GalazicamedownfromtheGhostMountainandpassedthroughthegatesofthekraal。
InfrontofmyhuthesawNadatheLilyandsalutedher，foreachrememberedtheother。Thenhewalkedontotheplaceofassemblyandspoketome。
“SotheStarofDeathhasrisenonthePeopleoftheAxe，Mopo，“hesaid。“Wasitbecauseofhercomingthatmygreypeoplehowledsostrangelylastnight？Icannottell，butIknowthis，theStarshonefirstonmethismorning，andthatismydoom。Well，sheisfairenoughtobethedoomofmany，Mopo，“andhelaughedandpassedon，swingingtheWatcher。Buthiswordstroubledme，thoughtheywerefoolish；forIcouldnotbutrememberthatwhereverthebeautyofNadahadpleasedthesightofmen，theremenhadbeengiventodeath。
ThenIwenttoleadNadatotheplaceofassemblyandfoundherawaitingme。Shewasdressednowinsomewoman"sgarmentsthatIhadbroughther；hercurlinghairfelluponhershoulders；onherwristandneckandkneewerebraceletsofivory，andinherhandsheborealilybloomwhichshehadgatheredasshewenttobatheintheriver。
Perhapsshedidthis，myfather，becauseshewishedhere，aselsewhere，tobeknownastheLily，anditistheZulufashiontonamepeoplefromsomesuchtrifle。Butwhocanknowawoman"sreason，orwhetherathingisbychancealone，myfather？AlsoshehadbeggedmeofacapeIhad；itwascunninglymadebyBasutus，ofthewhitestfeathersoftheostrich；thissheputabouthershoulders，andithungdowntohermiddle。IthadbeenacustomwithNadafromchildhoodnottogoaboutasdoothergirls，nakedexceptfortheirgirdles，forshewouldalwaysfindsomeragorskintolieuponherbreast。Perhapsitwasbecauseherskinwasfairerthanthatofotherwomen，orperhapsbecausesheknewthatshewhohidesherbeautyoftenseemstheloveliest，orbecausetherewastruthinthetaleofherwhitebloodandthefashioncametoherwiththeblood。Idonotknow，myfather；
attheleastshedidso。
NowItookNadabythehandandledherthroughthemorningairtotheplaceofassembly，andah！shewassweeterthantheairandfairerthanthedawn。
Thereweremanypeopleintheplaceofassembly，foritwasthedayofthemonthlymeetingofthecounciloftheheadmen，andtherealsowereallthewomenofthekraal，andattheirheadstoodZinita。NowithadgotaboutthatthegirlwhomtheSlaughtererwenttoseekinthecavesoftheHalakazihadcometothekraalofthePeopleoftheAxe，andalleyeswatchedforher。
“Wow！“saidthemenasshepassedsmiling，lookingneithertotherightnortotheleft，yetseeingall——“Wow！butthisflowerisfair！
LittlewonderthattheHalakazidiedforher！“
Thewomenlookedalso，buttheysaidnothingofthebeautyofNada；
theyscarcelyseemedtoseeit。
“Thatissheforwhosesakesomanyofourpeoplelieunburied，“saidone。
“Where，then，doesshefindherfineclothes？“quothanother，“shewhocameherelastnightafootsorewanderer？“
“Feathersarenotenoughforher:look！shemustbearflowersalso。
Surelytheyarefittertoherhandsthanthehandleofahoe，“saidathird。
“NowIthinkthatthechiefofthePeopleoftheAxewillfindonetoworshipabovetheaxe，andthatsomewillbeleftmourning，“putinafourth，glancingatZinitaandtheotherwomenofthehouseholdoftheSlaughterer。
Thustheyspoke，throwingwordslikeassegais，andNadaheardthemall，andknewtheirmeaning，butsheneverceasedfromsmiling。OnlyZinitasaidnothing，butstoodlookingatNadafrombeneathherbentbrows，whilebyonehandsheheldthelittledaughterofUmslopogaas，herchild，andwiththeotherplayedwiththebeadsaboutherneck。
Presently，wepassedher，andNada，knowingwellwhothismustbe，turnedhereyesfullupontheangryeyesofZinita，andheldthemthereawhile。NowwhattherewasintheglanceofNadaIcannotsay，butIknowthatZinita，whowasafraidoffewthings，foundsomethingtofearinit。Attheleast，itwasshewhoturnedherheadaway，andtheLilypassedonsmiling，andgreetedUmslopogaaswithalittlenod。
“Hail，Nada！“saidtheSlaughterer。Thenheturnedtohisheadmenandspoke:“ThisisshewhomwewenttothecavesoftheHalakazitoseekforDingaan。Ou！thestoryisknownnow；onetolditupatthekraalUmgugundhlovuwhoshalltellitnomore。SheprayedmetosaveherfromDingaan，andsoIdid，andallwouldhavegonewellhaditnotbeenforacertaintraitorwhoisdonewith，forItookanothertoDingaan。Lookonhernow，myfriends，andsayifIdidnotwelltowinher——theLilyflower，suchasthereisnootherintheworld，tobethejoyofthePeopleoftheAxeandawifetome。“
Withoneaccordtheheadmenanswered:“Indeedyoudidwell，Slaughterer，“fortheglamourofNadawasuponthemandtheywouldcherishherasothershadcherishedher。OnlyGalazitheWolfshookhishead。Buthesaidnothing，forwordsdonotavailagainstfate。
NowasIfoundafterwards，sinceZinita，theheadwifeofUmslopogaas，hadlearnedofwhatstockhewas，shehadknownthatNadawasnosistertohim。YetwhensheheardhimdeclarethathewasabouttotaketheLilytowifesheturneduponhim，saying:——
“Howcanthisbe，Lord？“
“Whydoyouask，Zinita？“heanswered。“Isitnotallowedtoamantotakeanotherwifeifhewill？“
“Surely，Lord，“shesaid；“butmendonotwedtheirsisters，andI
haveheardthatitwasbecausethisNadawasyoursisterthatyousavedherfromDingaan，andbroughtthewrathofDingaanuponthePeopleoftheAxe，thewraththatshalldestroythem。“
“SoIthoughtthen，Zinita，“heanswered；“nowIknowotherwise。NadaisdaughtertoMopoyonderindeed，butheisnofathertome，thoughhehasbeennamedso，norwasthemotherofNadamymother。Thatisso，Councillors。“
ThenZinitalookedatmeandmuttered，“OfoolofaMouth，notfornothingdidIfearevilatyourhands。“
Iheardthewordsandtooknonote，andshepokeagaintoUmslopogaas，saying:“Hereisamystery，OLordBulalio。Willitthenpleaseyoutodeclaretouswhoisyourfather？“
“Ihavenofather，“heanswered，waxingwroth；“theheavensabovearemyfather。IambornofBloodandFire，andshe，theLily，isbornofBeautytobemymate。Now，woman，besilent。“Hethoughtawhile，andadded，“Nay，ifyouwillknow，myfatherwasIndabazimbitheWitch-
finder，thesmeller-outoftheking，thesonofArpi。“ThisUmslopogaassaidatahazard，since，havingdeniedme，hemustdeclareafather，anddarednotnametheBlackOnewhowasgone。Butinafteryearsthesayingwastakenupintheland，anditwastoldthatUmslopogaaswasthesonofIndabazimbitheWitch-finder，whohadlongagofledtheland；nordidhedenyit。ForwhenallthisgamehadbeenplayedouthewouldnothaveitknownthathewasthesonofChaka，hewhonolongersoughttobeaking，lestheshouldbringdownthewrathofPandauponhim。
WhenthepeopleheardthistheythoughtthatUmslopogaasmockedZinita，andyetinhisangerhespoketruthwhenhesaidfirstthathewasbornofthe“heavensabove，“forsoweZulusnametheking，andsothewitch-doctorIndabazimbinamedChakaonthedayofthegreatsmellingout。Buttheydidnottakeitinthissense。TheyheldthathespoketrulywhenhegaveitoutthathewasbornofIndabazimbitheWitch-doctor，whohadfledtheland，whitherIdonotknow。
ThenNadaturnedtoZinitaandspoketoherinasweetandgentlevoice:“IfIamnotsistertoBulalio，yetIshallsoonbesistertoyouwhoaretheChief"sInkosikaas，Zinita。Shallthatnotsatisfyyou，andwillyounotgreetmekindlyandwithakissofpeace，whohavecomefromfartobeyoursister，Zinita？“andNadaheldoutherhandstowardsher，thoughwhethershedidthisfromtheheartorbecauseshewouldputherselfintherightbeforethepeopleIdonotknow。ButZinitascowled，andjerkedathernecklaceofbeads，breakingthestringonwhichtheywerethreaded，sothatthebeadsrolledupontheblackearthenfloorthiswayandthat。
“Keepyourkissesforourlord，girl，“Zinitasaidroughly。“AsmybeadsarescatteredsoshallyouscatterthisPeopleoftheAxe。“
NowNadaturnedawaywithalittlesigh，andthepeoplemurmured，fortheythoughtthatZinitahadtreatedherbadly。Thenshestretchedoutherhandagain，andgavethelilyinittoUmslopogaas，saying:——
“Hereisatokenofourbetrothal，Lord，forneveraheadofcattlehavemyfatherandItosend——wewhoareoutcasts；and，indeed，thebridegroommustpaythecattle。MayIbringyoupeaceandlove，myLord！“
Umslopogaastooktheflower，andlookedsomewhatfoolishwithit——hewhowaswonttocarrytheaxe，andnotaflower；andsothattalkwasended。
Nowasitchanced，thiswasthatdayoftheyearwhen，accordingtoancientcustom，theHolderoftheAxemustchallengeallandsundrytocomeupagainsthimtofightinsinglecombatforGroan-Makerandthechieftainshipofthepeople。Therefore，whenthetalkwasdone，Umslopogaasroseandwentthroughthechallenge，notthinkingthatanywouldanswerhim，sinceforsomeyearsnonehaddaredtostandbeforehismight。Yetthreemensteppedforward，andofthesetwowerecaptains，andmenwhomtheSlaughtererloved。Withallthepeople，helookedatthemastonished。
“Howisthis？“hesaidinalowvoicetothatcaptainwhowasnearestandwhowoulddobattlewithhim。
ForanswerthemanpointedtotheLily，whostoodby。ThenUmslopogaasunderstoodthatbecauseofthemedicineofNada"sbeautyallmendesiredtowinher，and，sincehewhocouldwintheaxewouldtakeheralso，hemustlooktofightwithmany。Well，fighthemustorbeshamed。
Ofthefraythereislittletotell。Umslopogaaskilledfirstonemanandthentheother，andswiftly，for，growingfearful，thethirddidnotcomeupagainsthim。
“Ah！“saidGalazi，whowatched，“whatdidItellyou，Mopo？Thecursebeginstowork。Deathwalkseverwiththatdaughterofyours，oldman。“
“Ifearso，“Ianswered，“andyetthemaidenisfairandgoodandsweet。“
“Thatwillnotmendmatters，“saidGalazi。
NowonthatdayUmslopogaastookNadatheLilytowife，andforawhiletherewaspeaceandquiet。ButthisevilthingcameuponUmslopogaas，that，fromthedaywhenheweddedNada，hehatedeventolookuponZinita，andnotatheralone，butonallhisotherwivesalso。GalazisaiditwasbecauseNadahadbewitchedhim，butIknowwellthattheonlywitcheriessheusedwerethemedicineofhereyes，herbeauty，andherlove。Still，itcametopassthathenceforward，anduntilshehadlongbeendead，theSlaughtererlovedher，andheralone，andthatisastrangesicknesstocomeuponaman。
Asmaybeguessed，myfather，Zinitaandtheotherwomentookthisill。Theywaitedawhile，indeed，thinkingthatitwouldwearaway，thentheybegantomurmur，bothtotheirhusbandandintheearsofotherpeople，tillatlengththereweretwopartiesinthetown，thepartyofZinitaandthepartyofNada。
ThepartyofZinitawasmadeupofwomenandofcertainmenwholovedandfearedtheirwives，butthatofNadawasthegreatest，anditwasallofmen，withUmslopogaasattheheadofthem，andfromthisdivisioncamemuchbitternessabroad，andquarrellinginthehuts。YetneithertheLilynorUmslopogaasheededitgreatly，norindeed，anything，solostandwellcontentweretheyineachother"slove。
Nowonacertainmorning，aftertheyhadbeenmarriedthreefullmoons，Nadacamefromherhusband"shutwhenthesunwasalreadyhigh，andwentdownthroughtherockgullytotherivertobathe。Ontherightofthepathtotheriverlaythemealie-fieldsofthechief，andinthemlabouredZinitaandtheotherwomenofUmslopogaas，weedingthemealie-plants。TheylookedupandsawNadapass，thenworkedonsullenly。Afterawhiletheysawhercomeagainfreshfromthebath，veryfairtosee，andhavingflowerstwinedamongherhair，andasshewalkedshesangasongoflove。NowZinitacastdownherhoe。
“Isthistobeborne，mysisters？“shesaid。
“No，“answeredanother，“itisnottobeborne。Whatshallwedo——
shallwefalluponherandkillhernow？“
“ItwouldbemorejusttokillBulalio，ourlord，“answeredZinita。
“Nadaisbutawoman，and，afterthefashionofuswomen，takesallthatshecangather。Butheisamanandachief，andshouldknowwisdomandjustice。“
“Shehasbewitchedhimwithherbeauty。Letuskillher，“saidtheotherwomen。
“Nay，“answeredZinita，“Iwillspeakwithher，“andshewentandstoodinthepathalongwhichtheLilywalkedsinging，herarmsfoldedacrossherbreast。
NowNadasawherand，ceasinghersong，stretchedoutherhandtowelcomeher，saying，“Greeting，sister。“ButZinitadidnottakeit。
“Itisnotfitting，sister，“shesaid，“thatmyhand，stainedwithtoil，shoulddefileyours，freshwiththescentofflowers。ButIamchargedwithamessage，onmyownbehalfandthebehalfoftheotherwivesofourLordBulalio；theweedsgrowthickinyondercorn，andwewomenarefew；nowthatyourlovedaysareover，willnotyoucomeandhelpus？IfyoubroughtnohoefromyourSwazihome，surelywewillbuyyouone。“
NowNadasawwhatwasmeant，andthebloodpouredtoherhead。Yetsheansweredcalmly:——
“Iwouldwillinglydothis，mysister，thoughIhaveneverlabouredinthefields，forwhereverIhavedweltthemenhavekeptmebackfromallwork，savesuchastheweavingofflowersorthestringingofbeads。Butthereisthisagainstit——Umslopogaas，myhusband，chargedmethatIshouldnottoilwithmyhands，andImaynotdisobeymyhusband。“
“Ourhusbandchargedyouso，Nada？Nay，thenitisstrange。See，now，Iamhisheadwife，hisInkosikaas——itwasIwhotaughthimhowtowintheaxe。YethehaslaidnocommandonmethatIshouldnotlabourinthefieldsafterthefashionofwomen，Iwhohavebornehimchildren；
nor，indeed，hashelaidsuchacommanduponanyofoursisters，hisotherwives。CanitthenbethatBulaliolovesyoubetterthanus，Nada？“
NowtheLilywasinatrap，andsheknewit。Soshegrewbold。
“Onemustbemostloved，Zinita，“shesaid，“asonemustbemostfair。
Youhavehadyourhour，leavememine；perhapsitwillbeshort。
Moreoverthis:UmslopogaasandIlovedeachothermuchlongyearsbeforeyouoranyofhiswivessawhim，andweloveeachothertotheend。Thereisnomoretosay。“
“Nay，Nada，thereisstillsomethingtosay；thereisthistosay:
Chooseoneoftwothings。Goandleaveustobehappywithourlord，orstayandbringdeathonall。“
NowNadathoughtawhile，andanswered:“DidIbelievethatmylovewouldbringdeathonhimIlove，itmightwellchancethatIwouldgoandleavehim，thoughtodosowouldbetodie。But，Zinita，Idonotbelieveit。Deathchieflylovestheweak，andifhefallsitwillbeontheFlower，notontheSlayerofMen，“andsheslippedpastZinitaandwenton，singingnomore。
Zinitawatchedhertillshewasovertheridge，andherfacegrewevilasshewatched。Thenshereturnedtothewomen。
“TheLilyfloutsusall，mysisters，“shesaid。“Nowlisten:mycounselisthatwedeclareafeastofwomentobeheldatthenewmooninasecretplacefaraway。AllthewomenandthechildrenshallcometoitexceptNada，whowillnotleaveherlover，andiftherebeanymanwhomawomanloves，perhaps，mysisters，thatmanwoulddowelltogoonajourneyaboutthetimeofthenewmoon，forevilthingsmayhappenatthetownofthePeopleoftheAxewhileweareawaycelebratingourfeast。“
“What，then，shallbefall，mysister？“askedone。
“Nay，howcanItell？“sheanswered。“IonlyknowthatwearemindedtoberidofNada，andthustobeavengedonamanwhohasscornedourlove——ay，andonthosemenwhofollowafterthebeautyofNada。Isitnotso，mysisters？“
“Itisso，“theyanswered。
“Thenbesilentonthematter，andletusgiveoutourfeast。“
NowNadatoldUmslopogaasofthosewordswhichshehadbandiedwithZinita，andtheSlaughtererwastroubled。Yet，becauseofhisfoolishnessandofthemedicineofNada"seyes，hewouldnotturnfromhisway，andwaseveratherside，thinkingoflittleelseexceptofher。Thus，whenZinitacametohim，andaskedleavetodeclareafeastofwomenthatshouldbeheldfaraway，heconsented，andgladly，for，aboveallthings，hedesiredtobefreefromZinitaandherangrylooksforawhile；nordidhesuspectaplot。OnlyhetoldherthatNadashouldnotgotothefeast；andinabreathbothZinitaandNadaansweredthatiswordwastheirwill，asindeeditwas，inthismatter。
NowI，Mopo，sawtheglamourthathadfallenuponmyfosterling，andspokeofitwithGalazi，sayingthatameansmustbefoundtowakehim。ThenItookGalazifullyintomymind，andtoldhimallthathedidnotknowofUmslopogaas，andthatwaslittle。Also，ItoldhimofmyplanstobringtheSlaughterertothethrone，andofwhatIhaddonetothatend，andofwhatIproposedtodo，andthiswastogoinpersononajourneytocertainofthegreatchiefsandwinthemover。
Galazilistened，andsaidthatitwaswellorill，asthechancemightbe。Forhispart，hebelievedthatthedaughterwouldpulldownfasterthanI，thefather，couldbuildup，andhepointedtoNada，whowalkedpastus，followingUmslopogaas。
YetIdeterminedtogo，andthatwasonthedaybeforeZinitawonleavetocelebratethefeastofwomen。SoIsoughtUmslopogaasandtoldhim，andhelistenedindifferently，forhewouldbegoingafterNada，andweariedofmytalkofpolicy。Ibadehimfarewellandlefthim；toNadaalsoIbadefarewell。Shekissedme，yetthenameofherhusbandwasmingledwithhergood-bye。
“Nowmadnesshascomeuponthesetwo，“Isaidtomyself。“Well，itwillwearoff，theywillbechangedbeforeIcomeagain。“
Iguessedlittle，myfather，howchangedtheywouldbe。
CHAPTERXXXII
ZINITACOMESTOTHEKING
DingaanthekingsatuponadayinthekraalUmgugundhlovu，waitingtillhisimpisshouldreturnfromtheIncomethatisnownamedtheBloodRiver。HehadsentthemthithertodestroythelaageroftheBoers，andthence，ashethought，theywouldpresentlyreturnwithvictory。Idlyhesatinthekraal，watchingthevultureswheelabovetheHillofSlaughter，androundhimstoodaregiment。
“Mybirdsarehungry，“hesaidtoacouncillor。
“Doubtlessthereshallsoonbemeattofeedthem，OKing！“thecouncilloranswered。
Ashespokeonecamenear，sayingthatawomansoughtleavetospeaktothekinguponsomegreatmatter。
“Lethercome，“heanswered；“Iamsickfortidings，perhapsshecantelloftheimpi。“
Presentlythewomanwasledin。Shewastallandfair，andsheheldtwochildrenbythehand。
“Whatisthineerrand？“askedDingaan。
“Justice，OKing，“sheanswered。
“Askforblood，itshallbeeasiertofind。“
“Iaskblood，OKing。“
“Thebloodofwhom？“
“ThebloodofBulaliotheSlaughterer，ChiefofthePeopleoftheAxe，thebloodofNadatheLily，andofallthosewhoclingtoher。“
NowDingaansprangupandsworeanoathbytheheadoftheBlackOnewhowasgone。
“What？“hecried，“doestheLily，then，liveasthesoldierthought？“
“Shelives，OKing。SheiswifetotheSlaughterer，andbecauseofherwitchcrafthehasputme，hisfirstwife，awayagainstalllawandhonour。ThereforeIaskvengeanceonthewitchandvengeancealsoonhimwhowasmyhusband。“
“Thouartagoodwife，“saidtheking。“Maymywatchingspiritsavemefromsuchaone。Hearken！Iwouldgladlygrantthydesire，forI，too，hatethisSlaughterer，andI，too，wouldcrushthisLily。Yet，woman，thoucomestinabadhour。HereIhavebutoneregiment，andIthinkthattheSlaughterermaytakesomekilling。WaittillmyimpisreturnfromwipingoutthewhiteAmaboona，anditshallbeasthoudostdesire。Whosearethosechildren？“
“TheyaremychildrenandthechildrenofBulalio，whowasmyhusband。“
“Thechildrenofhimwhomthouwouldstcausetobeslain。“
“Yea，King。“
“Surely，woman，thouartasgoodamotheraswife！“saidDingaan。“NowIhavespoken——begone！“
ButtheheartofZinitawashungryforvengeance，vengeanceswiftandterrible，ontheLily，wholayinherplace，andonherhusband，whohadthrustherasidefortheLily"ssake。Shedidnotdesiretowait——
no，notevenforanhour。
“Hearken，OKing！“shecried，“thetaleisnotyetalltold。Thisman，Bulalio，plotsagainstthythronewithMopo，sonofMakedama，whowasthycouncillor。“
“Heplotsagainstmythrone，woman？Thelizardplotsagainstthecliffonwhichitsunsitself？Thenlethimplot；andasforMopo，Iwillcatchhimyet！“
“Yes，OKing！butthatisnotallthetale。Thismanhasanothername——heisnamedUmslopogaas，sonofMopo。ButheisnosonofMopo:heissontotheBlackOnewhoisdead，themightykingwhowasthybrother，byBaleka，sistertoMopo。Yes，IknowitfromthelipsofMopo。Iknowallthetale。Heisheirtothythronebyblood，OKing，andthousittestinhisplace。“
ForalittlewhileDingaansatastounded。ThenhecommandedZinitatodrawnearandtellhimthattale。
Nowbehindthestoolonwhichhesatstoodtwocouncillors，nobleswhomDingaanloved，andthesealonehadheardthelastwordsofZinita。Hebadethesenoblesstandinfrontofhim，outofearshotandawayfromeveryotherman。ThenZinitadrewnear，andtoldDingaanthetaleofthebirthofUmslopogaasandallthatfollowed，and，bymanyatokenandmanyadeedofChaka"swhichheremembered，Dingaanthekingknewthatitwasatruestory。
Whenatlengthshehaddone，hesummonedthecaptainoftheregimentthatstoodaround:hewasagreatmannamedFaku，andhealsosummonedcertainmenwhodotheking"sbidding。Tothecaptainoftheimpihespokesharply，saying:——
“Takethreecompaniesandguides，andcomebynighttothetownofthePeopleoftheAxe，thatisbyGhostMountain，andburnit，andslayallthewizardswhosleeptherein。Mostofall，slaytheChiefofthePeople，whoisnamedBulaliotheSlaughtererorUmslopogaas。Killhimbytortureifyoumay，butkillhimandbringhisheadtome。Takethatwifeofhis，whoisknownasNadatheLily，aliveifyecan，andbringhertome，forIwouldcausehertobeslainhere。Bringthecattlealso。Nowgo，andgoswiftly，thishour。Ifyereturnhavingfailedinonejotofmycommand，yedie，everyoneofyou——yedie，andslowly。Begone！“
Thecaptainsaluted，and，runningtohisregiment，issuedacommand。
Threefullcompaniesleaptforwardathisword，andranafterhimthroughthegatesofthekraalUmgugundhlovu，headingfortheGhostMountain。
ThenDingaancalledtothosewhodotheking"sbidding，and，pointingtothetwonobles，hiscouncillors，whohadheardthewordsofZinita，commandedthattheyshouldbekilled。
Thenoblesheard，and，havingsalutedtheking，coveredtheirfaces，knowingthattheymustdiebecausetheyhadlearnedtoomuch。Sotheywerekilled。Nowitwasoneofthesecouncillorswhohadsaidthatdoubtlessmeatwouldsoonbefoundtofeedtheking"sbirds。
ThenthekingcommandedthosewhodohisbiddingthattheyshouldtakethechildrenofZinitaandmakeawaywiththem。
ButwhenZinitaheardthisshecriedaloud，forshelovedherchildren。ThenDingaanmockedher。
“What？“hesaid，“artthouafoolaswellaswicked？Thousayestthatthyhusband，whomthouhastgiventodeath，isbornofonewhoisdead，andisheirtomythrone。Thousayestalsothatthesechildrenarebornofhim；therefore，whenheisdead，theywillbeheirstomythrone。AmIthenmadthatIshouldsufferthemtolive？Woman，thouhastfallenintothineowntrap。Takethemaway！“
NowZinitatastedofthecupwhichshehadbrewedforotherlips，andgrewdistraughtinhermisery，andwrungherhands，cryingthatsherepentedheroftheevilandwouldwarnUmslopogaasandtheLilyofthatwhichawaitedthem。Andsheturnedtoruntowardsthegates。Butthekinglaughedandnodded，andtheybroughtherback，andpresentlyshewasdeadalso。
Thus，then，myfather，prosperedthewickednessofZinita，theheadwifeofUmslopogaas，myfosterling。
NowthesewerethelastslayingsthatwerewroughtatthekraalUmgugundhlovu，forjustasDingaanhadmadeanendofthemandoncemoregrewweary，heliftedhiseyesandsawthehillsidesblackwithmen，whobytheirdresswereofhisownimpi——menwhomhehadsentoutagainsttheBoers。
Andyetwherewastheproudarray，wheretheplumesandshields，wherethesongofvictory？Here，indeed，weresoldiers，buttheywalkedingroupslikewomenandhungtheirheadslikechiddenchildren。
Thenhelearnedthetruth。TheimpihadbeendefeatedbythebanksoftheIncome；thousandshadperishedatthelaager，moweddownbythegunsoftheBoers，thousandsmorehadbeendrownedintheIncome，tillthewaterswereredandthebodiesoftheslainpushedeachotherunder，andthosewhostilllivedwalkeduponthem。
Dingaanheard，andwasseizedwithfear，foritwassaidthattheAmaboonafollowedfastonthetrackoftheconquered。
ThatdayhefledtothebushontheBlackUmfoloziriver，andthatnighttheskywascrimsonwiththeburningofthekraalUmgugundhlovu，wheretheElephantshouldtrumpetnomore，andthevultureswerescaredfromtheHillofSlaughterbytheroaringoftheflames。
*****
GalazisatonthelapofthestoneWitch，gazingtowardsthewideplainsbelow，thatwereyetwhitewiththemoon，thoughthenightgrewtowardsthemorning。Greysnoutwhinedathisside，andDeathgripthrusthismuzzleintohishand；butGalazitooknoheed，forhewasbroodingonthefallofUmslopogaasfromthemanthathehadbeentothelevelofawoman"sslave，andonthebreakingupofthePeopleoftheAxe，becauseofthecomingofNada。ForallthewomenandthechildrenweregonetothisFeastofWomen，andwouldnotreturnforlong，anditseemedtoGalazithatmanyofthemenhadslippedawayalso，asthoughtheysmeltsomedangerfromafar。
“Ah，Deathgrip，“saidGalazialoudtothewildbruteathisside，“changedistheWolfKingmybrother，allchangedbecauseofawoman"skiss。Nowhehuntsnomore，nomoreshallGroan-Makerbealoft；itisawoman"skisshecraves，notthetouchofyourroughtongue，itisawoman"shandheholds，notthesmoothhaftofhorn，he，whoofallmen，wasthefiercestandthefirst；forthislastshamehasovertakenhim。SurelyChakawasagreatkingthoughanevil，andheshowedhisgreatnesswhenheforbademarriagetothewarriors，marriagethatmakestheheartsoftandturnsbloodtowater。“
NowGalaziceased，andgazedidlytowardsthekraalofthePeopleoftheAxe，andashelookedhiseyescaughtagleamoflightthatseemedtotravelinandoutoftheedgeoftheshadowofGhostMountainasawoman"sneedletravelsthroughaskin，nowseenandnowlostintheskin。
Hestartedandwatched。Ah！therethelightcameoutfromtheshadow。
Now，byChaka"shead，itwasthelightofspears！
OnemomentmoreGalaziwatched。Itwasalittleimpi，perhapstheynumberedtwohundredmen，runningsilently，butnottobattle，fortheyworenoplumes。Yettheywentouttokill，fortheyranincompanies，andeachmancarriedassegaisandashield。
NowGalazihadheardtellofsuchimpisthathuntbynight，andheknewwellthattheseweretheking"sdogs，andtheirgamewasmen，abigkraalofsleepingmen，otherwisetherehadbeenfewerdogs。Isawholepacksentouttocatchanantelopeonitsform？Galaziwonderedwhomtheysought。Ah！nowtheyturnedtotheford，andheknew。ItwashisbrotherUmslopogaasandNadatheLilyandthePeopleoftheAxe。
Theseweretheking"sdogs，andZinitahadletthemslip。Forthisreasonshehadcalledafeastofwomen，andtakenthechildrenwithher；forthisreasonsomanyhadbeensummonedfromthekraalbyonemeansoranother:itwasthattheymightescapetheslaughter。
Galaziboundedtohisfeet。Foronemomenthethought。Mightnotthesehuntersbehunted？Couldhenotdestroythembythejawsofthewolvesasoncebeforetheyhaddestroyedacertainimpioftheking"s？Ay，ifhehadseenthembutonehourbefore，thenscarcelyamanofthemshouldhavelivedtoreachthestream，forhewouldhavewaylaidthemwithhiswolves。Butnowitmightnotbe；thesoldiersnearedtheford，andGalaziknewwellthathisgreypeoplewouldnothuntonthefurtherplain，thoughforthishehadheardonereasononly，thatwhichwasgivenhimbythelipsofthedeadinadream。
What，then，mightbedone？Onethingalone:warnUmslopogaas。Yethow？
Forhimwhocouldswimarushingriver，therewas，indeed，aswifterwaytotheplaceofthePeopleoftheAxe——awaythatwastothepathoftheimpiasisthebow-stringtothestrungbow。Andyettheyhadtravelledwell-nighhalfthelengthofthebow。Still，hemightdoit，hewhosefeetweretheswiftestintheland，exceptthoseofUmslopogaas。Attheleast，hewouldtry。Mayhap，theimpiwouldtarrytodrinkattheford。
SoGalazithoughtinhisheart，andhisthoughtwasswiftasthelight。Thenwithaboundhewasawaydownthemountainside。Frombouldertoboulderheleaptlikeabuck，hecrashedthroughthebrakelikeabull，heskimmedthelevellikeaswallow。Themountainwastravellednow；thereinfrontofhimlaytheyellowriverfoaminginitsflood，sohehadswumitbeforewhenhewenttoseethedead。Ah！
agoodleapfaroutintothetorrent；itwasstrong，buthebreastedit。Hewasthrough，hestooduponthebankshakingthewaterfromhimlikeadog，andnowhewasawayupthenarrowgorgeofstonestothelongslope，runninglowashiswolvesran。
Beforehimlaythetown——onesideshonesilverwiththesinkingmoon，onewasgreywiththebreakingdawn。Ah！theywerethere，hesawthemmovingthroughthegrassbytheeasterngate；hesawthelonglinesofslayerscreeptotheleftandtheright。
Howcouldhepassthembeforethecircleofdeathwasdrawn？Sixspear-throwstorun，andtheyhadbutsuchalittleway！Themealie-
plantsweretall，andataspottheyalmosttouchedthefence。Upthepath！CouldUmslopogaas，hisbrother，movemorefast，hewondered，thantheWolfwhospedtosavehim？Hewasthere，hiddenbythemealiestalks，andthere，alongthefencetotherightandtotheleft，theslayerscrept！
“Wow！Whatwasthat？“saidonesoldierofthekingtoanothermanastheyjoinedtheirguardcompletingthedeathcircle。“Wow！somethinggreatandblackcrashedthroughthefencebeforeme。“
“Iheardit，brother，“answeredtheotherman。“Iheardit，butIsawnothing。Itmusthavebeenadog:nomancouldleapsohigh。“
“Morelikeawolf，“saidthefirst；“attheleast，letuspraythatitwasnotanEsedowan[1]whowillputusintotheholeinitsback。Isyourfireready，brother？Wow！thesewizardsshallwakewarm；thesignalshouldbesoon。“
[1]Afabulousanimal，reportedbytheZulustocarryoffhumanbeingsinaholeinitsback。
Thenarosethesoundofagreatvoicecrying，“Awake，yesleepers，thefoeisatyourgates！“
CHAPTERXXXIII
THEENDOFTHEPEOPLE，BLACKANDGREY
Galazirushedthroughthetowncryingaloud，andbehindhimroseastirofmen。Allsleptandnosentinelswereset，forUmslopogaaswassolostinhisloveforLilythatheforgothiswisdom，andthoughtnomoreofwarordeathorofthehateofDingaan。PresentlytheWolfcametothelargenewhutwhichUmslopogaashadcausedtobebuiltforNadatheLily，andenteredit，forthereheknewthatheshouldfindhisbrotherBulalio。Onthefarsideofthehutthetwolaysleeping，andtheheadofUmslopogaasrestedontheLily"sbreast，andbyhissidegleamedthegreataxeGroan-Maker。
“Awake！“criedtheWolf。
NowUmslopogaassprangtohisfeetgraspingathisaxe，butNadathrewherarmswide，murmuring；“Letmesleepon，sweetissleep。“
“Soundshallyesleep，anon！“gaspedGalazi。“Swift，brother，bindonthewolf"shide，takeshield！Swift，Isay——fortheSlayersofthekingareatyourgates！“
NowNadasprangupalso，andtheydidhisbiddinglikepeopleinadream；and，whiletheyfoundtheirgarmentsandashield，Galazitookbeeranddrankit，andgothisbreathagain。Theystoodwithoutthehut。Nowtheheavenwasgrey，andeastandwestandnorthandsouthtonguesofflameshotupagainstthesky，forthetownhadbeenfiredbytheSlayers。
Umslopogaaslookedandhissensecamebacktohim:heunderstood。
“Whichway，brother？“hesaid。
“ThroughthefireandtheimpitoourGreyPeopleonthemountain，“
saidGalazi。“There，ifwecanwinit，weshallfindsuccour。“
“Whatofmypeopleinthekraal，“askedUmslopogaas。
“Theyarenotmany，brother；thewomenandthechildrenaregone。I
haverousedthemen——mostwillescape。Hence，ereweburn！“
Nowtheyrantowardsthefence，andastheywentmenjoinedthemtothenumberoften，halfawakened，fear-stricken，armed——somewithspears，somewithclubs——andforthemostpartnaked。Theyspedontogethertowardsthefenceofthetownthatwasnowbutaringoffire，UmslopogaasandGalaziinfront，eachholdingtheLilybyahand。Theynearedthefence——fromwithoutcametheshoutsoftheSlayers——lo！itwasafire。Nadashrankbackinfear，butUmslopogaasandGalazidraggedheron。Theyrushedattheblazingfence，smitingwithaxeandclub。Itbrokebeforethem，theywerethroughbutlittleharmed。WithoutwereaknotoftheSlayers，standingbackasmallspacebecauseoftheheatoftheflames。TheSlayerssawthem，andcrying，“ThisisBulalio，killthewizard！“sprangtowardsthemwithupliftedspears。NowthePeopleoftheAxemadearingroundNada，andinthefrontofitwereUmslopogaasandGalazi。ThentheyrushedonandmetthoseoftheSlayerswhostoodbeforethem，andthemenofDingaanweresweptawayandscatteredbyGroan-MakerandtheWatcher，asdustissweptofawind，asgrassissweptbyasickle。
Theywerethroughwithonlyonemanslain，butthecrywentupthatthechiefofthewizardsandtheLily，hiswife，hadfled。Then，asitwasthesewhomhewaschieflychargedtokill，thecaptaincalledofftheimpifromwatchingforthedwellersinthetown，andstartedinpursuitofUmslopogaas。Now，atthistimenearlyahundredmenofthePeopleoftheAxehadbeenkilledandoftheSlayerssomefiftymen，for，havingbeenawakenedbythecryingofGalazi，thesoldiersoftheaxefoughtbravely，thoughnonesawwherehisbrotherstood，andnoneknewwhithertheirchiefhadfledexceptthosetenwhowentwiththebrethren。
Meanwhile，theWolf-Brethrenandthosewiththemwerewellaway，andithadbeeneasyforthemtoescape，whoweretheswiftest-footedofanyintheland。Butthepaceofaregimentisthepaceofitsslowest-footedsoldier，andNadacouldnotrunwiththeWolf-Brethren。
Yettheymadegoodspeed，andwerehalfwaydownthegorgethatledtotheriverbeforethecompaniesofDingaanpouredintoit。Nowtheycametotheendofit，andthefoewasnear——thisendofthegorgeisnarrow，myfather，liketheneckofagourd——thenGalazistoppedandspoke:——
“Halt！yePeopleoftheAxe，“hesaid，“andletustalkawhilewiththesewhofollowtillwegetourbreathagain。Butyou，mybrother，passtheriverwiththeLilyinyourhand。Wewilljoinyouintheforest；butifperchancewecannotfindyou，youknowwhatmustbedone:settheLilyinthecave，thenreturnandcallupthegreyimpi。
Wow！mybrother，ImustfindyouifImay，forifthesemenofDingaanhaveamindforsportthereshallbesuchahuntingontheGhostMountainastheoldWitchhasnotseen。Gonow，mybrother！“
“Itisnotmywaytoturnandrunwhileothersstandandfight，“
growledUmslopogaas；“yet，becauseofNada，itseemsthatImust。“
“Oh！heedmenot，mylove，“saidNada，“Ihavebroughttheesorrow——I
amweary，letmedie；killmeandsaveyourselves！“
Foranswer，Umslopogaastookherbythehandandfledtowardstheriver；butbeforehereacheditheheardthesoundsofthefray，thewar-cryoftheSlayersastheypoureduponthePeopleoftheAxe，thehowlofhisbrother，theWolf，whenthebattlejoined——ay，andthecrashoftheWatcherastheblowwenthome。
“Wellbitten，Wolf！“hesaid，stopping；“thatoneshallneednomore；
oh！thatImight“——butagainhelookedatNada，andspedon。
Nowtheyhadleapedintothefoamingriver，andhereitwaswellthattheLilycouldswim，elsebothhadbeenlost。Buttheywonthroughandpassedforwardtothemountain"sflank。Heretheywalkedonamongthetreestilltheforestwasalmostpassed，andatlengthUmslopogaasheardthehowlingofawolf。
ThenhemustsetNadaonhisshouldersandcarryherasonceGalazihadcarriedanother，foritwasdeathforanyexcepttheWolf-BrethrentowalkontheGhostMountainwhenthewolveswereawake。
Presentlythewolvesflockedaroundhim，andleapeduponhiminjoy，glaringwithfierceeyesatherwhosatuponhisshoulders。Nadasawthem，andalmostfellfromherseat，faintingwithfear，fortheyweremanyanddreadful，andwhentheyhowledherbloodturnedtoice。
ButUmslopogaascheeredher，tellingherthatthesewerehisdogswithwhomhewentouthunting，andwithwhomheshouldhuntpresently。AtlengththeycametothekneesoftheOldWitchandtheentrancetothecave。Itwasemptyexceptforawolfortwo，forGalaziabodehereseldomnow；butwhenhewasonthemountainwouldsleepintheforest，whichwasnearerthekraalofhisbrothertheSlaughterer。
“Hereyoumuststay，sweet，“saidUmslopogaaswhenhehaddrivenoutthewolves。“HereyoumustresttillthislittlematteroftheSlayersisfinished。Wouldthatwehadbroughtfood，butwehadlittletimetoseekit！See，nowIwillshowyouthesecretofthestone；thusfarI
willpushit，nofarther。Nowatouchonlyisneededtosenditoverthesocketandhome；butthentheymustbetwostrongmenwhocanpullitbackagain。Thereforepushitnofartherexceptintheutmostneed，lestitremainwhereitfall，whetheryouwillitornot。Havenofear，youaresafehere；noneknowofthisplaceexceptGalazi，myselfandthewolves，andnoneshallfindit。NowImustbegoingtofindGalazi，ifhestilllives；ifnot，tomakewhatplayIcanagainsttheSlayers，alonewiththewolves。“
NowNadawept，sayingthatshefearedtobeleft，andthatsheshouldneverseehimmore，andhergriefrunghisheart。Nevertheless，Umslopogaaskissedherandwent，closingthestoneafterhiminthatfashionofwhichhehadspoken。Whenthestonewasshutthecavewasalmostdark，exceptforarayoflightthatenteredbyaholelittlelargerthanaman"shand，that，lookedatfromwithin，wasontherightofthestone。Nadasatherselfsothatthisraystruckfullonher，forshelovedlight，andwithoutitshewouldpineasflowersdo。
Thereshesatandthoughtinthedarksomecave，andwasfilledwithfearandsorrow。Andwhileshebroodedthus，suddenlytheraywentout，andsheheardanoiseasofsomebeastthatsmellsatprey。Shelooked，andinthegloomshesawthesharpnoseandgrinningfangsofawolfthatwerethrusttowardsherthroughthelittlehole。
Nadacriedaloudinfear，andthefangsweresnatchedback，butpresentlysheheardascratchingwithoutthecave，andsawthestoneshake。Thenshethoughtinherfoolishnessthatthewolfknewhowtoopenthestone，andthathewoulddothis，anddevourher，forshehadheardthetalethatallthesewolvesweretheghostsofevilmen，havingtheunderstandingofmen。So，inherfearandfolly，sheseizedtherockanddraggedonitasUmslopogaashadshownherhowtodo。Itshook，itslippedoverthesocketledge，androlledhomelikeapebbledownthemouthofagourd。
“NowIamsafefromthewolves，“saidNada。“See，Icannotsomuchasstirthestonefromwithin。“Andshelaughedalittle，thenceasedfromlaughingandspokeagain。“YetitwouldbeillifUmslopogaascamebacknomoretorollawaythatrock，forthenIshouldbelikeoneinagrave——asonewhoisplacedinagravebeingyetstrongandquick。“Sheshudderedasshethoughtofit，butpresentlystartedupandsethereartotheholetolisten，forfromfardownthemountainthereroseamightyhowlingandadinofmen。
WhenUmslopogaashadshutthecave，hemovedswiftlydownthemountain，andwithhimwentcertainofthewolves；notall，forhehadnotsummonedthem。Hisheartwasheavy，forhefearedthatGalaziwasnomore。Alsohewasmadwithrage，andplottedinhimselftodestroytheSlayersoftheking，everymanofthem；butfirsthemustlearnwhattheywoulddo。Presently，ashewended，heheardalong，lowhowlfarawayintheforest；thenherejoiced，forheknewthecall——itwasthecallofGalazi，whohadescapedthespearsoftheSlayers。
Swiftlyheran，callinginanswer。Hewontheplace。There，seatedonastone，restinghimself，wasGalazi，androundhimsurgedthenumbersoftheGreyPeople。Umslopogaascametohimandlookedathim，forheseemedsomewhatweary。Therewerefleshwoundsonhisgreatbreastandarms，thelittleshieldwaswell-nighhewntostrips，andtheWatchershowedsignsofwar。
“Howwentit，brother？“askedUmslopogaas。
“Notsoill，butallthosewhostoodwithmeinthewayaredead，andwiththemafewofthefoe。Ialoneamfledlikeacoward。Theycameonusthrice，butweheldthembacktilltheLilywassafe；then，allourmenbeingdown，Iran，Umslopogaas，andswamthetorrent，forI
wasmindedtodiehereinmyownplace。“
Now，thoughhesaidlittleofit，Imusttellyou，myfather，thatGalazihadmadeagreatslaughterthereintheneckofthedonga。
AfterwardsIcountedtheslain，andtheyweremany；theninemenofthePeopleoftheAxewerehiddeninthem。
“PerhapsitshallbetheSlayerswhodie，brother。“
“Perhaps，atleast，thereshallbedeathforsome。Stillitisinmymind，Slaughterer，thatourbrotherhooddrawstoanend，forthefateofhimwhobearstheWatcher，andwhichmyfatherforetold，isuponme。Ifso，farewell。Whileitlastedourfriendshiphasbeengood，anditsendingshallbegood。Moreover，itwouldhaveenduredformanyayeartocomehadyounotsought，Slaughterer，tomakegoodbetter，andtocompleteourjoyoffellowshipandwarwiththeloveofwomen。Fromthatsourceflowtheseills，asariverfromaspring；butsoitwasfated。IfIfallinthisfraymayyouyetliveontofightinmanyanother，andatthelasttodiegloriouslywithaxealoft；andmayyoufindabriskermanandabetterWatchertoserveyouinyourneed。
ShouldyoufallandIliveon，Ipromisethis:IwillavengeyoutothelastandguardtheLilywhomyoulove，offeringhercomfort，butnomore。Nowthefoedrawson，theyhavetravelledroundaboutbytheford，fortheydarednotfacethetorrent，andtheycriedtomethattheyaresworntoslayusorbeslain，asDingaan，theking，commanded。Sothefightingwillbeofthebest，if，indeed，theydonotrunbeforethefangsoftheGreyPeople。Now，Chief，speakyourwordthatImayobeyit。“
ThusGalazispokeinthecircleofthewolves，whileUmslopogaasleaneduponhisAxeGroan-Maker，andlistenedtohim，ay，andweptashelistened，foraftertheLilyandme，Mopo，helovedGalazimostdearlyofallwholived。Thenheanswered:——
“Wereitnotforoneinthecaveabove，whoishelplessandtender，I
wouldsweartoyou，Wolf，thatifyoufall，onyourcarcaseIwilldie；andIdoswearthat，shouldyoufall，whileIliveGroan-Makershallbebusyfromyeartoyeartilleverymanofyonderimpiisasyouare。PerchanceIdidill，Galazi，whenfirstIhearkenedtothewordsofZinitaandsufferedwomentocomebetweenus。Mayweonedayfindalandwheretherearenowomen，andwaronly，forinthatlandweshallgrowgreat。Butnow，attheleast，wewillmakeagoodendtothisfellowship，andtheGreyPeopleshallfighttheirfill，andtheoldWitchwhositsaloftwaitingfortheworldtodieshallsmiletoseethatfight，ifsheneversmiledbefore。Thisismyword:thatwefalluponthemenofDingaantwice，onceinthegladeoftheforestwhithertheywillcomepresently，and，ifwearebeatenback，thenwemuststandforthelasttimeonthekneesoftheWitchinfrontofthecavewhereNadais。Say，Wolf，willtheGreyFolkfight？“
“Tothelast，brother，solongasoneislefttoleadthem，afterthatIdonotknow！Stilltheyhaveonlyfangstosetagainstspears。
Slaughterer，yourplanisgood。Come，Iamrested。“
Sotheyroseandnumberedtheirflock，andallwerethere，thoughitwasnotasithadbeenyearsagowhenfirsttheWolf-BrethrenhuntedonGhostMountain；formanyofthewolveshaddiedbymen"sspearswhentheyharriedthekraalsofmen，andnoyoungwereborntothem。
Then，asoncebefore，thepackwashalved，andhalf，theshe-wolves，wentwithUmslopogaas，andhalf，thedog-wolves，wentwithGalazi。
Nowtheypasseddowntheforestpathsandhidinthetangleofthethicketsattheheadofthedarksomeglen，oneoneachsideoftheglen。Heretheywaitedtilltheyheardthefootfalloftheimpioftheking"sSlayers，asitcameslowlyalongseekingthem。Infrontoftheimpiwenttwosoldierswatchingforanambush，andthesetwomenwerethesamewhohadtalkedtogetherthatdawnwhenGalazisprangbetweenthem。Nowalsotheyspokeastheypeeredthiswayandthat；then，seeingnothing，stoodawhileinthemouthoftheglenwaitingthecomingoftheircompany；andtheirwordscametotheearsofUmslopogaas。
“Anawfulplacethis，mybrother，“saidone。“Aplacefullofghostsandstrangesounds，ofhandsthatseemtopressusback，andwhiningsasofinvisiblewolves。ItisnamedGhostMountain，andwellnamed。
Wouldthatthekinghadfoundotherbusinessforusthantheslayingofthesesorcerers——fortheyaresorcerersindeed，andthisisthehomeoftheirsorceries。Tellme，brother，whatwasthatwhichleapedbetweenusthismorninginthedark！Isayitwasawizard。Wow！theyareallwizards。CouldanywhowasbutamanhavedonethedeedswhichhewhoisnamedtheWolfwroughtdownbytheriveryonder，andthenhaveescaped？HadtheAxebutstayedwiththeClubtheywouldhaveeatenupourimpi。“
“TheAxehadawomantowatch，“laughedtheother。“Yes，itistruethisisaplaceofwizardsandevilthings。MethinksIseetheredeyesoftheEsedowanaglaringatusthroughthedarkofthetreesandsmelltheirsmell。Yetthesewizardsmustbecaught，forknowthis，mybrother:ifwereturntoUmgugundhlovuwiththeking"scommandundone，thentherearestakeshardeninginthefireofwhichweshalltastethepoint。Ifweareallkilledinthecatching，andsome，itseems，aremissingalready，yettheymustbecaught。Say，mybrother，shallwedrawon？Theimpiisnigh。WouldthatFaku，ourcaptainyonder，mightfindtwootherstotakeourplace，forinthisthicketIhadratherrunlastthanfirst。Well，hereleadsthespoor——awondrousmassofwolf-spoormixedwiththefootprintsofmen；perhapstheyaresometimestheoneandsometimestheother——whoknows，mybrother？Itisalandofghostsandwizards。Letuson！Letuson！“
NowallthiswhiletheWolf-Brethrenhadmuchadotokeeptheirpeoplequiet，fortheirmouthswateredandtheireyesshoneatthesightofthemen，andatlengthitcouldbedonenomore，forwithahowlasingleshe-wolfrushedfromherlaidandleaptatthethroatofthemanwhospoke，nordidshemisshergrip。Downwentwolfandman，rollingtogetherontheground，andtheretheykilledeachother。
“TheEsedowana！theEsedowanaareuponus！“criedtheotherscout，and，turning，fledtowardstheimpi。Butheneverreachedit，forwithfearfulhowlingstheghost-wolvesbroketheircoverandrushedonhimfromtherightandtheleft，andlo！therewasnothingofhimleftexcepthisspearalone。
Nowalowcryoffearrosefromtheimpi，andsometurnedtofly，butFaku，thecaptain，agreatandbraveman，shoutedtothem，“Standfirm，childrenoftheking，standfirm，thesearenoEsedowana，thesearebuttheWolf-Brethrenandtheirpack。What！willyerunfromdogs，yewhohavelaughedatthespearsofmen？Ringround！Standfast！“
Thesoldiersheardthevoiceoftheircaptain，andtheyobeyedhisvoice，formingadoublecircle，aringwithinaring。Theylookedtotheright，there，Groan-Makeraloft，thewolffangsonhisbrow，thewornwolf-hidestreamingonthewind，Bulaliorusheduponthemlikeastorm，andwithhimcamehisred-eyedcompany。Theylookedtotheleft——ah，welltheyknowthatmightyWatcher！Havetheynotheardhisstrokesdownbytheriver，andwelltheyknowthegiantwhowieldsitlikeawand，theWolfKing，withthestrengthoften！Wow！Theyarehere！Seethepeopleblackandgrey，hearthemhowltheirwar-chant！
Lookhowtheyleaplikewater——leapinafoamoffangsagainstthehedgeofspears！Thecircleisbroken；Groan-Makerhasbrokenit！Ha！
Galazialsoisthroughthedoublering；nowmustmenstandbacktobackorperish！
Howlongdiditlast？Whocansay？Timefliesfastwhenblowsfallthick。Atlengththebrethrenarebeatenback；theybreakoutastheybrokein，andaregone，withsuchoftheirwolf-folkaswereleftalive。Yetthatimpiwassomewhattheworse，butone-thirdofthoselivedwholookedonthesunwithouttheforest；therestlaysmitten，torn，mangled，dead，hiddenundertheheapsofbodiesofwildbeasts。
“Nowthisisabattleofevilspiritsthatliveintheshapesofwolves，andasfortheWolf-Brethren，theyaresorcerersoftherarest，“saidFakuthecaptain，“andsuchsorcerersIlove，fortheyfightfuriously。YetIwillslaythemorbeslain。Attheleast，iftherebefewofusleft，themostofthewolvesaredeadalso，andthearmsofthewizardsgrowweary。“
Sohemovedforwardupthemountainwiththoseofthesoldierswhoremained，andallthewaythewolvesharriedthem，pullingdownamanhereandamanthere；butthoughtheyheardandsawthemcheeringontheirpacktheWolf-Brethrenattackedthemnomore，fortheysavedtheirstrengthforthelastfightofall。
Theroadwaslongupthemountain，andthesoldiersknewlittleofthepath，andevertheghost-wolvesharriedontheirflanks。SoitwaseveningbeforetheycametothefeetofthestoneWitch，andbegantoclimbtotheplatformofherknees。There，onherkneesasitwere，theysawtheWolf-Brethrenstandingsidebyside，suchapairaswerenotelsewhereintheworld，andtheyseemedafire，forthesunsetbeatuponthem，andthewolvescreptroundtheirfeet，redwithbloodandfire。
“Agloriouspair！“quothgreatFaku；“wouldthatIfoughtwiththemratherthanagainstthem！Yet，theymustdie！“ThenhebegantoclimbtothekneesoftheWitch。
NowUmslopogaasglancedupatthestonefaceofherwhosataloft，anditwasalightwiththesunset。
“SaidInotthattheoldWitchshouldsmileatthisfray？“hecried。
“Lo！shesmiles！Up，Galazi，letusspendtheremnantofourpeopleonthefoe，andfightthisfightout，mantoman，withnobeasttospoilit！Ho！BloodandGreysnout！ho！Deathgrip！ho！wood-dwellersgreyandblack，atthem，mychildren！“
Thewolvesheard；theywerefewandtheyweresorrytosee，withwearinessandwounds，butstilltheywerefierce。Withahowl，forthelasttimetheyleapeddownuponthefoe，tearing，harrying，andkillingtilltheythemselvesweredeadbythespear，everyoneofthemexceptDeathgrip，whocreptbacksorelywoundedtodiewithGalazi。
“NowIamachiefwithoutapeople，“criedGalazi。“Well，ithasbeenmylotinlife。SoitwasintheHalakazikraals，soitisonGhostMountainatthelast，andsoalsoshallitbeevenforthegreatestkingswhentheycometotheirends，seeingthatthey，too，mustdiealone。Say，Slaughterer，choosewhereyouwillstand，totheleftortotheright。“
Now，myfather，thetrackbelowseparated，becauseofaboulder，andthereweretwolittlepathswhichledtotheplatformoftheWitch"skneeswith，perhaps，tenpacesbetweenthem。Umslopogaasguardedtheleft-handpathandGalazitooktheright。Thentheywaited，havingspearsintheirhands。Presentlythesoldierscameroundtherockandrushedupagainstthem，someononepathandsomeontheother。
Thenthebrethrenhurledtheirspearsatthemandkilledthreemen。
Nowtheassegaisweredone，andthefoewasonthem。Umslopogaasbendsforward，hislongarmshootsout，theaxegleams，andamanwhocameonfallsback。
“One！“criesUmslopogaas。
“One，mybrother！“answersGalazi，ashedrawsbacktheWatcherfromhisblow。
Asoldierrushesforward，singing。ToandfrohemovesinfrontofUmslopogaas，hisspearpoisedtostrike。Groan-Makerswoopsdown，butthemanleapsback，theblowmisses，andtheSlaughterer"sguardisdown。
“Apoorstroke，Sorcerer！“criesthemanasherushesintostabhim。
Lo！theaxewheelsintheair，itcirclesswiftlylowdownbytheground；itsmitesupward。BeforethespearsmancanstrikethehornofGroan-Makerhasspedfromchintobrain。
“Butagoodreturn，fool！“saysUmslopogaas。
“Two！“criesGalazi，fromtheright。
“Two！mybrother，“answersUmslopogaas。
Againtwomencomeon，oneagainsteach，tofindnobetterluck。Thecryof“Three！“passesfrombrothertobrother，andafteritrisesthecryof“Four！“
NowFakubidsthemenwhoarelefttoholdtheirshieldstogetherandpushthetwofromthemouthsofthepaths，andthistheydo，losingfourmoremenatthehandsofthebrethrenbeforeitisdone。
“Nowweareontheopen！Ringthemroundanddownwiththem！“criesFaku。
ButwhoshallringroundGroan-Makerthatshinesonallsidesatonce，Groan-Makerwhofallsheavilynomore，butpecksandpecksandpeckslikeawood-birdonatree，andneverpecksinvain？WhoshallringroundthosefeetswifterthantheSassabyoftheplains？Wow！Heishere！Heisthere！Heisasorcerer！Deathisinhishand，anddeathlooksoutofhiseyes！
Galazilivesyet，forstilltherecomesthesoundoftheWatcherasitthundersontheshields，andtheWolf"shoarsecryofthenumberoftheslain。Hehasascoreofwounds，yethefightson！hislegisalmosthewnfromhimwithanaxe，yethefightson！Hisbackispiercedagainandagain，yethefightson！Buttwoareleftalivebeforehim，onetwistsroundandspearshimfrombehind。Heheedsitnot，butsmitesdownthefoeinfront。Thenheturnsand，whirlingtheWatcheronhigh，bringshimdownforthelasttime，andsomightilythatthemanbeforehimiscrushedlikeanegg。
Galazibrushesthebloodfromhiseyesandglaresroundonthedead。
“All！Slaughterer，“hecries。
“Allsavetwo，mybrother，“comestheanswer，soundingabovetheclashofsteelandthesoundofsmittenshields。
NowtheWolfwouldcometohim，butcannot，forhislifeebbs。
“Fareyouwell，mybrother！Deathisgood！Thus，indeed，Iwoulddie，forIhavemademeamatofmentolieon，“hecriedwithagreatvoice。
“Fareyouwell！Sleepsoftly，Wolf！“cametheanswer。“Allsaveone！“
NowGalazifelldyingonthedead，buthewasnotaltogethergone，forhestillspoke。“Allsaveone！Ha！ha！illforthatonethenwhenGroan-Makeryetisup。Itiswelltohavelivedsotodie。Victory！
Victory！“
AndGalazitheWolfstruggledtohiskneesandforthelasttimeshooktheWatcherabouthishead，thenfellagainanddied。
Umslopogaas，thesonofChaka，andFaku，thecaptainofDingaan，gazedoneachother。Theyalonewereleftstandinguponthemountain，fortherestwerealldown。Umslopogaashadmanywounds。Fakuwasunhurt；
hewasastrongman，alsoarmedwithanaxe。
Fakulaughedaloud。“Soithascometothis，Slaughterer，“hesaid，“thatyouandImustsettlewhethertheking"swordbedoneorno。
Well，Iwillsaythathoweveritshouldfallout，Icountitagreatfortunetohaveseenthisfight，andthehighestofhonourstohavehadtodowithtwosuchwarriors。Restyoualittle，Slaughterer，beforeweclose。Thatwolf-brotherofyoursdiedwell，andifitisgivenmetoconquerinthisbout，Iwilltellthetaleofhisendfromkraaltokraalthroughouttheland，anditshallbeataleforever。“
CHAPTERXXXIV
THELILY"SFAREWELL
Umslopogaaslistened，buthemadenoanswertothewordsofFakuthecaptain，thoughhelikedthemwell，forhewouldnotwastehisbreathintalking，andthelightgrewlow。
“Iamready，ManofDingaan，“hesaid，andliftedhisaxe。
Nowforawhilethetwocircledroundandround，eachwaitingforachancetostrike。PresentlyFakusmoteattheheadofUmslopogaas，buttheSlaughtererliftedGroan-Makertowardtheblow。Fakucrookedhisarmandlettheaxecurldownwards，sothatitskeenedgesmoteUmslopogaasuponthehead，severinghisman"sringandthescalpbeneath。
Mademadwiththepain，theSlaughtererawoke，asitwere。HegraspedGroan-makerwithbothhandsandstruckthrice。ThefirstblowhewedawaytheplumesandshieldofFaku，anddrivehimbackaspear"slength，thesecondmisseditsaim，thethirdandmightiesttwistedinhiswethands，sothattheaxesmotesideways。Nevertheless，itfellfullonthebreastofthecaptainFaku，shatteringhisbones，andsweepinghimfromtheledgeofrockontotheslopebeneath，wherehelaystill。
“Itisfinishedwiththedaylight，“saidUmslopogaas，smilinggrimly。
“Now，Dingaan，sendmoreSlayerstoseekyourslain，“andheturnedtofindNadainthecave。
ButFakuthecaptainwasnotyetdead，thoughhewashurttodeath。Hesatup，andwithhislaststrengthhehurledtheaxeinhishandathimwhosemighthadprevailedagainsthim。Theaxespedtrue，andUmslopogaasdidnotseeitfly。Itspedtrue，anditspointstruckhimonthelefttemple，drivingintheboneandmakingagreathole。ThenFakufellbackdying，andUmslopogaasthrewuphisarmsanddroppedlikeanoxdropsbeneaththeblowofthebutcher，andlayasonedead，undertheshadowofastone。
AlldaylongNadacrouchedinthecavelisteningtothesoundsofwarthatcreptfaintlyupthemountainside；howlingofwolves，shoutingofmen，andtheclamourofirononiron。Alldaylongshesat，andnoweveningcameapace，andthenoiseofbattledrewnear，swelled，andsank，anddiedaway。SheheardthevoicesoftheWolf-Brethrenastheycalledtoeachotherlikebucks，namingthenumberoftheslain。SheheardGalazi"scryof“Victory！“andherheartleapttoit，thoughsheknewthattherewasdeathinthecry。Thenforthelasttimesheheardthefaintringingofirononiron，andthelightwentoutandallgrewstill。
Allgrewstillasthenight。Therecamenomoreshoutingofmenandnomoreclashofarms，nohowlingsofwolves，nocriesofpainortriumph——allwasquietasdeath，fordeathhadtakenall。
ForawhileNadatheLilysatinthedarkofthecave，sayingtoherself，“Presentlyhewillcome，myhusband，hewillsurelycome；theSlayersareslain——hedoesnotbuttarrytobindhiswounds；ascratch，perchance，hereandthere。Yes，hewillcome，anditiswell，forIamwearyofmyloneliness，andthisplaceisgrimandevil。“
Thusshespoketoherselfinhope，butnothingcameexceptthesilence。Thenshespokeagain，andhervoiceechoedinthehollowcave。“NowIwillbebold，Iwillfearnothing，Iwillpushasidethestoneandgoouttofindhim。Iknowwellhedoesbutlingertotendsomewhoarewounded，perhapsGalazi。DoubtlessGalaziiswounded。I
mustgoandnursehim，thoughheneverlovedme，andIdonotlovehimovermuchwhowouldstandbetweenmeandmyhusband。Thiswildwolf-manisafoetowomen，and，mostofall，afoetome；yetIwillbekindtohim。Come，Iwillgoatonce，“andsheroseandpushedattherock。
Why，whatwasthis？Itdidnotstir。Thensherememberedthatshehadpulleditbeyondthesocketbecauseofherfearofthewolf，andthattherockhadslippedalittlewaydowntheneckofthecave。
Umslopogaashadtoldherthatshemustnotdothis，andshehadforgottenhiswordsinherfoolishness。Perhapsshecouldmovethestone；no，notbythebreadthofagrainofcorn。Shewasshutin，withoutfoodorwater，andhereshemustbidetillUmslopogaascame。
Andifhedidnotcome？Thenshemustsurelydie。
Nowsheshriekedaloudinherfear，callingonthenameofUmslopogaas。Thewallsofthecaveanswered“Umslopogaas！
Umslopogaas！“andthatwasall。
AfterwardsmadnessfelluponNada，mydaughter，andshelayinthecavefordaysandnights，norkneweverhowlongshelay。Andwithhermadnesscamevisions，forshedreamedthatthedeadOnewhomGalazihadtoldherofsatoncemorealoftinhisnicheattheendofthecaveandspoketoher，saying:——
“Galaziisdead！ThefateofhimwhobearstheWatcherhasfallenonhim。Deadaretheghost-wolves；Ialsoamofhungerinthiscave，andasIdiedsoshallyoudie，NadatheLily！Nada，StarofDeath！
becauseofwhosebeautyandfoolishnessallthisdeathhascomeabout。“
ThisisseemedtoNada，inhermadness，thattheshadowofhimwhohadsatinthenichespoketoherfromhourtohour。
ItseemedtoNada，inhermadness，thattwicethelightshonethroughtheholebytherock，andthatwasday，andtwiceitwentout，andthatwasnight。Athirdtimetherayshoneanddiedaway，andlo！hermadnesslefther，andsheawoketoknowthatshewasdying，andthatavoiceshelovedspokewithoutthehole，sayinginhollowaccents:——
“Nada？Doyoustilllive，Nada？“
“Yea，“sheansweredhoarsely。“Water！givemewater！“
Nextsheheardasoundasofagreatsnakedraggingitselfalongpainfully。Awhilepassed，thenatremblinghandthrustalittlegourdofwaterthroughthehole。Shedrank，andnowshecouldspeak，thoughthewaterseemedtoflowthroughherveinslikefire。
“Isitindeedyou，Umslopogaas？“shesaid，“orareyoudead，anddoI
dreamofyou？“
“ItisI，Nada，“saidthevoice。“Hearken！haveyoudrawntherockhome？“
“Alas！yes，“sheanswered。“Perhaps，ifthetwoofusstriveatit，itwillmove。“
“Ay，ifourstrengthwerewhatitwas——butnow！Still，letustry。“
Sotheystrovewitharock，butthetwoofthemtogetherhadnotthestrengthofagirl，anditwouldnotstir。
“Giveover，Umslopogaas，“saidNada；“wedobutwastethetimethatislefttome。Letustalk！“
Forawhiletherewasnoanswer，forUmslopogaashadfainted，andNadabeatherbreast，thinkingthathewasdead。
Presentlyhespoke，however，saying，“Itmaynotbe；wemustperishhere，oneoneachsideofthestone，notseeingtheother"sface，formymightisaswater；norcanIstanduponmyfeettogoandseekforfood。“
“Areyouwounded，Umslopogaas？“askedNada。
“Ay，Nada，Iampiercedtothebrainwiththepointofanaxe；nofairstroke，thecaptainofDingaanhurleditatmewhenIthoughthimdead，andIfell。IdonotknowhowlongIhavelainyonderundertheshadowoftherock，butitmustbelong，formylimbsarewasted，andthosewhofellinthefrayarepickedcleanbythevultures，allexceptGalazi，fortheoldwolfDeathgripliesonhisbreastdying，butnotdead，lickingmybrother"swounds，andscaresthefowlsaway。
Itwasthebeakofavulture，whohadsmeltmeoutatlast，thatwokemefrommysleepbeneaththestone，Nada，andIcrepthither。Wouldthathehadnotawakenedme，wouldthatIhaddiedasIlay，ratherthanlivedalittlewhiletillyouperishthus，likeatrappedfox，Nada，andpresentlyIfollowyou。“
“Itishardtodieso，Umslopogaas，“sheanswered，“Iwhoamyetyoungandfair，wholoveyou，andhopedtogiveyouchildren；butsoithascomeabout，anditmaynotbeputaway。Iamwell-nighsped，husband；
horrorandfearhaveconqueredme，mystrengthfails，butIsufferlittle。Letustalknomoreofdeath，letusratherspeakofourchildhood，whenwewanderedhandinhand；letustalkalsoofourlove，andofthehappyhoursthatwehavespentsinceyourgreataxerangupontherockintheHalakazicaves，andmyfeartoldyouthesecretofmywomanhood。See，Ithrustmyhandthroughthehole；canyounotkissit，Umslopogaas？“
NowUmslopogaasstoopedhisshatteredhead，andkissedtheLily"slittlehand，thenhehelditinhisown，andsotheysattilltheend——hewithout，restinghisbackagainsttherock，shewithin，lyingonherside，herarmstretchedthroughthelittlehole。Theyspokeoftheirlove，andtriedtoforgettheirsorrowinit；hetoldheralsoofthefraywhichhadbeenandhowitwent。
“Ah！“shesaid，“thatwasZinita"swork，Zinitawhohatedme，andjustly。DoubtlessshesetDingaanonthispath。“
“Alittlewhilegone，“quothUmslopogaas；“andIhopedthatyourlastbreathandminemightpasstogether，Nada，andthatwemightgotogethertoseekgreatGalazi，mybrother，whereheis。NowIhopethathelpwillfindme，andthatImaylivealittlewhile，becauseofacertainvengeancewhichIwouldwreak。“
“Speaknotofvengeance，husband，“sheanswered，“I，too，amneartothatlandwheretheSlayerandtheSlain，theShedderofBloodandtheAvengerofBloodarelostinthesamedarkness。Iwoulddiewithlove，andloveonly，inmyheart，andyourname，andyoursonly，onmylips，sothatifanywhereweliveagainitshallbereadytospringforthtogreetyou。Yet，husband，itisinmyheartthatyouwillnotgowithme，butthatyoushallliveontodiethegreatestofdeathsfarawayfromhere，andbecauseofanotherwoman。Itseemsthat，asIlayinthedarkofthiscave，Isawyou，Umslopogaas，agreatman，gauntandgrey，strickentothedeath，andtheaxeGroan-makerwaveringaloft，andmanyamandeaduponawhiteandshimmeringway，andaboutyouthefairfacesofwhitewomen；andyouhadaholeinyourforehead，husband，ontheleftside。“
“Thatisliketobetrue，ifIlive，“heanswered，“fortheboneofmytempleisshattered。“
NowNadaceasedspeaking，andforalongwhilewassilent；UmslopogaaswasalsosilentandtornwithpainandsorrowbecausehemustlosetheLilythus，andshemustdiesowretchedly，foronereasononly，thatthecastofFakuhadrobbedhimofhisstrength。Alas！hewhohaddonemanydeedsmightnotsavehernow；hecouldscarcelyholdhimselfuprightagainsttherock。Hethoughtofit，andthetearsfloweddownhisfaceandfellontothehandoftheLily。Shefeltthemfallandspoke。
“Weepnot，myhusband，“shesaid，“Ihavebeenalltooillawifetoyou。Donotmournforme，yetrememberthatIlovedyouwell。“Andagainshewassilentforalongspace。
Thenshespokeandforthelasttimeofall，andhervoicecameinagaspingwhisperthroughtheholeintherock:——
“Farewell，Umslopogaas，myhusbandandmybrother，Ithankyouforyourlove，Umslopogaas。Ah！Idie！“
Umslopogaascouldmakenoanswer，onlyhewatchedthelittlehandheheld。Twiceitopened，twiceitcloseduponhisown，thenitopenedforthethirdtime，turnedgrey，quivered，andwasstillforever！
NowitwasatthehourofdawnthatNadadied。
CHAPTERXXXV
THEVENGEANCEOFMOPOANDHISFOSTERLING
ItchancedthatonthisdayofNada"sdeathandatthatsamehourofdawnI，Mopo，camefrommymissionbacktothekraalofthePeopleoftheAxe，havingsucceededinmyend，forthatgreatchiefwhomIhadgoneouttovisithadhearkenedtomywords。AsthelightbrokeI
reachedthetown，andlo！itwasablacknessandadesolation。
“HereisthefootmarkofDingaan，“Isaidtomyself，andwalkedtoandfro，groaningheavily。PresentlyIfoundaknotofmenwhowereofthepeoplethathadescapedtheslaughter，hidinginthemealie-fieldslesttheSlayersshouldreturn，andfromthemIdrewthestory。I
listenedinsilence，for，myfather，Iwasgrownoldinmisfortune；
thenIaskedwhereweretheSlayersoftheking？Theyrepliedthattheydidnotknow；thesoldiershadgoneuptheGhostMountainaftertheWolf-BrethrenandNadatheLily，andfromtheforesthadcomeahowlingofbeastsandsoundsofwar；thentherewassilence，andnonehadbeenseentoreturnfromthemountain，onlyalldaylongthevultureshungoverit。
“Letusgoupthemountain，“Isaid。
Atfirsttheyfeared，becauseoftheevilnameoftheplace；butintheendtheycamewithme，andwefollowedonthepathoftheimpioftheSlayersandguessedallthathadbefallenit。Atlengthwereachedthekneesofstone，andsawtheplaceofthegreatfightoftheWolf-
Brethren。Allthosewhohadtakenpartinthatfightwerenowbutbones，becausethevultureshadpickedthemeveryone，exceptGalazi，foronthebreastofGalazilaytheoldwolfDeathgrip，thatwasyetalive。Idrewnearthebody，andthegreatwolfstruggledtohisfeetandranatmewithbristlinghairandopenjaws，fromwhichnosoundcame。Then，beingspent，herolledoverdead。
NowIlookedroundseekingtheaxeGroan-Makeramongthebonesoftheslain，anddidnotfinditandthehopecameintomyheartthatUmslopogaashadescapedtheslaughter。ThenwewentoninsilencetowhereIknewthecavemustbe，andtherebyitsmouthlaythebodyofaman。Irantoit——itwasUmslopogaas，wastedwithhunger，andinhistemplewasagreatwoundandonhisbreastandlimbsweremanyotherwounds。Moreover，inhishandheheldanotherhand——adeadhand，thatwasthrustthroughaholeintherock。Iknewitsshapewell——itwasthelittlehandofmychild，NadatheLily。
NowIunderstood，and，bendingdown，IfelttheheartofUmslopogaas，andlaidthedownofaneagleuponhislips。Hisheartstillstirredandthedownwasliftedgently。
Ibadethosewithmedragthestone，andtheydidsowithtoil。Nowthelightflowedintothecave，andbyitwesawtheshapeofNadamydaughter。Shewassomewhatwasted，butstillverybeautifulinherdeath。Ifeltherheartalso:itwasstill，andherbreastgrewcold。
ThenIspoke:“Thedeadtothedead。Letustendtheliving。“
SoweboreinUmslopogaas，andIcausedbrothtobemadeandpoureditdownhisthroat；alsoIcleansedhisgreatwoundandboundhealingherbsuponit，plyingallmyskill。WellIknewtheartsofhealing，myfather；Iwhowasthefirstoftheizinyangaofmedicine，and，haditnotbeenformycraft，Umslopogaashadneverlived，forhewasverynearhisend。Still，therewherehehadoncebeennursedbyGalazitheWolf，Ibroughthimbacktolife。Itwasthreedaystillhespoke，and，beforehissensereturnedtohim，Icausedagreatholetobeduginthefloorofthecave。Andthere，inthehole，IburiedNadamydaughter，andweheapedlilybloomsuponhertokeeptheearthfromher，andthenclosedinhergrave，forIwasnotmindedthatUmslopogaasshouldlookuponherdead，lesthealsoshoulddiefromthesight，andbecauseofhisdesiretofollowher。AlsoIburiedGalazitheWolfinthecave，andsettheWatcherinhishand，andtheretheybothsleepwhoarefriendsatlast，theLilyandtheWolftogether。Ah！whenshalltherebesuchanothermanandsuchanothermaid？
AtlengthonthethirddayUmslopogaasspoke，askingforNada。I
pointedtotheearth，andherememberedandunderstood。ThereafterthestrengthofUmslopogaasgatheredonhimslowly，andtheholeinhisskullskinnedover。Butnowhishairwasgrizzled，andhescarcelysmiledagain，butgrewevenmoregrimandsternthanhehadbeenbefore。
SoonwelearnedallthetruthaboutZinita，forthewomenandchildrencamebacktothetownofthePeopleoftheAxe，onlyZinitaandthechildrenofUmslopogaasdidnotcomeback。AlsoaspyreachedmefromtheMahlabatineandtoldmeoftheendofZinitaandoftheflightofDingaanbeforetheBoers。
NowwhenUmslopogaashadrecovered，Iaskedhimwhathewoulddo，andwhetherornotIshouldpursuemyplotstomakehimkingoftheland。
ButUmslopogaasshookhishead，sayingthathehadnoheartthatway。
Hewoulddestroyakingindeed，butnowhenolongerdesiredtobeaking。Hesoughtrevengealone。Isaidthatitwaswell，Ialsosoughtvengeance，andseekingtogetherwewouldfindit。
Now，myfather，thereismuchmoretotell，butshallItellit？Thesnowhasmelted，yourcattlehavebeenfoundwhereItoldyoutheyshouldbe，andyouwishtobegone。AndIalso，Iwouldbegoneuponalongerjourney。
Listen，myfather，Iwillbeshort。Thiscameintomymind:toplayoffPandaagainstDingaan；itwasforsuchanhourofneedthatIhadsavedPandaalive。AfterthebattleoftheBloodRiver，DingaansummonedPandatoahunt。ThenitwasthatIjourneyedtothekraalofPandaontheLowerTugela，andwithmeUmslopogaas。IwarnedPandathatheshouldnotgotothishunt，forhewasthegamehimself，butthatheshouldratherflyintoNatalwithallhispeople。Hedidso，andthenIopenedtalkwiththeBoers，andmoreespeciallywiththatBoerwhowasnamedUngalunkulu，orGreatArm。IshowedtheBoerthatDingaanwaswickedandnottobebelieved，butPandawasfaithfulandgood。TheendofitwasthattheBoersandPandamadewartogetheronDingaan。Yes，ImadethatwarthatwemightberevengedonDingaan。
Thus，myfather，dolittlethingsleadtogreat。
Wereweatthebigfight，thebattleofMagongo？Yes，myfather；wewerethere。WhenDingaan"speopledroveusback，andallseemedlost，itwasIwhoputintothemindofNongalaza，thegeneral，topretendtodirecttheBoerswheretoattack，fortheAmaboonastoodoutofthatfight，leavingittousblackpeople。ItwasUmslopogaaswhocuthiswaywithGroan-MakerthroughawingofoneofDingaan"sregimentstillhecametotheBoercaptainUngalunkulu，andshoutedtohimtoturntheflankofDingaan。Thatfinishedit，myfather，fortheyfearedtostandagainstusboth，thewhiteandtheblacktogether。
Theyfled，andwefollowedandslew，andDingaanceasedtobeaking。
Heceasedtobeaking，buthestilllived，andwhilehelivedourvengeancewashungry。SowewenttotheBoercaptainandtoPanda，andspoketothemnicely，saying，“Wehaveservedyouwell，wehavefoughtforyou，andsoorderedthingsthatvictoryisyours。Nowgrantusthisrequest，thatwemayfollowDingaan，whohasfledintohiding，andkillhimwhereverwefindhim，forhehasworkeduswrong，andwewouldavengeit。“
ThenthewhitecaptainandPandasmiledandsaid，“Gochildren，andprosperinyoursearch。NoonethingshallpleaseusmorethantoknowthatDingaanisdead。“Andtheygaveusmentogowithus。
Thenwehuntedthatkingweekbyweekasmenhuntawoundedbuffalo。
WehuntedhimtothejunglesoftheUmfaloziandthroughthem。Buthefledever，forheknewthattheavengersofbloodwereonhisspoor。
Afterthatforawhilewelosthim。ThenweheardthathehadcrossedthePongolowithsomeofthepeoplewhostillclungtohim。WefollowedhimtotheplaceKwaMyawo，andtherewelayhidinthebushwatching。Atlastourchancecame。Dingaanwalkedinthebushandwithhimtwomenonly。Westabbedthemenandseizedhim。
Dingaanlookedatusandknewus，andhiskneestrembledwithfear。
ThenIspoke:——
“WhatwasthatmessagewhichIsentthee，ODingaan，whoartnomoreaking——thatthoudidsteviltodrivemeaway，wasitnot？becauseIsettheeonthythroneandIalonecouldholdtheethere？“
Hemadenoanswer，andIwenton:——
“I，Mopo，sonofMakedama，settheeonthythrone，ODingaan，whowastaking，andI，Mopo，havepulledtheedownfromthythrone。Butmymessagedidnotendthere。Itsaidthat，illasthouhadstdonetodrivemeaway，yetworseshouldstthoudotolookuponmyfaceagain，forthatdayshouldbethydayofdoom。“
Stillhemadenoanswer。ThenUmslopogaasspoke:——
“IamthatSlaughterer，ODingaan，nomoreaking，whomthoudidstsendSlayersmanyandfiercetoeatupatthekraalofthePeopleoftheAxe。WherearethySlayersnow，ODingaan？Beforeallisdonethoushaltlookuponthem。“
“Killmeandmakeanend；itisyourhour，“saidDingaan。
“Notyetawhile，OsonofSenzangacona，“answeredUmslopogaas，“andnothere。TherelivedacertainwomanandshewasnamedNadatheLily。
Iwasherhusband，ODingaan，andMopohere，hewasherfather。But，alas！shedied，andsadly——shelingeredthreedaysandnightsbeforeshedied。Thoushaltseethespotandhearthetale，ODingaan。Itwillwringthyheart，whichwasevertender。Therelivedcertainchildren，bornofanotherwomannamedZinita，littlechildren，sweetandloving。Iwastheirfather，OElephantinapit，andoneDingaanslewthem。Ofthemthoushalthearalso。Nowaway，forthepathisfar！“
Twodayswentby，myfather，andDingaansatboundandaloneinthecaveonGhostMountain。Wehaddraggedhimslowlyupthemountain，forhewasheavyasanox。Threemenpushingathimandthreeotherspullingonacordabouthismiddle，wedraggedhimup，stayingnowandagaintoshowhimthebonesofthosewhomhehadsentouttokillus，andtellinghimthetaleofthatfight。
Nowatlengthwewereinthecave，andIsentawaythosewhowerewithus，forwewishedtobealonewithDingaanatthelast。Hesatdownonthefloorofthecave，andItoldhimthatbeneaththeearthonwhichhesatlaythebonesofthatNadawhomhehadmurderedandthebonesofGalazitheWolf。
Onthethirddaybeforethedawnwecameagainandlookeduponhim。
“Slayme，“hesaid，“fortheGhoststormentme！“
“Nolongerartthougreat，Oshadowofaking，“Isaid，“whonowdosttremblebeforetwoGhostsoutofallthethousandsthatthouhastmade。Say，then，howshallitfarewiththeepresentlywhenthouartoftheirnumber？“
NowDingaanprayedformercy。
“Mercy，thouhyena！“Ianswered，“thouprayestformercywhoshowednonetoany！Givemebackmydaughter。Givethismanbackhiswifeandchildren；thenwewilltalkofmercy。Comeforth，coward，anddiethedeathofcowards。“
So，myfather，wedraggedhimout，groaning，tothecleftthatisaboveinthebreastoftheoldStoneWitch，thatsamecleftwhereGalazihadfoundthebones。Therewestood，waitingforthemomentofthedawn，thathourwhenNadahaddied。ThenwecriedhernameintohisearsandthenamesofthechildrenofUmslopogaas，andcasthimintothecleft。
ThiswastheendofDingaan，myfather——Dingaan，whohadthefierceheartofChakawithoutitsgreatness。
CHAPTERXXXVI
MOPOENDSHISTALE
ThatisthetaleofNadatheLily，myfather，andofhowweavengedher。Asadtale——yes，asadtale；butallwassadinthosedays。Itwasotherwiseafterwards，whenPandareigned，forPandawasamanofpeace。
Thereislittlemoretotell。IleftthelandwhereIcouldstaynolongerwhohadbroughtaboutthedeathsoftwokings，andcameheretoNataltolivenearwherethekraalDuguzaoncehadstood。
ThebonesofDingaanastheylayinthecleftwerethelastthingsmyeyesbeheld，forafterthatIbecameblind，andsawthesunnomore，noranylight——whyIdonotknow，perhapsfromtoomuchweeping，myfather。SoIchangedmyname，lestaspearmightreachtheheartthathadplannedthedeathoftwokingsandaprince——Chaka，Dingaan，andUmhlanganaofthebloodroyal。SilentlyandbynightUmslopogaas，myfosterling，ledmeacrosstheborder，andbroughtmeheretoStanger；
andhereasanoldwitch-doctorIhavelivedformany，manyyears。I
amrich。UmslopogaascravedbackfromPandathecattleofwhichDingaanhadrobbedme，anddrovethemhither。ButnonewereherewhohadlivedinthekraalDuguza，noneknew，inZweetetheblindoldwitch-doctor，thatMopowhostabbedChaka，theLionoftheZulu。Noneknowitnow。Youhaveheardthetale，andyoualone，myfather。DonottellitagaintillIamdead。
Umslopogaas？Yes，hewentbacktothePeopleoftheAxeandruledthem，buttheywereneversostrongagainastheyhadbeenbeforetheysmotetheHalakaziintheircaves，andDingaanatethemup。Pandalethimbeandlikedhimwell，forPandadidnotknowthattheSlaughtererwassontoChakahisbrother，andUmslopogaasletthatdoglie，forwhenNadadiedhelosthisdesiretobegreat。YethebecamecaptainoftheNkomabakosiregiment，andfoughtinmanybattles，doingmightydeeds，andstoodbyUmbulazi，sonofPanda，inthegreatfrayontheTugela，whenCetywayoslewhisbrotherUmbulazi。
AfterthatalsoheplottedagainstCetywayo，whomhehated，andhaditnotbeenforacertainwhiteman，ahunternamedMacumazahn，Umslopogaaswouldhavebeenkilled。Butthewhitemansavedhimbyhiswit。Yes，andattimeshecametovisitme，forhestilllovedmeasofold；butnowhehasflednorth，andIshallhearhisvoicenomore。
Nay，Idonotknowallthetale；therewasawomaninit。WomenwereeverthebaneofUmslopogaas，myfostering。Iforgetthestoryofthatwoman，forIrememberonlythesethingsthathappenedlongago，beforeIgrewveryold。
Lookonthisrighthandofmine，myfather！Icannotseeitnow；andyetI，Mopo，sonofMakedama，seemtoseeitasonceIsaw，redwiththebloodoftwokings。Lookon——
Suddenlytheoldmanceased，hisheadfellforwarduponhiswitheredbreast。WhentheWhiteMantowhomhetoldthisstorylifteditandlookedathim，hewasdead！
End