Themorningdawnedheavily，andbeforeitwaswelllighttheheraldswereoutsummoningalltotheking\'sIngomboco。Mencamebyhundreds，carryingshortsticksonly——fortobeseenarmedwasdeath——andseatedthemselvesinthegreatcirclebeforethegatesoftheroyalhouse。
Oh！theirlooksweresad，andtheyhadlittlestomachforeatingthatmorning，theywhowerefoodfordeath。Theyseatedthemselves；thenroundthemontheoutsideofthecirclegatheredknotsofwarriors，chosenmen，greatandfierce，armedwithkerriesonly。Theseweretheslayers。
Whenallwasready，thekingcameout，followedbyhisindunasandbyme。Asheappeared，wrappedinthekarossoftiger-skinsandtoweringaheadhigherthananymanthere，allthemultitude——anditwasmanyasthegameonthehills——castthemselvestoearth，andfromeverylipsharpandsuddenwentuptheroyalsaluteofBayete。ButChakatooknonote；hisbrowwascloudyasamountain-top。Hecastoneglanceatthepeopleandoneattheslayers，andwhereverhiseyefellmenturnedgreywithfear。Thenhestalkedon，andsathimselfuponastooltothenorthofthegreatringlookingtowardtheopenspace。
Forawhiletherewassilence；thenfromthegatesofthewomen\'squarterscameabandofmaidensarrayedintheirbeadeddancing-
dresses，andcarryinggreenbranchesintheirhands。Astheycame，theyclappedtheirhandsandsangsoftly:——
Wearetheheraldsoftheking\'sfeast。Ai！Ai！
Vulturesshalleatit。Ah！Ah！
Itisgood——itisgoodtodiefortheking！
Theyceased，andrangedthemselvesinabodybehindus。ThenChakahelduphishand，andtherewasapatterofrunningfeet。PresentlyfrombehindtheroyalhutsappearedthegreatcompanyoftheAbangoma，thewitch-doctors——mentotherightandwomentotheleft。Inthelefthandofeachwasthetailofavilderbeeste，intherightabundleofassegaisandalittleshield。Theywereawfultosee，andthebonesaboutthemrattledastheyran，thebladdersandthesnake-skinsfloatedintheairbehindthem，theirfacesshonewiththefatofanointing，theireyesstartedliketheeyesoffishes，andtheirlipstwitchedhungrilyastheyglaredroundthedeath-ring。Ha！ha！littledidthoseevilchildrenguesswhoshouldbetheslayersandwhoshouldbetheslainbeforethatsunsank！
Ontheycame，likeagreycompanyofthedead。Ontheycameinsilencebrokenonlybythepatteroftheirfeetandthedryrattlingoftheirbonynecklets，tilltheystoodinlongranksbeforetheBlackOne。
Awhiletheystoodthus，thensuddenlyeveryoneofthemthrustforwardthelittleshieldinhishand，andwithasinglevoicetheycried，“Hail，Father！“
“Hail，mychildren！“answeredChaka。
“Whatseekestthou，Father？“theycriedagain。“Blood？“
“Thebloodoftheguilty，“heanswered。
Theyturnedandspokeeachtoeach；thecompanyofthemenspoketothecompanyofthewomen。
“TheLionoftheZuluseeksblood。“
“Heshallbefed！“screamedthewomen。
“TheLionoftheZulusmellsblood。“
“Heshallseeit！“screamedthewomen。
“Hiseyessearchoutthewizards。“
“Heshallcounttheirdead！“screamedthewomen。
“Peace！“criedChaka。“Wastenotthehoursintalk，buttothework。
Hearken！Wizardshavebewitchedme！Wizardshavedaredtosmiteblooduponthegatewaysoftheking。Digintheburrowsoftheearthandfindthem，yerats！Flythroughthepathsoftheairandfindthem，yevultures！Smellatthegatesofthepeopleandnamethem，yejackals！
yehuntersinthenight！Dragthemfromthecavesiftheybehidden，fromthedistanceiftheybefled，fromthegravesiftheybedead。Tothework！tothework！Showthemtometruly，andyourgiftsshallbegreat；andforthem，iftheybeanation，theyshallbeslain。Nowbegin。Beginbycompaniesoften，foryouaremany，andallmustbefinishederethesunsink。“
“Itshallbefinished，Father，“theyanswered。
Thentenofthewomenstoodforward，andattheirheadwasthemostfamouswitch-doctressofthatday——anagedwomannamedNobela，awomantowhoseeyesthedarknesswasnoevil，whosescentwaskeenasadog\'s，whoheardthevoicesofthedeadastheycriedinthenight，andspoketrulyofwhatsheheard。AlltheotherIsanusis，maleandfemale，satdowninahalf-moonfacingtheking，butthiswomandrewforward，andwithhercamenineofhersisterhood。Theyturnedeastandwest，northandsouth，searchingtheheavens；theyturnedeastandwest，northandsouth，searchingtheearth；theyturnedeastandwest，northandsouth，searchingthehearsofmen。Thentheycreptroundandroundthegreatringlikecats；thentheythrewthemselvesupontheearthandsmeltit。Andallthetimetherewassilence，silencedeepasmidnight，andinitmenhearkenedtothebeatingoftheirhearts；
onlynowandagainthevulturesshriekedinthetrees。
AtlengthNobelaspoke:——
“Doyousmellhim，sisters？“
“Wesmellhim，“theyanswered。
“Doeshesitintheeast，sisters？“
“Hesitsintheeast，“theyanswered。
“Ishethesonofastranger，sisters？“
“Heisthesonofastranger。“
Thentheycreptnearer，creptontheirhandsandknees，tilltheywerewithintenpacesofwhereIsatamongtheindunasneartotheking。
Theindunaslookedoneachotherandgrewgreywithfear；andforme，myfather，mykneeswereloosenedandmymarrowturnedtowaterinmybones。ForIknewwellwhowasthatsonofastrangerofwhomtheyspoke。ItwasI，myfather，Iwhowasabouttobesmeltout；andifI
wassmeltoutIshouldbekilledwithallmyhouse，fortheking\'soathwouldscarcelyavailmeagainstthewitch-doctors。IlookedatthefiercefacesoftheIsanusisbeforeme，astheycrept，creptlikesnakes。Iglancedbehindandsawtheslayersgraspingtheirkerriesforthedeedofdeath，andIsayIfeltlikeoneforwhomthebitternessisoverpast。ThenIrememberedthewordswhichthekingandIhadwhisperedtogetherofthecauseforwhichthisIngombocowasset，andhopecreptbacktomelikethefirstgleamofthedawnuponastormynight。StillIdidnothopeovermuch，foritwellmighthappenthatthekinghadbutsetatraptocatchme。
Nowtheywerequitenearandhalted。
“Havewedreamedfalsely，sisters？“askedNobela，theaged。
“Whatwedreamedinthenightweseeintheday，“theyanswered。
“ShallIwhisperhisnameinyourears，sisters？“
Theyliftedtheirheadsfromthegroundlikesnakesandnodded，andastheynoddedtheneckletsofbonesrattledontheirskinnynecks。Thentheydrewtheirheadstoacircle，andNobelathrusthersintothecentreofthecircleandsaidaword。
“Ha！ha！“theylaughed，“wehearyou！Hisisthename。LethimbenamedbyitinthefaceofHeaven，himandallhishouse；thenlethimhearnoothernameforever！“
Andsuddenlytheysprangupandrushedtowardsme，Nobela，theagedIsanusi，attheirhead。Theyleapedatme，pointingtomewiththetailsofthevilderbeestesintheirhands。ThenNobelaswitchedmeinthefacewiththetailofthebeast，andcriedaloud:——
“Greeting，Mopo，sonofMakedama！Thouartthemanwhosmotestbloodonthedoor-postsofthekingtobewitchtheking。Letthyhousebestampedflat！“
Isawhercome，Ifelttheblowonmyfaceasamanfeelsinadream。
Iheardthefeetoftheslayersastheyboundedforwardtohalemetothedreadfuldeath，butmytongueclavetotheroofofmymouth——I
couldnotsayaword。Iglancedattheking，and，asIdidso，I
thoughtthatIheardhimmutter:“Nearthemark，notinit。“
Thenhehelduphisspear，andallwassilence。Theslayersstoppedintheirstride，thewitch-doctorsstoodwithoutstretchedarms，theworldofmenwasasthoughithadbeenfrozenintosleep。
“Hold！“hesaid。“Standaside，sonofMakedama，whoartnamedanevildoer！Standaside，thou，Nobela，andthosewiththeewhohavenamedhimevildoer！What？ShallIbesatisfiedwiththelifeofonedog？Smellon，yevultures，companybycompany，smellon！Forthedaythelabour，atnightthefeast！“
Irose，astonished，andstoodononeside。Thewitch-doctressesalsostoodononeside，wonderstruck，sincenosuchsmellingoutasthishadbeenseenintheland。Fortillthishour，whenamanwassweptwiththegnu\'stailoftheIsanusithatwastheinstantofhisdeath。
Why，then，menaskedintheirhearts，wasthedeathdelayed？Thewitch-doctorsaskeditalso，andlookedtothekingforlight，asmenlooktoathunder-cloudfortheflash。ButfromtheBlackOnetherecamenoword。
Sowestoodononeside，andasecondpartyoftheIsanusiwomenbegantheirrites。Astheothershaddone，sotheydid，andyettheyworkedotherwise，forthisisthefashionoftheIsanusis，thatnotwoofthemsmelloutinthesameway。Andthispartysweptthefacesofcertainoftheking\'scouncillors，namingthemguiltyofthewitch-
work。
“Standyeononeside！“saidthekingtothosewhohadbeensmeltout；
“andyewhohavehuntedouttheirwickedness，standyewiththosewhonamedMopo，sonofMakedama。Itwellmaybethatallareguilty。“
Sothesestoodononesidealso，andathirdpartytookupthetale。
Andtheynamedcertainofthegreatgenerals，andwereinturnbiddentostandononesidetogetherwiththosewhomtheyhadnamed。
Soitwentonthroughalltheday。Companybycompanythewomendoomedtheirvictims，tilltherewerenomoreleftintheirnumber，andwerecommandedtostandasidetogetherwiththosewhomtheyhaddoomed。
ThenthemaleIsanusisbegan，andIcouldseewellthatbythistimetheirheartswerefearful，fortheysmeltasnare。Yettheking\'sbiddingmustbedone，andthoughtheirmagicfailedthemhere，victimsmustbefound。Sotheysmeltoutthismanandthatmantillwewereagreatcompanyofthedoomed，whosatinsilenceonthegroundlookingateachotherwithsadeyesandwatchingthesun，whichwedeemedourlast，climbslowlydownthesky。Andeverasthedaywanedthosewhowereleftuntriedofthewitch-doctorsgrewmadderandmorefierce。
Theyleapedintotheair，theygroundtheirteeth，androlledupontheground。Theydrewforthsnakesanddevouredthemalive，theyshriekedouttothespiritsandcalleduponthenamesofancientkings。
Atlengthitdrewontoevening，andthelastcompanyofthewitch-
doctorsdidtheirwork，smellingoutsomeofthekeepersoftheEmposeni，thehouseofthewomen。Buttherewasonemanoftheircompany，ayoungmanandatall，whoheldbackandtooknoshareinthework，butstoodbyhimselfinthecentreofthegreatcircle，fixinghiseyesontheheavens。
Andwhenthiscompanyhadbeenorderedtostandasidealsotogetherwiththosewhomtheyhadsmeltout，thekingcalledaloudtothelastofthewitch-doctors，askinghimofhisnameandtribe，andwhyhealonedidnotdohisoffice。
“MynameisIndabazimbi，thesonofArpi，Oking，“heanswered，“andI
amofthetribeoftheMaquilisini。Doesthekingbidmetosmellouthimofwhomthespiritshavespokentomeastheworkerofthisdeed？“
“Ibidthee，“saidtheking。
ThentheyoungmanIndabazimbisteppedstraightforwardacrossthering，makingnocriesorgestures，butasonewhowalksfromhisgatetothecattlekraal，andsuddenlyhestruckthekinginthefacewiththetailinhishand，saying，“IsmellouttheHeavensaboveme！“[2]
[2]AZulutitlefortheking——ED。
Nowagreatgaspofwonderwentupfromthemultitude，andalllookedtoseethisfoolkilledbytorture。ButChakaroseandlaughedaloud。
“Thouhastsaidit，“hecried，“andthoualone！Listen，yepeople！I
didthedeed！Ismoteblooduponthegatewaysofmykraal；withmyownhandIsmoteit，thatImightlearnwhowerethetruedoctorsandwhowerethefalse！NowitseemsthatinthelandoftheZuluthereisonetruedoctor——thisyoungman——andofthefalse，lookatthemandcountthem，theyareliketheleaves。See！theretheystand，andbythemstandthosewhomtheyhavedoomed——theinnocentwhom，withtheirwivesandchildren，theyhavedoomedtothedeathofthedog。NowIaskyou，mypeople，whatrewardshallbegiventothem？“
Thenagreatroarwentupfromallthemultitude，“Letthemdie，O
king！“
“Ay！“heanswered。“Letthemdieasliarsshould！“
NowtheIsanusis，menandwomen，screamedaloudinfear，andcriedformercy，tearingthemselveswiththeirnails，forleastofallthingsdidtheydesiretotasteoftheirownmedicineofdeath。Butthekingonlylaughedthemore。
“Hearkenye！“hesaid，pointingtothecrowdofuswhohadbeensmeltout。“Yeweredoomedtodeathbythesefalseprophets。Nowglutyourselvesuponthem。Slaythem，mychildren！slaythemall！wipethemaway！stampthemout！——all！all，savethisyoungman！“
Thenweboundedfromtheground，forourheartswerefiercewithhateandwithlongingtoavengetheterrorswehadborne。Thedoomedslewthedoomers，whilefromthecircleoftheIngombocoagreatroaroflaughterwentup，formenrejoicedbecausetheburdenofthewitch-
doctorshadfallenfromthem。
Atlastitwasdone，andwedrewbackfromtheheapofthedead。
Nothingwasheardtherenow——nomorecriesorprayersorcurses。Thewitch-fingerstravelledthepathonwhichtheyhadsetthefeetofmany。Thekingdrewneartolook。Hecamealone，andallwhohaddonehisbiddingbenttheirheadsandcreptpasthim，praisinghimastheywent。OnlyIstoodstill，covered，asIwaswithmireandfilth，forI
didnotfeartostandinthepresenceoftheking。Chakadrewnear，andlookedatthepiled-upheapsoftheslainandthecloudofdustthatyethungoverthem。
“Theretheylie，Mopo，“hesaid。“Thereliethosewhodaredtoprophecyfalselytotheking！Thatwasagoodwordofthine，Mopo，whichtaughtmetosetthesnareforthem；yetmethoughtIsawtheestartwhenNobela，queenofthewitch-doctresses，switcheddeathonthee。Well，theyaredead，andthelandbreathesmorefreely；andfortheevilwhichtheyhavedone，itisasyonderdust，thatshallsoonsinkagaintoearthandtherebelost。“
Thushespoke，thenceased——forlo！somethingmovedbeneaththecloudofdust，somethingbrokeawaythroughtheheapofthedead。Slowlyitforceditspath，pushingtheslainthiswayandthat，tillatlengthitstooduponitsfeetandtotteredtowardsus——athingdreadfultolookon。Theshapewastheshapeofanagedwoman，andeventhroughthebloodandmireIknewher。ItwasNobela，shewhohaddoomedme，shewhombutnowIhadsmittentoearth，butwhohadcomebackfromthedeadtocurseme！
Onshetottered，herapparelhangingroundherinredrags，ahundredwoundsuponherfaceandform。Isawthatshewasdying，butlifestillflickeredinher，andthefireofhateburnedinhersnakyeyes。
“Hail，king！“shescreamed。
“Peace，liar！“heanswered；“thouartdead！“
“Notyet，king。Iheardthyvoiceandthevoiceofyonderdog，whomI
wouldhavegiventothejackals，andIwillnotdietillIhavespoken。IsmelthimoutthismorningwhenIwasalive；nowthatIamasonealreadydead，Ismellhimoutagain。Heshallbewitchtheewithbloodindeed，Chaka——heandUnandi，thymother，andBaleka，thywife。
Thinkofmywordswhentheassegaireddensbeforetheeforthelasttime，king！Farewell！“Andsheutteredagreatcryandrolleduponthegrounddead。
“Thewitchlieshardanddieshard，“saidthekingcarelessly，andturneduponhisheel。ButthosewordsofdeadNobelaremainedfixedinhismemory，orsomuchofthemashadbeenspokenofUnandiandBaleka。Theretheyremainedlikeseedsintheearth，theretheygrewtobringforthfruitintheirseason。
AndthusendedthegreatIngombocoofChaka，thegreatestIngombocothateverwasheldinZululand。
CHAPTERIX
THELOSSOFUMSLOPOGAAS
Now，afterthesmellingoutofthewitch-doctors，ChakacausedawatchtobekeptuponhismotherUnandi，andhiswifeBaleka，mysister，andreportwasbroughttohimbythosewhowatched，thatthetwowomencametomyhutsbystealth，andtherekissedandnursedaboy——oneofmychildren。ThenChakarememberedtheprophecyofNobela，thedeadIsanusi，andhisheartgrewdarkwithdoubt。Buttomehesaidnothingofthematter，forthen，asalways，hiseyeslookedovermyhead。HedidnotfearmeorbelievethatIplottedagainsthim，Iwhowashisdog。Still，hedidthis，thoughwhetherbychanceordesignIdonotknow:hebademegoonajourneytoadistanttribethatlivednearthebordersoftheAmaswazi，theretotakecountofcertainoftheking\'scattlewhichwereinthechargeofthattribe，andtobringhimaccountofthetaleoftheirincrease。SoIbowedbeforetheking，andsaidthatIwouldrunlikeadogtodohisbidding，andhegavemementogowithme。
ThenIreturnedtomyhutstobidfarewelltomywivesandchildren，andthereIfoundthatmywife，Anadi，themotherofMoosa，myson，hadfallensickwithawanderingsickness，forstrangethingscameintohermind，andwhatcameintohermindthatshesaid，being，asI
didnotdoubt，bewitchedbysomeenemyofmyhouse。
Still，Imustgoupontheking\'sbusiness，andItoldthistomywifeMacropha，themotherofNada，and，asitwasthought，ofUmslopogaas，thesonofChaka。ButwhenIspoketoMacrophaofthemattersheburstintotearsandclungtome。Iaskedherwhysheweptthus，andsheansweredthattheshadowofevillayuponherheart，forshewassurethatifIleftherattheking\'skraal，whenIreturnedagainIshouldfindneitherhernorNada，mychild，norUmslopogaas，whowasnamedmyson，andwhomIlovedasason，stillinthelandoflife。ThenI
triedtocalmher；butthemoreIstrovethemoreshewept，sayingthatsheknewwellthatthesethingswouldbeso。
NowIaskedherwhatcouldbedone，forIwasstirredbyhertears，andthedreadofevilcreptfromhertomeasshadowscreepfromthevalleytothemountain。
Sheanswered，“Takemewithyou，myhusband，thatImayleavethisevilland，wheretheveryskiesrainblood，andletmerestawhileintheplaceofmyownpeopletilltheterrorofChakahasgoneby。“
“HowcanIdothis？“Isaid。“Nonemayleavetheking\'skraalwithouttheking\'spass。“
“Amanmayputawayhiswife，“shereplied。“Thekingdoesnotstandbetweenamanandhiswife。Say，myhusband，thatyoulovemenolonger，thatIbearyounomorechildren，andthatthereforeyousendmebackwhenceIcame。By-and-byewewillcometogetheragainifweareleftamongtheliving。“
“Sobeit，“Ianswered。“LeavethekraalwithNadaandUmslopogaasthisnight，andto-morrowmorningmeetmeattheriverbank，andweshallgoontogether，andfortherestmaythespiritsofourfathersholdussafe。“
Sowekissedeachother，andMacrophawentonsecretlywiththechildren。
NowatthedawningonthemorrowIsummonedthemenwhomthekinghadgivenme，andwestarteduponourjourney。Whenthesunwaswellupwecametothebanksoftheriver，andthereIfoundmywifeMacropha，andwithherthetwochildren。TheyroseasIcame，butIfrownedatmywifeandshegavemenogreeting。Thosewithmelookedatheraskance。
“Ihavedivorcedthiswoman，“Isaidtothem。“Sheisawitheredtree，awornoutoldhag，andnowItakeherwithmetosendhertothecountryoftheSwazis，whenceshecame。Ceaseweeping，“IaddedtoMacropha，“itismylastword。“
“Whatsaystheking？“askedthemen。
“Iwillanswertotheking，“Isaid。Andwewenton。
NowImusttellhowwelostUmslopogaas，thesonofChaka，whowasthenagreatladdrawingontomanhood，fierceintemper，wellgrownandbroadforhisyears。
Wehadjourneyedsevendays，forthewaywaslong，andonthenightoftheseventhdaywecametoamountainouscountryinwhichtherewerefewkraals，forChakahadeatenthemallupyearsbefore。Perhapsyouknowtheplace，myfather。Initisagreatandstrangemountain。Itishauntedalso，andnamedtheGhostMountain，andonthetopofitisagreypeakrudelyshapedliketheheadofanagedwoman。Hereinthiswildplacewemustsleep，fordarknessdrewon。Nowwesoonlearnedthatthereweremanylionsintherocksaround，forweheardtheirroaringandweremuchafraid，allexceptUmslopogaas，whofearednothing。Sowemadeacircleofthorn-bushesandsatinit，holdingourassegaisready。Presentlythemooncameup——itwasafull-grownmoonandverybright，sobrightthatwecouldseeeverythingforalongwayround。Nowsomesixspear-throwsfromwherewesatwasacliff，andatthetopofthecliffwasacave，andinthiscavelivedtwolionsandtheiryoung。Whenthemoongrewbrightwesawthelionscomeoutandstandupontheedgeofthecliff，andwiththemweretwolittleonesthatplayedaboutlikekittens，sothathadwenotbeenfrighteneditwouldhavebeenbeautifultoseethem。
“Oh！Umslopogaas，“saidNada，“IwishthatIhadoneofthelittlelionsforadog。“
Theboylaughed，saying，“Then，shallIfetchyouone，sister？“
“Peace，boy，“Isaid。“Nomanmaytakeyounglionsfromtheirlairandlive。“
“Suchthingshavebeendone，myfather，“heanswered，laughing。Andnomorewassaidofthematter。
Nowwhenthecubshadplayedawhile，wesawthelionesstakeupthecubsinhermouthandcarrythemintothecave。Thenshecameoutagain，andwentawaywithhermatetoseekfood，andsoonweheardthemroaringinthedistance。Nowwestackedupthefireandwenttosleepinourenclosureofthornswithoutfear，forweknewthatthelionswerefarawayeatinggame。ButUmslopogaasdidnotsleep，forhehaddeterminedthathewouldfetchthecubwhichNadahaddesired，and，beingyoungandfoolhardy，hedidnotthinkofthedangerwhichhewouldbringuponhimselfandallofus。Heknewnofear，andnow，asever，ifNadaspokeaword，nay，evenifshethoughtofathingtodesireit，hewouldnotresttillitwaswonforher。SowhilewesleptUmslopogaascreptlikeasnakefromthefenceofthorns，and，takinganassegaiinhishand，heslippedawaytothefootofthecliffwherethelionshadtheirden。Thenheclimbedthecliff，and，comingtothecave，enteredthereandgropedhiswayintoit。Thecubsheardhim，and，thinkingthatitwastheirmotherwhoreturned，begantowhineandpurrforfood。Guidedbythelightoftheiryelloweyes，hecreptoverthebones，ofwhichthereweremanyinthecave，andcametowheretheylay。Thenheputouthishandsandseizedoneofthecubs，killingtheotherwithhisassegai，becausehecouldnotcarrybothofthem。Nowhemadehastethencebeforethelionsreturned，andcamebacktothethornfencewherewelayjustasdawnasbreaking。
Iawokeatthecomingofthedawn，and，standingup，Ilookedout。Lo！
there，onthefarthersideofthethornfence，lookinglargeinthegreymist，stoodtheladUmslopogaas，laughing。Inhisteethheheldtheassegai，yetdrippingwithblood，andinhishandsthelioncubthat，despiteitswhinesandstruggles，hegraspedbytheskinoftheneckandthehindlegs。
“Awake，mysister！“hecried；“hereisthedogyouseek。Ah！hebitesnow，buthewillsoongrowtame。“
Nadaawoke，andrising，criedoutwithjoyatthesightofthecub，butforamomentIstoodastonished。
“Fool！“Icriedatlast，“letthecubgobeforethelionscometorendus！“
“Iwillnotletitgo，myfather，“heansweredsullenly。“Aretherenotfiveofuswithspears，andcanwenotfighttwocats？Iwasnotafraidtogoaloneintotheirden。Areyouallafraidtomeetthemintheopen？“
“Youaremad，“Isaid；“letthecubgo！“AndIrantowardsUmslopogaastotakeitfromhim。Buthesprangasideandavoidedme。
“IwillneverletthatgoofwhichIhavegothold，“hesaid，“atleastnotliving！“Andsuddenlyheseizedtheheadofthecubandtwisteditsneck；thenthrewitontotheground，andadded，“See，nowIhavedoneyourbidding，myfather！“
Ashespokeweheardagreatsoundofroaringfromthecaveinthecliff。Thelionshadreturnedandfoundonecubdeadandtheothergone。
“Intothefence！——backintothefence！“Icried，andwesprangoverthethorn-busheswherethosewithusweremakingreadytheirspears，tremblingastheyhandledthemwithfearandthecoldofthemorning。
Welookedup。There，downthesideofthecliff，camethelions，boundingonthescentofhimwhohadrobbedthemoftheiryoung。Thelionranfirst，andashecameheroared；thenfollowedthelioness，butshedidnotroar，forinhermouthwasthecubthatUmslopogaashadassegaiedinthecave。Nowtheydrewnear，madwithfury，theirmanesbristling，andlashingtheirflankswiththeirlongtails。
“Curseyouforafool，sonofMopo，“saidoneofthemenwithmetoUmslopogaas；“presentlyIwillbeatyoutillthebloodcomesforthistrick。“
“Firstbeatthelions，thenbeatmeifyoucan，“answeredthelad，“andwaittocursetillyouhavedoneboth。“
Nowthelionswereclosetous；theycametothebodyofthesecondcub，thatlayoutsidethefenceofthorns。Thelionstoppedandsniffedit。Thenheroared——ah！heroaredtilltheearthshook。Asforthelioness，shedroppedthedeadcubwhichshewascarrying，andtooktheotherintohermouth，forshecouldnotcarryboth。
“Getbehindme，Nada，“criedUmslopogaas，brandishinghisspear，“thelionisabouttospring。“
Asthewordslefthismouththegreatbrutecrouchedtotheground。
Thensuddenlyhesprangfromitlikeabird，andlikeabirdhetravelledthroughtheairtowardsus。
“Catchhimonthespears！“criedUmslopogaas，andbynature，asitwere，wedidtheboy\'sbidding；forhuddlingourselvestogether，weheldouttheassegaissothatthelionfelluponthemashesprang，andtheirbladessankfarintohim。Buttheweightofhischargecarriedustotheground，andhefellontous，strikingatusandatthespears，androaringwithpainandfuryashestruck。Presentlyhewasonhislegsbitingatthespearsinhisbreast。ThenUmslopogaas，whoalonedidnotwaithisonslaught，buthadsteppedasideforhisownends，utteredaloudcryanddrovehisassegaiintothelionbehindtheshoulder，sothatwithagroanthebruterolledoverdead。
Meanwhile，thelionessstoodwithoutthefence，theseconddeadcubinhermouth，forshecouldnotbringherselftoleaveeitherofthem。
Butwhensheheardhermate\'slastgroanshedroppedthecubandgatheredherselftogethertospring。Umslopogaasalonestooduptofaceher，forheonlyhadwithdrawnhisassegaifromthecarcassofthelion。Shesweptontowardsthelad，whostoodlikeastonetomeether。Nowshemethisspear，itsunkin，itsnapped，anddownfellUmslopogaasdeadorsenselessbeneaththemassofthelioness。Shesprangup，thebrokenspearstandinginherbreast，sniffedatUmslopogaas，then，asthoughsheknewthatitwashewhohadrobbedher，sheseizedhimbytheloinsandmoocha，andsprangwithhimoverthefence。
“Oh，savehim！“criedthegirlNadainbitterwoe。Andwerushedafterthelionessshouting。
Foramomentshestoodoverherdeadcubs，Umslopogaashangingfromhermouth，andlookedatthemasthoughshewondered；andwehopedthatshemightlethimfall。Then，hearingourcries，sheturnedandboundedawaytowardsthebush，bearingUmslopogaasinhermouth。Weseizedourspearsandfollowed；butthegroundgrewstony，and，searchaswewould，wecouldfindnotraceofUmslopogaasorofthelioness。
Theyhadvanishedlikeacloud。Sowecameback，and，ah！myheartwassore，forIlovedtheladasthoughhehadindeedbeenmyson。ButI
knewthathewasdead，andtherewasanend。
“Whereismybrother？“criedNadawhenwecameback。
“Lost，“Ianswered。“Lost，nevertobefoundagain。“
Thenthegirlgaveagreatandbittercry，andfelltotheearthsaying，“IwouldthatIweredeadwithmybrother！“
“Letusbegoing，“saidMacropha，mywife。
“Haveyounotearstoweepforyourson？“askedamanofourcompany。
“Whatistheuseofweepingoverthedead？Doesit，then，bringthemback？“sheanswered。“Letusbegoing！“
Themanthoughtthesewordsstrange，buthedidnotknowthatUmslopogaaswasnotbornofMacropha。
Still，wewaitedinthatplaceaday，thinkingthat，perhaps，thelionesswouldreturntoherdenandthat，atleast，wemightkillher。
Butshecamebacknomore。Soonthenextmorningwerolledupourblanketsandstartedforwardonourjourney，sadatheart。Intruth，Nadawassoweakfromgriefthatshecouldhardlytravel，butIneverheardthenameofUmslopogaaspassherlipsagainduringthatjourney。
Sheburiedhiminherheartandsaidnothing。AndItoosaidnothing，butIwonderedwhyithadbeenbroughtaboutthatIshouldsavethelifeofUmslopogaasfromthejawsoftheLionofZulu，thatthelionessoftherocksmightdevourhim。
Andsothetimewentontillwereachedthekraalwheretheking\'sbusinessmustbedone，andwhereIandmywifeshouldpart。
Onthemorningafterwecametothekraal，havingkissedinsecret，thoughinpublicwelookedsullenlyononeanother，wepartedasthosepartwhomeetnomore，foritwasinourthoughts，thatweshouldneverseeeachother\'sfaceagain，nor，indeed，didwedoso。AndI
drewNadaasideandspoketoherthus:“Wepart，mydaughter；nordoI
knowwhenweshallmeetagain，forthetimesaretroubledanditisforyoursafetyandthatofyourmotherthatIrobmyeyesofthesightofyou。Nada，youwillsoonbeawoman，andyouwillbefairerthananywomanamongourpeople，anditmaycomeaboutthatmanygreatmenwillseekyouinmarriage，and，perhaps，thatI，yourfather，shallnotbetheretochooseforyouwhomyoushallwed，accordingtothecustomofourland。ButIchargeyou，asfarasmaybepossibleforyoutodoso，takeonlyamanwhomyoucanlove，andbefaithfultohimalone，forthusshallawomanfindhappiness。“
HereIstopped，forthegirltookholdofmyhandandlookedintomyface。“Peace，myfather，“shesaid，“donotspeaktomeofmarriage，forIwillwednoman，nowthatUmslopogaasisdeadbecauseofmyfoolishness。Iwillliveanddiealone，and，oh！mayIdiequickly，thatImaygotoseekhimwhomIloveonly！“
“Nay，Nada，“Isaid，“Umslopogaaswasyourbrother，anditisnotfittingthatyoushouldspeakofhimthus，eventhoughheisdead。“
“Iknownothingofsuchmatters，myfather，“shesaid。“Ispeakwhatmyhearttellsme，andittellsmethatIlovedUmslopogaasliving，and，thoughheisdead，Ishalllovehimalonetotheend。Ah！youthinkmebutachild，yetmyheartislarge，anditdoesnotlietome。“
NowIupbraidedthegirlnomore，becauseIknewthatUmslopogaaswasnotherbrother，butonewhomshemighthavemarried。OnlyImarvelledthatthevoiceofnatureshouldspeaksotrulyinher，tellingherthatwhichwaslawful，evenwhenitseemedtobemostunlawful。
“SpeaknomoreofUmslopogaas，“Isaid，“forsurelyheisdead，andthoughyoucannotforgethim，yetspeakofhimnomore，andIprayofyou，mydaughter，thatifwedonotmeetagain，yetyoushouldkeepmeinyourmemory，andtheloveIbearyou，andthewordswhichfromtimetotimeIhavesaidtoyou。Theworldisathornywilderness，mydaughter，anditsthornsarewateredwitharainofblood，andwewanderinourwretchednesslikelosttravellersinamist；nordoI
knowwhyourfeetaresetonthiswandering。Butatlasttherecomesanend，andwedieandgohence，noneknowwhere，butperhapswherewegotheevilmaychangetothegood，andthosewhoweredeartoeachotherontheearthmaybecomeyetdearerintheheavens；forIbelievethatmanisnotborntoperishaltogether，butisrathergatheredagaintotheUmkulunkuluwhosenthimonhisjourneyings。Thereforekeephope，mydaughter，forifthesethingsarenotso，atleastsleepremains，andsleepissoft，andsofarewell。“
Thenwekissedandparted，andIwatchedMacropha，mywife，andNada，mydaughter，tilltheymeltedintothesky，astheywalkedupontheirjourneytoSwaziland，andwasverysad，because，havinglostUmslopogaas，hewhoinafterdayswasnamedtheSlaughtererandtheWoodpecker，Imustlosethemalso。
CHAPTERX
THETRIALOFMOPO
NowIsatfourdaysinthehutsofthetribewhitherIhadbeensent，anddidtheking\'sbusiness。AndonthefifthmorningIroseup，togetherwiththosewithme，andweturnedourfacestowardstheking\'skraal。Butwhenwehadjourneyedalittlewaywemetapartyofsoldiers，whocommandedustostand。
“Whatisit，king\'smen？“Iaskedboldly。
“This，sonofMakedama，“answeredtheirspokesman:“giveovertousyourwifeMacrophaandyourchildrenUmslopogaasandNada，thatwemaydowiththemasthekingcommands。“
“Umslopogaas，“Ianswered，“hasgonewheretheking\'sarmcannotstretch，forheisdead；andformywifeMacrophaandmydaughterNada，theyarebynowinthecavesoftheSwazis，andthekingmustseekthemtherewithanarmyifhewillfindthem。ToMacrophaheiswelcome，forIhateher，andhavedivorcedher；andasforthegirl，well，therearemanygirls，anditisnogreatmatterifshelivesordies，yetIprayhimtospareher。“
ThusIspokecarelessly，forIknewwellthatmywifeandchildwerebeyondthereachofChaka。
“Youdowelltoaskthegirl\'slife，“saidthesoldier，laughing，“forallthoseborntoyouaredead，byorderoftheking。“
“Isitindeedso？“Iansweredcalmly，thoughmykneesshookandmytongueclovetomylips。“Thewillofthekingbedone。Acutstickputsoutnewleaves；Icanhavemorechildren。“
“Ay，Mopo；butfirstyoumustgetnewwives，foryoursaredeadalso，allfiveofthem。“
“Isitindeedso？“Ianswered。“Theking\'swillbedone。Iweariedofthosebrawlingwomen。“
“So，Mopo，“saidthesoldier；“buttogetotherwivesandhavemorechildrenborntoyou，youmustliveyourself，fornochildrenareborntothedead，andIthinkthatChakahasanassegaiwhichyoushallkiss。“
“Isitso？“Ianswered。“Theking\'swillbedone。Thesunishot，andItireoftheroad。Hewhokissestheassegaisleepssound。“
ThusIspoke，myfather，and，indeed，inthathourIdesiredtodie。
Theworldwasemptyforme。MacrophaandNadaweregone，Umslopogaaswasdead，andmyotherwivesandchildrenweremurdered。Ihadnohearttobegintobuildupanewhouse，nonewereleftformetolove，anditseemedwellthatIshoulddiealso。
ThesoldiersaskedthosewithmeifthattalewastruewhichItoldofthedeathofUmslopogaasandofthegoingofMacrophaandNadaintoSwaziland。Theysaid，Yes，itwastrue。Thenthesoldierssaidthattheywouldleadmebacktotheking，andIwonderedatthis，forI
thoughtthattheywouldkillmewhereIstood。Sowewenton，andpiecebypieceIlearnedwhathadhappenedattheking\'skraal。
OnthedayafterIleft，itcametotheearsofChaka，bythemouthofhisspies，thatmysecondwife——Anadi——wassickandspokestrangewordsinhersickness。Then，takingthreesoldierswithhim，hewenttomykraalatthedeathoftheday。Heleftthethreesoldiersbythegatesofthekraal，biddingthemtosuffernonetocomeinorgoout，butChakahimselfenteredthelargehutwhereAnadilaysick，havinghistoyassegai，withtheshaftoftheroyalredwood，inhishand。
Now，asitchanced，inthehutwereUnandi，themotherofChaka，andBaleka，mysister，thewifeofChaka，for，notknowingthatIhadtakenawayUmslopogaas，thesonofBaleka，accordingtotheircustom，thesetwofoolishwomenhadcometokissandfondlethelad。Butwhentheyenteredthehuttheyfounditfullofmyotherwivesandchildren。Thesetheysentaway，allexceptMoosa，thesonofAnadi——
thatboywhowasborneightdaysbeforeUmslopogaas，thesonofChaka。
ButtheykeptMoosainthehut，andkissedhim，givinghimimphi[1]toeat，fearinglestitshouldseemstrangetothewomen，mywives，if，Umslopogaasbeinggone，theyrefusedtotakenoticeofanyotherchild。
[1]Avarietyofsugar-cane——ED。
Nowastheysatthis，presentlythedoorwaywasdarkened，and，behold！
thekinghimselfcreptthroughit，andsawthemfondlingthechildMoosa。Whentheyknewwhoitwasthatentered，thewomenflungthemselvesuponthegroundbeforehimandpraisedhim。Buthesmiledgrimly，andbadethembeseated。Thenhespoketothem，saying，“Youwonder，Unandi，mymother，andBaleka，mywife，whyitisthatIamcomehereintothehutofMopo，sonofMakedama。Iwilltellyou:itisbecauseheisawayuponmybusiness，andIhearthathiswifeAnadiissick——itisshewholiesthere，isitnot？Therefore，asthefirstdoctorintheland，Iamcometocureher，Unandi，mymother，andBaleka，mysister。“
Thushespoke，eyeingthemashedidso，andtakingsnufffromthebladeofhislittleassegai，andthoughhiswordsweregentletheyshookwithfear，forwhenChakaspokethusgentlyhemeantdeathtomany。ButUnandi，MotheroftheHeavens，answered，sayingthatitwaswellthatthekinghadcome，sincehismedicinewouldbringrestandpeacetoherwholaysick。
“Yes，“heanswered；“itiswell。Itispleasant，moreover，mymotherandsister，toseeyoukissingyonderchild。Surely，wereheofyourownbloodyoucouldnotlovehimmore。“
Nowtheytrembledagain，andprayedintheirheartsthatAnadi，thesickwoman，wholayasleep，mightnotwakeandutterfoolishwordsinherwandering。Buttheprayerwasansweredfrombelowandnotfromabove，forAnadiwoke，and，hearingthevoiceoftheking，hersickmindflewtohimwhomshebelievedtobetheking\'schild。
“Ah！“shesaid，sittinguponthegroundandpointingtoherownson，Moosa，whosquattedfrightenedagainstthewallofthehut。“Kisshim，MotheroftheHeavens，kisshim！Whomdotheycallhim，theyoungcubwhobringsill-fortunetoourdoors？TheycallhimthesonofMopoandMacropha！“Andshelaughedwildly，stoppedspeaking，andsankbackuponthebedofskins。
“TheycallhimthesonofMopoandMacropha，“saidthekinginalowvoice。“Whosesonishe，then，woman？“
“Oh，askhernot，Oking，“criedhismotherandhiswife，castingthemselvesuponthegroundbeforehim，fortheyweremadwithfear。
“Askhernot；shehasstrangefanciessuchasarenotmeetforyourearstohear。Sheisbewitched，andhasdreamsandfancies。“
“Peace！“heanswered。“Iwilllistentothiswoman\'swanderings。
Perhapssomestaroftruthshinesinherdarkness，andIwouldseelight。Who，then，ishe，woman？“
“Whoishe？“sheanswered。“Areyouafoolthataskwhoheis？Heis——
hush！——putyourearclose——letmespeaklowlestthereedsofthehutspeakittotheking。Heis——doyoulisten？Heis——thesonofChakaandBaleka，thesisterofMopo，thechangelingwhomUnandi，MotheroftheHeavens，palmedoffuponthishousetobringacurseonit，andwhomshewouldleadoutbeforethepeoplewhenthelandiswearyofthewickednessoftheking，herson，totaketheplaceoftheking。“
“Itisfalse，Oking！“criedthetwowomen。“Donotlistentoher；itisfalse。Theboyisherownson，Moosa，whomshedoesnotknowinhersickness。“
ButChakastoodupinthehutandlaughedterribly。“Truly，Nobelaprophesiedwell，“hecried，“andIdidilltoslayher。Sothisisthetrickthouhastplayeduponme，mymother。Thouwouldstgiveasontotomewhowillhavenoson:thouwouldstgivemeasontokillme。
Good！MotheroftheHeavens，takethouthedoomoftheHeavens！Thouwouldstgivemeasontoslaymeandruleinmyplace；now，inturn，I，thyson，willrobmeofamother。Die，Unandi！——dieatthehandthoudidstbringforth！“Andheliftedthelittleassegaiandsmoteitthroughher。
ForamomentUnandi，MotheroftheHeavens，wifeofSenzangacona，stoodutteringnocry。Thensheputupherhand，anddrewtheassegaifromherside。
“Soshaltthoudiealso，ChakatheEvil！“shecried，andfelldowndeadthereinthehut。
Thus，then，didChakamurderhismotherUnandi。
NowwhenBalekasawwhathadbeendone，sheturnedandfledfromthehutintotheEmposeni，andsoswiftlythattheguardsatthegatescouldnotstopher。ButwhenshereachedherownhutBaleka\'sstrengthfailedher，andshefellsenselessontheground。ButtheboyMoosa，myson，beingovercomewithterror，stayedwherehewas，andChaka，believinghimtobehisson，murderedhimalso，andwithhisownhand。
Thenhestalkedoutofthehut，andleavingthethreeguardsatthegate，commandedacompanyofsoldierstosurroundthekraalandfireit。Thistheydid，andasthepeoplerushedouttheykilledthem，andthosewhodidnotrunoutwereburnedinthefire。Thus，then，perishedallmywives，mychildren，myservants，andthosewhowerewithinthegatesintheircompany。Thetreewasburned，andthebeesinit，andIalonewasleftliving——IandMacrophaandNada，whowerefaraway。
NorwasChakayetsatisfiedwithblood，for，ashasbeentold，hesentmessengersbiddingthemkillMacropha，mywife，andNada，mydaughter，andhimwhowasnamedbyson。Buthecommandedthemessengersthattheyshouldnotslayme，butbringmelivingbeforethem。
NowwhenthesoldiersdidnotkillmeItookcounselwithmyself，foritwasmybeliefthatIwassavedaliveonlythatImightdielater，andinamorecruelfashion。ThereforeforawhileIthoughtthatitwouldbewellifIdidthatformyselfwhichanotherpurposedtodoforme。WhyshouldI，whowasalreadydoomed，waittomeetmydoom？
WhathadIlefttokeepmeintheplaceoflife，seeingthatallwhomIlovedweredeadorgone？Todiewouldbeeasy，forIknewthewaysofdeath。InmygirdleIcarriedasecretmedicine；hewhoeatsofit，myfather，willseethesun\'sshadowmovenomore，andwillneverlookuponthestarsagain。ButIwasmindedtoknowtheassegaiorthekerrie；norwouldIperishmoreslowlybeneaththeknivesofthetormentors，norbeparchedbythepangsofthirst，orwandereyelesstomyend。Thereforeitwasthat，sinceIhadsatinthedoomringlookinghourafterhourintothefaceofdeath，Ihadbornethismedicinewithmebynightandbyday。Surelynowwasthetimetouseit。
SoIthoughtasIsatthroughthewatchesofthenight，ay！anddrewoutthebitterdrugandlaiditonmytongue。ButasIdidsoI
rememberedmydaughterNada，whowaslefttome，thoughshesojournedinafarcountry，andmywifeMacrophaandmysisterBaleka，whostilllived，sosaidthesoldiers，thoughhowitcameaboutthatthekinghadnotkilledherIdidnotknowthen。Alsoanotherthoughtwasborninmyheart。Whileliferemainedtome，Imightberevengeduponhimwhohadwroughtmethiswoe；butcanthedeadstrike？Alas！thedeadarestrengthless，andiftheystillhaveheartstosuffer，theyhavenohandstogivebackblowforblow。Nay，Iwouldliveon。Timetodiewhendeathcouldnomorebeputaway。TimetodiewhenthevoiceofChakaspokemydoom。Deathchoosesforhimselfandanswersnoquestions；heisaguesttowhomnoneneedopenthedoorofhishut，forwhenhewillshecanpassthroughthethatchlikeair。NotyetwouldItasteofthatmedicineofmine。
SoIlivedon，myfather，andthesoldiersledmebacktothekraalofChaka。Nowwhenwecametothekraalitwasnight，forthesunhadsunkaswepassedthroughthegates。Still，ashehadbeencommanded，thecaptainofthosewhowatchedmewentinbeforethekingandtoldhimthatIlaywithoutinbonds。Andthekingsaid，“Lethimbebroughtbeforeme，whowasmyphysician，thatImaytellhimhowI
havedoctoredthoseofhishouse。“
Sotheytookmeandledmetotheroyalhouse，andpushedmethroughthedoorwayofthegreathut。
Nowafireburnedinthehut，forthenightwascold，andChakasatonthefurthersideofthefire，lookingtowardstheopeningofthehut，andthesmokefromthefirewreathedhimround，anditslightshoneuponhisfaceandflickeredinhisterribleeyes。
Atthedoorofthehutcertaincouncillorsseizedmebythearmsanddraggedmetowardsthefire。ButIbrokefromthem，andprostratingmyself，formyarmswerefree，Ipraisedthekingandcalledhimbyhisroyalnames。Thecouncillorssprangtowardsmetoseizemeagain，butChakasaid，“Lethimbe；Iwouldtalkwithmyservant。“Thenthecouncillorsbowedthemselvesoneitherside，andlaidtheirhandsontheirsticks，theirforeheadstouchingtheground。ButIsatdownonthefloorofthehutoveragainsttheking，andwetalkedthroughthefire。
“TellmeofthecattlethatIsenttheetonumber，Mopo，sonofMakedama，“saidChaka。“Havemyservantsdealthonestlywithmycattle？“
“Theyhavedealthonestly，Oking，“Ianswered。
“Tellme，then，ofthenumberofthecattleandoftheirmarkings，Mopo，forgettingnone。“
SoIsatandtoldhim，oxbyox，cowbycow，andheiferbyheifer，forgettingnone；andChakalistenedsilentlyasonewhoisasleep。ButIknewthathedidnotsleep，forallthewhilethefirelightflickeredinhisfierceeyes。AlsoIknewthathedidbuttormentme，orthat，perhaps，hewouldlearnofthecattlebeforehekilledme。Atlengthallthetalewastold。
“So，“saidtheking，“itgoeswell。Thereareyethonestmenleftintheland。Knowestthou，Mopo，thatsorrowhascomeuponthyhousewhilethouwastaboutmybusiness。“
“Ihaveheardit，Oking！“Ianswered，asonewhospeaksofasmallmatter。
“Yes，Mopo，sorrowhascomeuponthyhouse，thecurseofHeavenhasfallenuponthykraal。Theytellme，Mopo，thatthefirefromaboveranbrisklythroughtheyhuts。“
“Ihaveheardit，Iking！“
“Theytellme，Mopo，thatthosewithinthygatesgrewmadatthesightofthefire，anddreamingtherewasnoescape，thattheystabbedthemselveswithassegaisorleapedintotheflames。“
“Ihaveheardit，Oking！Whatofit？Anyriverisdeepenoughtodrownafool！“
“Thouhastheardthesethings，Mopo，butthouhastnotyetheardall。
Knowestthou，Mopo，thatamongthosewhodiedinthykraalwasshewhoboreme，shewhowasnamedMotheroftheHeavens？“
Then，myfather，I，Mopo，actedwisely，becauseofthethoughtwhichmygoodspiritgaveme，forIcastmyselfupontheground，andwailedaloudasthoughinuttergrief。
“Sparemyears，BlackOne！“Iwailed。“Tellmenotthatshewhoboretheeisdead，OLionoftheZulu。Fortheothers，whatisit？Itisabreathofwind，itisadropofwater；butthistroubleisasthegaleorasthesea。“
“Cease，myservant，cease！“saidthemockingvoiceofChaka；“butknowthis，thouhastdonewelltogrievealoud，becausetheMotheroftheHeavensisnomore，andillwouldstthouhavedonetogrievebecausethefirefromabovehaskissedthygates。Forhadstthoudonethislastthingorleftthefirstundone，Ishouldhaveknownthatthyheartwaswicked，andbynowthouwouldsthaveweptindeed——tearsofblood，Mopo。Itiswellforthee，then，thatthouhastreadmyriddlearight。“
NowIsawthedepthsofthepitthatChakahaddugforme，andblessedmyEhlosewhohadputintomyheartthosewordswhichIshouldanswer。
IhopedalsothatChakawouldnowletmego；butitwasnottobe，forthiswasbutthebeginningofmytrial。
“Knowestthou，Mopo，“saidtheking，“thatasmymotherdiedyonderintheflamesofthykraalshecriedoutstrangeandterriblewordswhichcametomyearsthroughthesingingofthefire。Thesewereherwords:
thatthou，Mopo，andthysisterBaleka，andthywives，hadconspiredtogethertogiveachildtomewhowouldbechildless。Thesewereherwords，thewordsthatcametomethroughthesingingofthefire。Tellmenow，Mopo，wherearethosechildrenthatthouleddestfromthykraal，theboywiththelioneyeswhoisnamedUmslopogaas，andthegirlwhoisnamedNada？“
“Umslopogaasisdeadbythelion\'smouth，Oking！“Ianswered，“andNadasitsintheSwazicaves。“AndItoldhimofthedeathofUmslopogaasandofhowIhaddivorcedMacropha，mywife。
“Theboywiththelioneyestothelion\'smouth！“saidChaka。“Enoughofhim；heisgone。NadamayyetbesoughtforwiththeassegaiintheSwazicaves；enoughofher。Letusspeakofthissongthatmymother——
who，alas！isdead，Mopo——thissongshesangthroughthesingingoftheflames。Tellme，Mopo，tellmenow，wasitatruetale。“
“Nay，Oking！surelytheMotheroftheHeavenswasmaddenedbytheHeavenswhenshesangthatsong，“Ianswered。“Iknownothingofit，O
king。“
“Thouknowestnaughtofit，Mopo？“saidtheking。Andagainhelookedatmeterriblythroughthereekofthefire。“Thouknowestnaughtofit，Mopo？Surelythouarta-cold；thyhandsshakewithcold。Nay，man，fearnot——warmthem，warmthem，Mopo。See，now，plungethathandofthineintotheheartoftheflame！“Andhepointedwithhislittleassegai，theassegaihandledwiththeroyalwood，towherethefireglowedreddest——ay，hepointedandlaughed。
Then，myfather，Igrewcoldindeed——yes，Igrewcoldwhosoonshouldbehot，forIsawthepurposeofChaka。Hewouldputmetothetrialbyfire。
ForamomentIsatsilent，thinking。Thenthekingspokeagaininagreatvoice:“Nay，Mopo，benotsobackward；shallIsitwarmandseetheesuffercold？What，mycouncillors，rise，takethehandofMopo，andholdittotheflame，thathisheartmayrejoiceinthewarmthoftheflamewhilewespeaktogetherofthismatterofthechildthatwas，somymothersang，borntoBaleka，mywife，thesisterofMopo，myservant。“
“Thereislittleneedforthat，Oking，“Ianswered，beingmadeboldbyfear，forIsawthatifIdidnothingdeathwouldswiftlyendmydoubts。Once，indeed，IbethoughtmeofthepoisonthatIbore，andwasmindedtoswallowitandmakeanend，butthedesiretoliveisgreat，andkeenisthethirstforvengeance，soIsaidtomyheart，“Notyetawhile；Iwillendurethisalso；afterwards，ifneedbe，I
candie。“
“Ithankthekingforhisgraciousness，andIwillwarmmeatthefire。Speakon，Oking，whileIwarmmyself，andthoushaltheartruewords，“Isaidboldly。
Then，myfather，Istretchedoutmylefthandandplungeditintothefire——notintothehottestofthefire，butwherethesmokeleaptfromtheflame。Nowmyfleshwaswetwiththesweatoffear，andforalittlemomenttheflamescurledrounditanddidnotburnme。ButI
knewthatthetormentwastocome。
ForashortwhileChakawatchedme，smiling。Thenhespokeslowly，thatthefiremightfindtimetodoitswork。
“Say，then，Mopo，thouknowestnothingofthismatterofthebirthofasontothysisterBaleka？“
“Iknowthisonly，Oking！“Ianswered，“thatasonwasborninpastyearstothywifeBaleka，thatIkilledthechildinobediencetothyword，andlaiditsbodybeforethee。“
Now，myfather，thesteamfrommyfleshhadbeendrawnfrommyhandbytheheat，andtheflamegotholdofmeandateintomyflesh，anditstormentwasgreat。ButofthisIshowednosignuponmyface，forI
knewwellthatifIshowedsignorutteredcry，then，havingfailedinthetrial，deathwouldbemyportion。
Thenthekingspokeagain，“Dostthouswearbymyhead，Mopo，thatnosonofminewassuckledinthykraals？“
“Iswearit，Oking！Iswearitbythyhead，“Ianswered。
Andnow，myfather，theagonyofthefirewassuchasmaynotbetold。
Ifeltmyeyesstartforwardintheirsockets，mybloodseemedtoboilwithinme，itrushedintomyhead，anddownmyfacetheirrantwotearsofblood。ButyetIheldmyhandinthefireandmadenosign，whilethekingandhiscouncillorswatchedmecuriously。Still，foramomentChakasaidnothing，andthatmomentseemedtomeasalltheyearsofmylife。
“Ah！“hesaidatlength，“Iseethatthougrowestwarm，Mopo！Withdrawthyhandfromtheflame。Iamanswered；thouhastpassedthetrial；
thyheartisclean；forhadtherebeenliesinitthefirehadgiventhemtongue，andthouhadstcriedaloud，makingthylastmusic，Mopo！“
NowItookmyhandfromtheflame，andforawhilethetormentleftme。
“Itiswell，Oking，“Isaidcalmly。“Firehasnopowerofhurtonthosewhoseheartispure。“
ButasIspokeIlookedatmylefthand。Itwasblack，myfather——
blackasacharredstick，andthenailsweregonefromthetwistedfingers。Lookatitnow，myfather；youcansee，thoughmyeyesareblind。Thehandiswhite，likeyours——itiswhiteanddeadandshrivelled。ThesearethemarksofthefireinChaka\'shut——thefirethatkissedmemany，manyyearsago；Ihavehadbutlittleuseofthathandsincethisnightoftorment。Butmyrightarmyetremainedtome，myfather，and，ah！Iusedit。
“ItseemsthatNobela，thedoctress，whoisdead，liedwhensheprophesiedevilonmefromthee，Mopo，“saidChakaagain。“Itseemsthatthouartinnocentofthisoffence，andthatBaleka，thysister，isinnocent，andthatthesongwhichtheMotheroftheHeavenssangthroughthesingingflameswasnotruesong。Itiswellforthee，Mopo，forinsuchamattermyoathhadnothelpedthee。Butmymotherisdead——deadintheflameswiththywivesandchildren，Mopo，andinthisthereiswitchcraft。Wewillhaveamourning，Mopo，thouandI，suchamourningashasnotbeenseeninZululand，forallthepeopleontheearthshallweepatit。Andthereshallbea\'smellingout\'atthismourning，Mopo。Butwewillsummonnowitch-doctors，thouandI
willbewitch-doctors，andourselvesshallsmelloutthosewhohavebroughtthesewoesuponus。What！shallmymotherdieunavenged，shewhoboremeandhasperishedbywitchcraft，andshallthywivesandchildrendieunavenged——thoubeinginnocent？Goforth，Mopo，myfaithfulservant，whomIhavehonouredwiththewarmthofmyfire，goforth！“Andonceagainhestaredatmethroughthereekoftheflame，andpointedwithhisassegaitothedoorofthehut。
CHAPTERXI
THECOUNSELOFBALEKA
Irose，Ipraisedthekingwithaloudvoice，andIwentfromtheIntunkulu，thehouseoftheking。Iwalkedslowlythroughthegates，butwhenIwaswithoutthegatestheanguishthattookmebecauseofmyburnthandwasmorethanIcouldbear。IrantoandfrogroaningtillIcametothehutofonewhomIknew。ThereIfoundfat，andhavingplungedmyhandinthefat，Iwrappeditroundwithaskinandpassedoutagain，forIcouldnotstaystill。Iwenttoandfro，tillatlengthIreachedthespotwheremyhutshadbeen。Theouterfenceofthehutsstillstood；thefirehadnotcaughtit。Ipassedthroughthefence；therewithinweretheashesoftheburnthuts——theylayankle-deep。Iwalkedinamongtheashes；myfeetstruckuponthingsthatweresharp。Themoonwasbright，andIlooked；theyweretheblackenedbonesofmywivesandchildren。Iflungmyselfdownintheashesinbitternessofheart；Icoveredmyselfoverwiththeashesofmykraalandwiththebonesofmywivesandchildren。Yes，myfather，thereIlay，andonmeweretheashes，andamongtheasheswerethebones。Thus，then，didIlieforthelasttimeinmykraal，andwasshelteredfromthefrostofthenightbythedustofthosetowhomI
hadgivenlife。SuchwerethethingsthatbefellusinthedaysofChaka，myfather；yes，nottomealone，buttomanyanotheralso。
Ilayamongtheashesandgroanedwiththepainofmyburn，andgroanedalsofromthedesolationofmyheart。WhyhadInottastedthepoison，thereinthehutofChaka，andbeforetheeyesofChaka？WhydidInottasteitnowandmakeanend？Nay，Ihadenduredtheagony；
Iwouldnotgivehimthislasttriumphoverme。Now，havingpassedthefire，oncemoreIshouldbegreatintheland，andIwouldbecomegreat。Yes，Iwouldbearmysorrows，andbecomegreat，thatinadaytobeImightwreakvengeanceontheking。Ah！myfather，there，asI
rolledamongtheashes，IprayedtotheAmatongo，totheghostsofmyancestors。IprayedtomyEhlose，tothespiritthatwatchesme——ay，andIevendaredtopraytotheUmkulunkulu，thegreatsouloftheworld，whomovesthroughtheheavensandtheearthunseenandunheard。
AndthusIprayed，thatImightyetlivetokillChakaashehadkilledthosewhoweredeartome。AndwhileIprayedIslept，or，ifI
didnotsleep，thelightofthoughtwentoutofme，andIbecameasonedead。Thentherecameavisiontome，avisionthatwassentinanswertomyprayer，or，perchance，itwasamadnessbornofmysorrows。For，myfather，itseemedtomethatIstooduponthebankofagreatandwideriver。Itwasgloomythere，thelightlaylowuponthefaceoftheriver，butfarawayonthefarthersidewasaglowliketheglowofastormydawn，andintheglowIsawamightybedofreedsthatswayedaboutinthebreathofdawn，andoutofthereedscamemenandwomenandchildren，byhundredsandthousands，andplungedintothewatersoftheriverandwerebuffetedaboutbythem。
Now，myfather，allthepeoplethatIsawinthewaterwereblackpeople，andallthosewhoweretornoutofthereedswereblack——theyweenoneofthemwhitelikeyourpeople，myfather，forthisvisionwasavisionoftheZulurace，whoaloneare“tornoutofthereeds。“
Now，Isawthatofthosewhoswamintheriversomepassedoververyquicklyandsomestoodstill，asitwere，stillinthewater——asinlife，myfather，somediesoonandsomeliveformanyyears。AndIsawthecountlessfacesofthoseinthewater，amongthemweremanythatI
knew。There，myfather，IsawthefaceofChaka，andnearhimwasmyownface；there，too，IsawthefaceofDingaan，theprince，hisbrother，andthefaceoftheboyUmslopogaasandthefaceofNada，mydaughter，andthenforthefirsttimeIknewthatUmslopogaaswasnotdead，butonlylost。
NowIturnedinmyvision，andlookedatthatbankoftheriveronwhichIstood。ThenIsawthatbehindthebankwasacliff，mightyandblack，andinthecliffweredoorsofivory，andthroughthemcamelightandthesoundoflaughter；therewereotherdoorsalso，blackasthoughfashionedofcoal，andthroughthemcamedarknessandthesoundsofgroans。Isawalsothatinfrontofthedoorswassetaseat，andontheseatwasthefigureofagloriouswoman。Shewastall，andshealonewaswhite，andcladinrobesofwhite，andherhairwaslikegoldwhichismolteninthefire，andherfaceshonelikethemiddaysun。ThenIsawthatthosewhocameupoutoftheriverstoodbeforethewoman，thewateryetrunningfromthem，andcriedaloudtoher。
“Hail，Inkosazana-y-Zulu！Hail，QueenoftheHeavens！“
Nowthefigureofthegloriouswomanheldarodineitherhand，andtherodinherrighthandwaswhiteandofivory，andtherodinherlefthandwasblackandofebony。Andasthosewhocameupbeforeherthronegreetedher，soshepointednowwiththewandofivoryinherrighthand，andnowwiththewandofebonyinherlefthand。Andwiththewandofivoryshepointedtothegatesofivory，throughwhichcamelightandlaughter，andwiththewandofebonyshepointedtothegatesofcoal，throughwhichcameblacknessandgroans。Andasshepointed，sothosewhogreetedherturned，andwent，somethroughthegatesoflightandsomethroughthegatesofblackness。
Presently，asIstood，ahandfulofpeoplecameupfromthebankoftheriver。Ilookedonthemandknewthem。TherewasUnandi，themotherofChaka，therewasAnadi，mywife，andMoosa，myson，andallmyotherwivesandchildren，andthosewhohadperishedwiththem。
Theystoodbeforethefigureofthewoman，thePrincessoftheHeavens，towhomtheUmkulunkuluhasgivenittowatchoverthepeopleoftheZulu，andcriedaloud，“Hail，Inkosazana-y-Zulu！Hail！“
Thenshe，theInkosazana，pointedwiththerodofivorytothegatesofivory；butstilltheystoodbeforeher，notmoving。Nowthewomanspokeforthefirsttime，inalowvoicethatwassadandawfultohear。
“Passin，childrenofmypeople，passintothejudgment。Whytarryye？Passinthroughthegatesoflight。“
Butstilltheytarried，andinmyvisionUnandispoke:“Wetarry，QueenoftheHeavens——wetarrytoprayforjusticeonhimwhomurderedus。I，whoonearthwasnamedMotheroftheHeavens，onbehalfofallthiscompany，praytothee，QueenoftheHeavens，forjusticeonhimwhomurderedus。“
“Howishenamed？“askedthevoicethatwaslowandawful。
“Chaka，kingoftheZulus，“answeredthevoiceofUnandi。“Chaka，myson。“
“Manyhavecometoaskforvengeanceonthathead，“saidthevoiceoftheQueenoftheHeavens，“andmanymoreshallcome。Fearnot，Unandi，itshallfall。Fearnot，AnadiandyewivesandchildrenofMopo，itshallfall，Isay。Withthespearthatpiercedthybreast，Unandi，shallthebreastofChakabealsopierced，and，yewivesandchildrenofMopo，thehandthatpiercesshallbethehandofMopo。AsIguidehimsoshallhego。Ay，Iwillteachhimtowreakmyvengeanceontheearth！Passin，childrenofmypeople——passintothejudgment，forthedoomofChakaiswritten。“
ThusIdreamed，myfather。Ay，thiswasthevisionthatwassentmeasIlayinpainandmiseryamongthebonesofmydeadintheashesofmykraal。ThusitwasgivenmetoseetheInkosazanaoftheHeavensassheisinherownplace。TwicemoreIsawher，asyoushallhear，butthatwasontheearthandwithmywakingeyes。Yes，thricehasitbeengiventomeinalltolookuponthatfacethatIshallnowseenomoretillIamdead，fornomanmaylookfourtimesontheInkosazanaandlive。OramImad，myfather，anddidIweavethesevisionsfromthewoofofmymadness？Idonotknow，butitistruethatIseemedtoseethem。
Iwokewhentheskywasgreywiththemorninglight；itwasthepainofmyburnthandthatarousedmefrommysleeporfrommystupor。I
roseshakingtheashesfromme，andwentwithoutthekraaltowashawaytheirdefilement。ThenIreturned，andsatoutsidethegatesoftheEmposeni，waitingtilltheking\'swomen，whomhenamedhissisters，shouldcometodrawwateraccordingtotheircustom。Atlasttheycame，and，sittingwithmykarossthrownovermyfacetohideit，lookedforthepassingofBaleka。PresentlyIsawher；shewassad-
faced，andwalkedslowly，herpitcheronherhead。Iwhisperedhername，andshedrewasidebehindanaloebush，and，makingpretencethatherfootwaspiercedwithathorn，shelingeredtilltheotherwomenhadgoneby。Thenshecameuptome，andwegreetedoneanother，gazingheavilyintoeachother\'seyes。
