“NowIammindedtokillyou，“saidthecaptaininwrath，“becauseyouhavesufferedthisyouthtoescapeme。WithoutdoubtitisUmslopogaas，sonofMopo。“
“Itisnofaultofmine，“saidtheheadmen。“Theseyoungmenarewizards，whocanpasshitherandthitheratwill。ButIsaythistoyou，captainoftheking，ifyouwillgoontheGhostMountain，youmustgotherealonewithyoursoldiers，fornoneinthesepartsdaretotreaduponthatmountain。“
“YetIshalldareto-morrow，“saidthecaptain。“WegrowbraveatthekraalofChaka。Theremendonotfearspearsorghostsorwildbeastsormagic，buttheyfeartheking\'swordalone。Thesunsets——giveusfood。To-morrowwewillsearchthemountain。“
Thus，myfather，didthiscaptainspeakinhisfolly，——hewhoshouldneverseeanothersun。
NowUmslopogaasreachedthemountain，andwhenhehadpassedtheforest——ofwhichhehadlearnedeverysecretway——thedarknessgathered，andthewolvesawokeinthedarknessanddrewnearhowling。
Umslopogaashowledinanswer，andpresentlythatgreatwolfDeathgripcametohim。Umslopogaassawhimandcalledhimbyhisname；but，behold！thebrutedidnotknowhim，andflewathim，growling。ThenUmslopogaasrememberedthattheshe-wolf\'sskinwasnotboundabouthisshoulders，andthereforeitwasthatthewolfDeathgripknewhimnot。Forthoughinthedaytime，whenthewolvesslept，hemightpasstoandfrowithouttheskin，atnightitwasnotso。Hehadnotbroughttheskin，becausehedarednotwearitinthesightofthemenofthekraal，lesttheyshouldknowhimforoneoftheWolf-Brethren，andithadnotbeenhisplantoseekthemountainagainthatnight，butratheronthemorrow。NowUmslopogaasknewthathisdangerwasgreatindeed。HebeatbackDeathgripwithhiskerrie，butotherswerebehindhim，forthewolvesgatheredfast。Thenheboundedawaytowardsthecave，forhewassoswiftoffootthatthewolvescouldnotcatchhim，thoughtheypressedhimhard，andoncetheteethofoneofthemtorehismoocha。Neverbeforedidherunsofast，andintheendhereachedthecaveandrolledtherockto，andashedidsothewolvesdashedthemselvesagainstit。Thenhecladhimselfinthehideoftheshe-wolf，and，pushingasidethestone，cameout。And，lo！theeyesofthewolveswereopened，andtheyknewhimforoneofthebrethrenwhoruledoverthem，andslunkawayathisbidding。
NowUmslopogaassathimselfdownatthemouthofthecavewaitingforGalazi，andhethought。PresentlyGalazicame，andinfewwordsUmslopogaastoldhimallhistale。
“Youhaverunagreatrisk，mybrother，“saidGalazi。“Whatnow？“
“This，“saidUmslopogaas:“thesepeopleofoursarehungryforthefleshofmen；letusfeedthemfullonthesoldiersofChaka，whosityonderatthekraalseekingmylife。IwouldtakevengeanceforMopo，myfather，andallmybrethrenwhoaredead，andformymothers，thewivesofMopo。Whatsayyou？“
Galazilaughedaloud。“Thatwillbemerry，mybrother，“hesaid。“I
wearyofhuntingbeasts，letushuntmento-night。“
“Ay，to-night，“saidUmslopogaas，nodding。“Ilongtolookuponthatcaptainasamaidlongsforherlover\'skiss。Butfirstletusrestandeat，forthenightisyoung；then，Galazi，summonourimpi。“
Sotheyrestedandate，andafterwardswentoutarmed，andGalazihowledtothewolves，andtheycameintensandtwentiestillallweregatheredtogether。Galazimovedamongthem，shakingtheWatcher，astheysatupontheirhaunches，andfollowedhimwiththeirfieryeyes。
“Wedonothuntgameto-night，littlepeople，“hecried，“butmen，andyoulovethefleshofmen。“
Nowallthewolveshowledasthoughtheyunderstood。Thenthepackdivideditselfaswasitscustom，theshe-wolvesfollowingUmslopogaas，thedog-wolvesfollowingGalazi，andinsilencetheymovedswiftlydowntowardstheplain。Theycametotheriverandswamit，andthere，eightspearthrowsaway，onthefarthersideoftheriverstoodthekraal。NowtheWolf-Brethrentookcounseltogether，andGalazi，withthedog-wolves，wenttothenorthgate，andUmslopogaaswiththeshe-wolvestothesouthgate。Theyreachedthemsafelyandinsilence，foratthebiddingofthebrethrenthewolvesceasedfromtheirhowlings。Thegateswerestoppedwiththorns，butthebrethrenpulledoutthethornsandmadeapassage。Astheydidthisitchancedthatcertaindogsinthekraalheardthesoundofthestirredboughs，andawakening，caughtthesmellofthewolvesthatwerewithUmslopogaas，forthewindblewfromthatquarter。Thesedogsranoutbarking，andpresentlytheycametothesouthgateofthekraal，andflewatUmslopogaas，whopulledawaythethorns。Nowwhenthewolvessawthedogstheycouldberestrainednolonger，butsprangonthemandtorethemtofragments，andthesoundoftheirworryingcametotheearsofthesoldiersofChakaandofthedwellersinthekraal，sothattheysprangfromsleep，snatchingtheirarms。Andastheycameoutofthehutstheysawinthemoonlightamanwearingawolf\'shiderushingacrosstheemptycattlekraal，forthegrasswaslongandthecattlewereoutatgraze，andwithhimcountlesswolves，blackandgrey。Thentheycriedaloudinterror，sayingthattheghostswereonthem，andturnedtofleetothenorthgateofthekraal。But，behold！herealsotheymetamancladinawolf\'sskinonly，andwithhimcountlesswolves，blackandgrey。
Now，someflungthemselvestoearthscreamingintheirfear，andsomestrovetorunaway，butthegreaterpartofthesoldiers，andwiththemmanyofthemenofthekraal，cametogetherinknots，beingmindedtodielikemenatteethoftheghosts，andthatthoughtheyshookwithfear。ThenUmslopogaashowledaloud，andhowledGalazi，andtheyflungthemselvesuponthesoldiersandthepeopleofthekraal，andwiththemcamethewolves。Thenacryingandabayingroseuptoheavenasthegreywolvesleapedandbitandtore。Littletheyheededthespearsandkerriesofthesoldiers。Somewerekilled，buttherestdidnotstay。Presentlytheknotsofmenbrokeup，andtoeachmanwolveshungbytwosandthrees，dragginghimtoearth。Somefewfled，indeed，butthewolveshuntedthembygazeandscent，andpulledthemdownbeforetheypassedthegatesofthekraal。
TheWolf-Brethrenalsoravenedwiththerest。BusywastheWatcher，andmanybowedbeneathhim，andoftenthespearofUmslopogaasflashedinthemoonlight。Itwasfinished；nonewereleftlivinginthatkraal，andthewolvesgrowledsullenlyastheytooktheirfill，theywhohadbeenhungryformanydays。Nowthebrethrenmet，andlaughedintheirwolfjoy，becausetheyhadslaughteredthosewhoweresentouttoslaughter。Theycalledtothewolves，biddingthemsearchthehuts，andthewolvesenteredthehutsasdogsenterathicket，andkilledthosewholurkedthere，ordrovethemforthtobeslainwithout。Presentlyaman，greatandtall，sprangfromthelastofthehuts，wherehehadhiddenhimself，andthewolvesoutsiderushedonhimtodraghimdown。ButUmslopogaasbeatthemback，forhehadseenthefaceoftheman:itwasthatcaptainwhomChakahadsentouttokillhim。Hebeatthemback，andstalkeduptothecaptain，saying:
“Greetingtoyou，captainoftheking！Nowtelluswhatisyourerrandhere，beneaththeshadowofherwhositsinstone？“AndhepointedwithhisspeartotheGreyWitchontheGhostMountain，onwhichthemoonshonebright。
Nowthecaptainhadagreatheart，thoughhehadhiddenfromthewolves，andansweredboldly:——
“Whatisthattoyou，wizard？Yourghostwolveshadmadeanendofmyerrand。Letthemmakeanendofmealso。“
“Benotinhaste，captain，“saidUmslopogaas。“Say，didyounotseekacertainyouth，thesonofMopo？“
“Thatisso，“answeredthecaptain。“Isoughtoneyouth，andIhavefoundmanyevilspirits。“Andhelookedatthewolvestearingtheirprey，andshuddered。
“Say，captain，“quothUmslopogaas，drawingbackhishoodofwolf\'shidesothatthemoonlightfelluponhisface，“isthisthefaceofthatyouthwhomyousought？“
“Itistheface，“answeredthecaptain，astonished。
“Ay，“laughedUmslopogaas，“itistheface。Fool！Iknewyourerrandandheardyourwords，andthushaveIansweredthem。“Andhepointedtothedead。“Nowchoose，andswiftly。Willyourunforyourlifeagainstmywolves？Willyoudobattleforyourlifeagainstthesefour？“AndhepointedtoGreysnoutandtoBlackfang，toBloodandtoDeathgrip，whowatchedhimwithslaveringlips；“orwillyoustandfacetofacewithme，andifIamslain，withhimwhobearstheclub，andwithwhomIrulethispeopleblackandgrey？“
“Ifearghosts，butofmenIhavenofear，thoughtheybewizards，“
answeredthecaptain。
“Good！“criedUmslopogaas，shakinghisspear。
Thentheyrushedtogether，andthatfraywasfierce。ForpresentlythespearofUmslopogaaswasbrokenintheshieldofthecaptainandhewasleftweaponless。NowUmslopogaasturnedandfledswiftly，boundingoverthedeadandthewolveswhopreyeduponthem，andthecaptainfollowedwithupliftedspear，andmockedhimashecame。GalazialsowonderedthatUmslopogaasshouldflyfromasingleman。HitherandthitherfledUmslopogaas，andalwayshiseyeswereontheearth。Ofasudden，Galazi，whowatched，sawhimsweepforwardlikeabirdandstooptotheground。Thenhewheeledround，andlo！therewasanaxeinhishand。Thecaptainrushedathim，andUmslopogaassmoteasherushed，andthebladeofthegreatspearthatwasliftedtopiercehimfelltothegroundhewnfromitshaft。AgainUmslopogaassmote:themoon-shapedaxesankthroughthestoutshielddeepintothebreastbeyond。Thenthecaptainthrewuphisarmsandfelltotheearth。
“Ah！“criedUmslopogaas，“yousoughtayouthtoslayhim，andhavefoundanaxetobeslainbyit！Sleepsoftly，captainofChaka。“
ThenUmslopogaasspoketoGalazi，saying:“Mybrother，Iwillfightnomorewiththespear，butwiththeaxealone；itwastoseekanaxethatIrantoandfrolikeacoward。Butthisisapoorthing！See，thehaftissplitbecauseofthegreatnessofmystroke！Nowthisismydesire——towinthatgreataxeofJikiza，whichiscalledGroan-
Maker，ofwhichwehaveheardtell，sothataxeandclubmaystandtogetherinthefray。“
“Thatmustbeforanothernight，“saidGalazi。“Wehavenotdonesoillforonce。Nowletussearchforpotsandcorn，ofwhichwestandinneed，andthentothemountainbeforedawnfindsus。“
Thus，then，didtheWolf-BrethrenbringdeathontheimpiofChaka，andthiswasbutthefirstofmanydeathsthattheywroughtwiththehelpofthewolves。Forevertheyravenedthroughthelandatnight，and，fallingonthosetheyhated，theyatethemup，tilltheirnameandthenameoftheghost-wolvesbecameterribleintheearsofmen，andthelandwassweptclean。Buttheyfoundthatthewolveswouldnotgoabroadtoworryeverywhere。Thus，onacertainnight，theysetouttofalluponthekraalsofthePeopleoftheAxe，wheredweltthechiefJikiza，whowasnamedtheUnconquered，andownedtheaxeGroan-
Maker，butwhentheynearedthekraalthewolvesturnedbackandfled。
ThenGalazirememberedthedreamthathehaddreamed，inwhichtheDeadOneinthecavehadseemedtospeak，tellinghimthatthereonlywherethemen-eatershadhuntedinthepastmightthewolveshuntto-
day。Sotheyreturnedhome，butUmslopogaassethimselftofindaplantowintheaxe。
CHAPTERXVI
UMSLOPOGAASVENTURESOUTTOWINTHEAXE
NowmanymoonshadgonebysinceUmslopogaasbecameakingofthewolves，andhewasamanfullgrown，amanfierceandtallandkeen；aslayerofmen，fleetoffootandofvalourunequalled，seeingbynightaswellasbyday。ButhewasnotyetnamedtheSlaughterer，andnotyetdidheholdthatironchieftainess，theaxeGroan-Maker。Still，thedesiretowintheaxewasforemostinhismind，fornowomanhadenteredthere，whowhensheentersdrivesoutallotherdesire——ay，myfather，eventhatofgoodweapons。Attimes，indeed，UmslopogaaswouldlurkinthereedsbytheriverlookingatthekraalofJikizatheUnconquered，andwouldwatchthegatesofhiskraal，andonceashelurkedhesawamangreat，broadandhairy，whoboreuponhisshoulderashiningaxe，haftedwiththehornofarhinoceros。AfterthathisgreedforthisaxeenteredintoUmslopogaasmoreandmore，tillatlengthhescarcelycouldsleepforthinkingofit，andtoGalazihespokeoflittleelse，wearyinghimmuchwithhistalk，forGalazilovedsilence。Butforallhislonginghecouldfindnomeanstowinit。
NowitbefellthatasUmslopogaashidoneeveninginthereeds，watchingthekraalofJikiza，hesawamaidenstraightandfair，whoseskinshonelikethecopperankletsonherlimbs。Shewalkedslowlytowardsthereedswherehelayhidden。Nordidshetopatthebrinkofthereeds；sheenteredthemandsatherselfdownwithinaspear\'slengthofwhereUmslopogaaswasseated，andatoncebegantoweep，speakingtoherselfasshewept。
“Wouldthattheghost-wolvesmightfallonhimandallthatishis，“
shesobbed，“ay，andonMasiloalso！Iwouldhoundthemon，evenifI
myselfmustnextknowtheirfangs。BettertodiebytheteethofthewolvesthantobesoldtothisfatpigofaMasilo。Oh！ifImustwedhim，Iwillgivehimaknifeforthebride\'skiss。Oh！thatIwerealadyoftheghost-wolves，thereshouldbeapickingofbonesinthekraalofJikizabeforethemoongrowsyoungagain。“
Umslopogaasheard，andofasuddenrearedhimselfupbeforethemaid，andhewasgreatandwildtolookon，andtheshe-wolf\'sfangsshoneuponhisbrow。
“Theghost-wolvesareathand，damsel，“hesaid。“Theyareeverathandforthosewhoneedthem。“
Nowthemaidsawhimandscreamedfaintly，thengrewsilent，wonderingatthegreatnessandthefierceeyesofthemanwhospoketoher。
“Whoareyou？“sheasked。“Ifearyounot，whoeveryouare。“
“Thereyouarewrong，damsel，forallmenfearme，andtheyhavecausetofear。IamoneoftheWolf-Brethren，whosenameshavebeentoldof；
IamawizardoftheGhostMountain。Takeheed，now，lestIkillyou。
Itwillbeoflittleavailtocalluponyourpeople，formyfeetarefleeterthantheirs。“
“Ihavenowishtocalluponmypeople，Wolf-Man，“sheanswered。“Andfortherest，Iamtooyoungtokill。“
“Thatisso，maiden，“answeredUmslopogaas，lookingatherbeauty。
“WhatwerethewordsuponyourlipsastoJikizaandacertainMasilo？
Weretheynotfiercewords，suchasmyheartlikeswell？“
“Itseemsthatyouheardthem，“answeredthegirl。“Whatneedtowastebreathinspeakingthemagain？“
“Noneed，maiden。Nowtellmeyourstory；perhapsImayfindawaytohelpyou。“
“Thereislittletotell，“sheanswered。“Itisasmalltaleandacommon。MynameisZinita，andJikizatheUnconqueredismystep-
father。Hemarriedmymother，whoisdead，butnoneofhisbloodisinme。NowhewouldgivemeinmarriagetoacertainMasilo，afatmanandanold，whomIhate，becauseMasilooffersmanycattleforme。“
“Isthere，then，anotherwhomyouwouldwed，maiden？“askedUmslopogaas。
“Thereisnone，“answeredZinita，lookinghimintheeyes。
“AndistherenopathbywhichyoumayescapefromMasilo？“
“Thereisonlyonepath，Wolf-Man——bydeath。IfIdie，Ishallescape；
ifMasilodies，Ishallescape；buttolittleend，forIshallbegiventoanother；butifJikizadies，thenitwillbewell。Whatofthatwolf-peopleofyours，aretheynothungry，Wolf-Man？“
“Icannotbringthemhere，“answeredUmslopogaas。“Istherenootherway？“
“Thereisanotherway，“saidZinita，“ifonecanbefoundtotryit。“
Andagainshelookedathimstrangely，causingthebloodtobeatwithinhim。“Hearken！doyounotknowhowourpeoplearegoverned？
TheyaregovernedbyhimwhoholdstheaxeGroan-Maker。Hethatcanwintheaxeinwarfromthehandofhimwhoholdsit，shallbeourchief。Butifhewhoholdstheaxediesunconquered，thenhissontakeshisplaceandwithittheaxe。Ithasbeenthus，indeed，forfourgenerations，sincehewhoheldGroan-Makerhasalwaysbeenunconquerable。ButIhaveheardthatthegreat-grandfatherofJikizawontheaxefromhimwhohelditinhisday；hewonitbyfraud。Forwhentheaxehadfallenonhimbutlightly，hefellover，feigningdeath。Thentheowneroftheaxelaughed，andturnedtowalkaway。ButtheforefatherofJikizasprangupbehindhimandpiercedhimthroughwithaspear，andthushebecamechiefofthePeopleoftheAxe。
Therefore，itisthecustomofJikizatohewofftheheadsofthosewhomhekillswiththeaxe。“
“Doeshe，then，slaymany？“askedUmslopogaas。
“Oflateyears，fewindeed，“shesaid，“fornonedarestandagainsthim——no，notwithalltowin。For，holdingtheaxeGroan-Maker，heisunconquerable，andtofightwithhimissuredeath。Fifty-and-onehavetriedinall，andbeforethehutofJikizatherearepiledfifty-and-
onewhiteskulls。Andknowthis，theaxemustbewoninfight；ifitisstolenorfound，ithasnovirtue——nay，itbringsshameanddeathtohimwhoholdsit。“
“How，then，mayamangivebattletoJikiza？“heaskedagain。
“Thus:Onceineveryyear，onthefirstdayofthenewmoonofthesummerseason，Jikizaholdsameetingoftheheadmen。Thenhemustriseandchallengealloranytocomeforwardanddobattlewithhimtowintheaxeandbecomechiefinhisplace。Nowifonecomesforward，theygointothecattlekraal，andtherethematterisended。
Afterwards，whentheheadishewnfromhisfoe，Jikizagoesbacktothemeetingoftheheadmen，andtheytalkasbefore。Allarefreetocometothemeeting，andJikizamustfightwiththemiftheywishit，whoevertheybe。“
“PerhapsIshallbethere，“saidUmslopogaas。
“Afterthismeetingatthenewmoon，IamtobegiveninmarriagetoMasilo，“saidthemaid。“ButshouldoneconquerJikiza，thenhewillbechief，andcangivemeinmarriagetowhomhewill。“
NowUmslopogaasunderstoodhermeaning，andknewthathehadfoundfavourinhersight；andthethoughtmovedhimalittle，forwomenwerestrangetohimasyet。
“IfperchanceIshouldbethere，“hesaid，“andifperchanceIshouldwintheironchieftainess，theaxeGroan-Maker，andruleoverthePeopleoftheAxe，youshouldnotlivefarfromtheshadowoftheaxethenceforward，maidZinita。“
“Itiswell，Wolf-Man，thoughsomemightnotwishtodwellinthatshadow；butfirstyoumustwintheaxe。Manyhavetried，andallhavefailed。“
“Yetonemustsucceedatlast，“hesaid，“andso，farewell！“andheleapedintothetorrentoftheriver，andswamitwithgreatstrokes。
NowthemaidZinitawatchedhimtillhewasgone，andloveofhimenteredintoherheart——alovethatwasfierceandjealousandstrong。
ButashewendedtotheGhostMountainUmslopogaasthoughtratherofaxeGroan-MakerthanofMaidZinita；forever，atthebottom，Umslopogaaslovedwarmorethanwomen，thoughthishasbeenhisfate，thatwomenhavebroughtsorrowonhishead。
Fifteendaysmustpassbeforethedayofthenewmoon，andduringthistimeUmslopogaasthoughtmuchandsaidlittle。Still，hetoldGalazisomethingofthetale，andthathewasdeterminedtodobattlewithJikizatheUnconqueredfortheaxeGroan-Maker。Galazisaidthathewoulddowelltoletitbe，andthatitwasbettertostaywiththewolvesthantogooutseekingstrangeweapons。Hesaidalsothatevenifhewontheaxe，themattermightnotstaythere，forhemusttakethegirlalso，andhisheartbodednogoodofwomen。IthadbeenagirlwhopoisonedhisfatherinthekraalsoftheHalakazi。ToallofwhichUmslopogaasanswerednothing，forhisheartwassetbothontheaxeandthegirl，butmoreonthefirstthanthelast。
Sothetimeworeon，andatlengthcamethedayofthenewmoon。AtthedawnofthatdayUmslopogaasaroseandcladhimselfinamoocha，bindingtheshe-wolf\'sskinroundhismiddlebeneaththemoocha。Inhishandhetookastoutfighting-shield，whichhehadmadeofbuffalohide，andthatsamelightmoon-shapedaxewithwhichhehadslainthecaptainofChaka。
“ApoorweaponwithwhichtokillJikizatheUnconquerable，“saidGalazi，eyeingitaskance。
“Itshallservemyturn，“answeredUmslopogaas。
NowUmslopogaasate，andthentheymovedtogetherslowlydownthemountainandcrossedtheriverbyaford，forhewishedtosavehisstrength。OnthefarthersideoftheriverGalazihidhimselfinthereeds，becausehisfacewasknown，andthereUmslopogaasbadehimfarewell，notknowingifheshouldlookuponhimagain。AfterwardshewalkeduptotheGreatPlaceofJikiza。Nowwhenhereachedthegatesofthekraal，hesawthatmanypeoplewerestreamingthroughthem，andmingledwiththepeople。PresentlytheycametotheopenspaceinfrontofthehutsofJikiza，andtheretheheadmenweregatheredtogether。Inthecentreofthem，andbeforeaheapoftheskullsofmenwhichwerepiledupagainsthisdoorposts，satJikiza，ahugeman，ahairyandaproud，whoglaredabouthimrollinghiseyes。FastenedtohisarmbyathongofleatherwasthegreataxeGroan-Maker，andeachmanashecameupsalutedtheaxe，callingit“Inkosikaas，“orchieftainess，buthedidnotsaluteJikiza。Umslopogaassatdownwiththepeopleinfrontofthecouncillors，andfewtookanynoticeofhim，exceptZinita，whomovedsullenlytoandfrobearinggourdsofbeertothecouncillors。NeartoJikiza，onhisrighthand，satafatmanwithsmallandtwinklingeyes，whowatchedthemaidZinitagreedily。
“Yonman，“thoughtUmslopogaas，“isMasilo。Thebetterforblood-
lettingwillyoube，Masilo。“
PresentlyJikizaspoke，rollinghiseyes:“Thisisthematterbeforeyou，councillors。Ihavesettleditinmymindtogivemystep-
daughterZinitainmarriagetoMasilo，butthemarriagegiftisnotyetagreedon。IdemandahundredheadofcattlefromMasilo，forthemaidisfairandstraight，apropermaid，and，moreover，mydaughter，thoughnotofmyblood。ButMasilooffersfiftyheadonly，thereforeI
askyoutosettleit。“
“Wehearyou，LordoftheAxe，“answeredoneofthecouncillors，“butfirst，OUnconquered，youmustonthisdayoftheyear，accordingtoancientcustom，givepublicchallengetoanymantofightyoufortheGroan-MakerandforyourplaceaschiefofthePeopleoftheAxe。“
“Thisisawearisomething，“grumbledJikiza。“CanIneverhavedoneinit？Fifty-and-threehaveIslaininmyyouthwithoutawound，andnowformanyyearsIhavechallenged，likeacockonadunghill，andnonecrowinanswer。“
“Ho，now！Isthereanymanwhowillcomeforwardanddobattlewithme，Jikiza，forthegreataxeGroan-Maker？Tohimwhocanwinit，itshallbe，andwithitthechieftainshipofthePeopleoftheAxe。“
Thushespokeveryfast，asamangabblesaprayertoaspiritinwhomhehaslittlefaith，thenturnedoncemoretotalkofthecattleofMasiloandofthemaidZinita。ButsuddenlyUmslopogaasstoodup，lookingathimoverthetopofhiswarshield，andcrying，“Hereisone，OJikiza，whowilldobattlewithyoufortheaxeGroan-Makerandforthechieftainshipthatistohimwhoholdstheaxe。“
Now，allthepeoplelaughed，andJikizaglaredathim。
“Comeforthfrombehindthatbigshieldofyours，“hesaid。“Comeoutandtellmeyournameandlineage——youwhowoulddobattlewiththeUnconqueredfortheancientaxe。“
ThenUmslopogaascameforward，andhelookedsofierce，thoughhewasbutyoung，thatthepeoplelaughednomore。
“Whatismynameandlineagetoyou，Jikiza？“hesaid。“Letitbe，andhastentodomebattle，asyoumustbythecustom，forIameagertohandletheGroan-MakerandtositinyourseatandsettlethismatterofthecattleofMasilothePig。WhenIhavekilledyouIwilltakeanamewhonowhavenone。“
Nowoncemorethepeoplelaughed，butJikizagrewmadwithwrath，andsprangupgasping。
“What！“hesaid，“youdaretospeakthustome，youbabeunweaned，tometheUnconquered，theholderoftheaxe！NeverdidIthinktolivetohearsuchtalkfromalong-leggedpup。Ontothecattlekraal，tothecattlekraal，PeopleoftheAxe，thatImayhewthisbraggart\'sheadfromhisshoulders。Hewouldstandinmyplace，wouldhe？——theplacethatIandmyfathershaveheldforfourgenerationsbyvirtueoftheaxe。Itellyouall，thatpresentlyIwillstanduponhishead，andthenwewillsettlethematterofMasilo。“
“Babblenotsofast，man，“quothUmslopogaas，“orifyoumustbabble，speakthosewordswhichyouwouldsayereyoubidthesunfarewell。“
Now，Jikizachokedwithrage，andfoamcamefromhislipssothathecouldnotspeak，butthepeoplefoundthissport——allexceptMasilo，wholookedaskanceatthestranger，tallandfierce，andZinita，wholookedatMasilo，andwithnolove。Sotheymoveddowntothecattlekraal，andGalazi，seeingitfromafar，couldkeepawaynolonger，butdrewnearandmingledwiththecrowd。
CHAPTERXVII
UMSLOPOGAASBECOMESCHIEFOFTHEPEOPLEOFTHEAXE
Now，whenUmslopogaasandJikizatheUnconqueredhadcometothecattlekraal，theyweresetinitscentreandthereweretenpacesbetweenthem。Umslopogaaswasarmedwiththegreatshieldandthelightmoon-shapedaxe，JikizacarriedtheGroan-Makerandasmalldancingshield，and，lookingattheweaponsofthetwo，peoplethoughtthatthestrangerwouldfurnishnosporttotheholderoftheaxe。
“Heisill-armed，“saidanoldman，“itshouldbeotherwise——largeaxe，smallshield。Jikizaisunconquerable，andthebigshieldwillnothelpthislong-leggedstrangerwhenGroan-Makerrattlesonthebuffalohide。“TheoldmanspokethusinthehearingofGalazitheWolf，andGalazithoughtthathespokewisely，andsorrowedforthefateofhisbrother。
Now，thewordwasgiven，andJikizarushedonUmslopogaas，roaring，forhisragewasgreat。ButUmslopogaasdidnotstirtillhisfoewasabouttostrike，thensuddenlyheleapedaside，andasJikizapassedhesmotehimharduponthebackwiththeflatofhisaxe，makingagreatsound，foritwasnothisplantotryandkillJikizawiththisaxe。Now，ashoutoflaughterwentupfromthehundredsofthepeople，andthelaughterwentupfromthehundredsofthepeople，andtheheartofJikizanearlyburstwithragebecauseoftheshameofthatblow。Roundhecamelikeabullthatismad，andoncemorerushedatUmslopogaas，wholiftedhisshieldtomeethim。Then，ofasudden，justwhenthegreataxeleaptonhigh，Umslopogaasutteredacryasoffear，and，turning，fledbeforethefaceofJikiza。Nowoncemoretheshoutoflaughterwentup，whileUmslopogaasfledswiftly，andafterhimrushedJikiza，blindwithfury。RoundandaboutthekraalspedUmslopogaas，scarcelyaspear\'slengthaheadofJikiza，andherankeepinghisbacktothesunasmuchasmightbe，thathemightwatchtheshadowofJikiza。Asecondtimehespedround，whilethepeoplecheeredthechaseashunterscheeradogwhichpursuesabuck。SocunninglydidUmslopogaasrun，that，thoughheseemedtoreelwithweaknessinsuchfashionthatmenthoughthisbreathwasgone，yethewenteverfasterandfaster，drawingJikizaafterhim。
Now，whenUmslopogaasknewbythebreathingofhisfoeandbythestaggeringofhisshadowthathisstrengthwasspent，suddenlyhemadeasthoughhewereabouttofallhimself，andstumbledoutofthepathfartotheright，andashestumbledheletdrophisgreatshieldfullinthewayofJikiza\'sfeet。ThenitcameaboutthatJikiza，rushingonblindly，caughthisfeetintheshieldandfellheadlongtoearth。
Umslopogaassaw，andswoopedonhimlikeaneagletoadove。Beforemencouldsomuchasthink，hehadseizedtheaxeGroan-Maker，andwithablowofthesteelheheldhadseveredthethongofleatherwhichboundittothewristofJikiza，andsprungback，holdingthegreataxealoft，andcastingdownhisownweaponupontheground。Now，thewatcherssawallthecunningofhisfight，andthoseofthemwhohatedJikizashoutedaloud。Butothersweresilent。
SlowlyJikizagatheredhimselffromtheground，wonderingifhewerestillalive，andasherosehegraspedthelittleaxeofUmslopogaas，and，lookingatit，hewept。ButUmslopogaasheldupthegreatGroan-
Maker，theironchieftainess，andexamineditscurvedpointsofbluesteel，thegougethatstandsbehindit，andthebeautyofitshaft，boundaboutwithwireofbrass，andendinginaknobliketheknobofastick，asaloverlooksuponthebeautyofhisbride。Thenbeforeallmenhekissedthebroadbladeandcriedaloud:——
“Greetingtothee，myChieftainess，greetingtothee，Wifeofmyyouth，whomIhavewoninwar。Nevershallwepart，thouandI，andtogetherwillwedie，thouandI，forIamnotmindedthatothersshouldhandletheewhenIamgone。“
Thushecriedinthehearingofmen，thenturnedtoJikiza，whostoodweeping，becausehehadlostall。
“Wherenowisyourpride，OUnconquered？“laughedUmslopogaas。“Fighton。YouareaswellarmedasIwasawhileago，whenIdidnotfeartostandbeforeyou。“
Jikizalookedathimforamoment，thenwithacursehehurledthelittleaxeathim，and，turning，fledswiftlytowardsthegatesofthecattlekraal。
Umslopogaasstooped，andthelittleaxespedoverhim。Thenhestoodforawhilewatching，andthepeoplethoughtthathemeanttoletJikizago。Butthatwasnothisdesire；hewaited，indeed，untilJikizahadcoverednearlyhalfthespacebetweenhimandthegate，thenwitharoarheleapedforward，aslightleapsfromacloud，andsofastdidhisfeetflythatthewatcherscouldscarceseethemmove。
Jikizafledfastalso，yetheseemedbutasonewhostandsstill。Nowhereachedthegateofthekraal，nowtherewasrush，alightofdownwardfallingsteel，andsomethingsweptpasthim。Then，behold！
Jikizafellinthegatewayofthecattlekraal，andallsawthathewasdead，smittentodeathbythatmightyaxeGroan-Maker，whichheandhisfathershadheldformanyyears。
AgreatshoutwentupfromthecrowdofwatcherswhentheyknewthatJikizatheUnconqueredwaskilledatlast，andthereweremanywhohailedUmslopogaas，naminghimChiefandLordofthePeopleoftheAxe。ButthesonsofJikizatothenumberoften，greatmenandbrave，rushedonUmslopogaastokillhim。Umslopogaasranbackwards，liftinguptheGroan-Maker，whencertaincouncillorsofthepeopleflungthemselvesinbetweenthem，crying，“Hold！“
“Isnotthisyourlaw，yecouncillors，“saidUmslopogaas，“that，havingconqueredthechiefofthePeopleoftheAxe，Imyselfamchief？“
“Thatisourlawindeed，stranger，“answeredanagedcouncillor，“butthisalsoisourlaw:thatnowyoumustdobattle，onebyone，withallwhocomeagainstyou。Soitwasinmyfather\'stime，whenthegrandfatherofhimwhonowliesdeadwontheaxe，andsoitmustbeagainto-day。“
“Ihavenothingtosayagainsttherule，“saidUmslopogaas。“NowwhoistherewhowillcomeupagainstmetodobattlefortheaxeGroan-
MakerandthechieftainshipofthePeopleoftheAxe？“
ThenallthetensonsofJikizasteppedforwardasoneman，fortheirheartsweremadewithwrathbecauseofthedeathoftheirfatherandbecausethechieftainshiphadgonefromtheirrace，sothatintruththeycaredlittleiftheylivedordied。Buttherewerenonebesidesthese，forallmenfearedtostandbeforeUmslopogaasandtheGroan-
Maker。
Umslopogaascountedthem。“Thereareten，bytheheadofChaka！“hecried。“NowifImustfightalltheseonebyone，notimewillbelefttomethisdaytotalkofthematterofMasiloandofthemaidZinita。
Hearken！Whatsayyou，sonsofJikizatheConquered？IfIfindoneothertostandbesidemeinthefray，andallofyoucomeonatonceagainstustwain，tenagainsttwo，toslayusorbeslain，willthatbetoyourminds？“
Thebrethrenconsultedtogether，andheldthatsotheyshouldbeinbettercasethaniftheywentuponebyone。
“Sobeit，“theysaid，andthecouncillorsassented。
Now，ashefledroundandround，UmslopogaashadseenthefaceofGalazi，hisbrother，inthethrong，andknewthathehungeredtosharethefight。Sohecalledaloudthathewhomheshouldchoose，andwhowouldstandbacktobackwithhiminthefray，ifvictoryweretheirs，shouldbethefirstafterhimamongthePeopleoftheAxe，andashecalled，hewalkedslowlydownthelinescanningthefacesofall，tillhecametowhereGalazistoodleaningontheWatcher。
“Hereisagreatfellowwhobearsagreatclub，“saidUmslopogaas。
“Howareyounamed，fellow？“
“IamnamedWolf，“answeredGalazi。
“Say，now，Wolf，areyouwillingtostandbacktobackwithmeinthisfrayoftwoagainstten？Ifvictoryisours，youshallbenexttomeamongstthispeople。“
“BetterIlovethewildwoodsandthemountain\'sbreastthanthekraalsofmenandthekissofwives，Axebearer，“answeredGalazi。
“Yet，becauseyouhaveshownyourselfawarriorofmight，andtotasteagainofthejoyofbattle，Iwillstandbacktobackwithyou，Axebearer，andseethismatterended。“
“Abargain，Wolf！“criedUmslopogaas。Andtheywalkedsidebyside——amightypair！——tilltheycametothecentreofthecattlekraal。Alltherelookedonthemwondering，anditcameintothethoughtsofsomeofthemthatthesewerenoneotherthantheWolf-BrethrenwhodweltupontheGhostMountain。
“NowaxeGroan-makerandclubWatcherarecometogether，Galazi，“saidUmslopogaasastheywalked，“andIthinkthatfewcanstandbeforethem。“
“Someshallfinditso，“answeredGalazi。“Attheleast，thefraywillbemerry，andwhatmatterhowfraysend？“
“Ah，“saidUmslopogaas，“victoryisgood，butdeathendsallandisbestofall。“
Thentheyspokeofthefashioninwhichtheywouldfight，andUmslopogaaslookedcuriouslyattheaxehecarried，andatthepointonitshammer，balancingitinhishand。Whenhehadlookedlong，thepairtooktheirstandbacktobackinthecentreofthekraal，andpeoplesawthatUmslopogaasheldtheaxeinanewfashion，itscurvedbladebeinginwardstowardshisbreast，andthehollowpointturnedtowardsthefoe。Thetenbrethrengatheredthemselvestogether，shakingtheirassegais；fiveofthemstoodbeforeUmslopogaasandfivebeforeGalazitheWolf。Theywereallgreatmen，madefiercewithrageandshame。
“Nownothingexceptwitchcraftcansavethesetwo，“saidacouncillortoonewhostoodbyhim。
“Yetthereisvirtueintheaxe，“answeredtheother，“andfortheclub，itseemsthatIknowit:IthinkitisnamedWatcheroftheFords，andwoetothosewhostandbeforetheWatcher。ImyselfhaveseenhimaloftwhenIwasyoung；moreover，thesearenocravenswhoholdtheaxeandtheclub。Theyarebutlads，indeed，yettheyhavedrunkwolf\'smilk。“
Meanwhile，anagedmandrewneartospeakthewordofonset；itwasthatsamemanwhohadsetoutthelawtoUmslopogaas。Hemustgivethesignalbythrowingupaspear，andwhenitstrucktheground，thenthefightwouldbegin。Theoldmantookthespearandthrewit，buthishandwasweak，andhecastsoclumsilythatitfellamongthesonsofJikiza，whostoodbeforeUmslopogaas，causingthemtoopenuptoletitpassbetweenthem，anddrawingtheeyesofalltenofthemtoit。
butUmslopogaaswatchedforthetouchingofthespearonly，beingcarelesswhereittouched。Asthepointofitkissedtheearth，hesaidaword，andlo！UmslopogaasandGalazi，notwaitingfortheonslaughtoftheten，asmenhadthoughttheymust，sprangforward，eachatthelineoffoeswhowerebeforehim。Whilethetenstillstoodconfused，forithadbeentheirplantoattack，theWolf-
Brethrenwereuponthem。Groan-Makerwasup，butasfornogreatstroke。Hedidbutpeck，asabirdpeckswithhisbill，andyetamandroppeddead。TheWatcheralsowasup，buthefelllikeafallingtree，andwasthedeathofone。ThroughthelinesofthetenpassedtheWolf-Brethreninthegapsthateachhadmade。Thentheyturnedswiftlyandchargedtowardseachotheragain；againGroan-Makerpecked，againtheWatcherthundered，andlo！oncemoreUmslopogaasstoodbacktobackunhurt，butbeforethemlayfourmendead。
Theonslaughtandthereturnweresoswift，thatmenscarcelyunderstoodwhathadbeendone；eventhoseofthesonsofJikizawhowereleftstaredateachotherwondering。Thentheyknewthattheywerebutsix，forfourofthemweredead。Withashoutofragetheyrusheduponthepairfrombothsides，butineithercaseonewasthemosteager，andoutsteppedtheothertwo，andthusitcameaboutthattimewasgiventheWolf-Brethrentostrikeathimalone，beforehisfellowswereathisside。HewhocameatUmslopogaasdroveathimwithhisspear，buthewasnottobecaughtthis，forhebenthismiddlesideways，sothatthespearonlycuthisskin，andashebenttappedwiththepointoftheaxeattheheadofthesmiter，dealingdeathonhim。
“YonderWoodpeckerhasabillofsteel，andhecanuseitwell，“saidthecouncillortohimwhostoodbyhim。
“ThisisaSlaughtererindeed，“themananswered，andthepeopleheardthenames。ThenceforththeyknewUmslopogaasastheWoodpecker，andasBulalio，ortheSlaughterer，andbynoothernames。Now，hewhocameatGalazitheWolfrushedonwildly，holdinghisspearshort。ButGalaziwascunninginwar。Hetookonestepforwardtomeethim，then，swingingtheWatcherbackward，helethimfallatthefulllengthofarmsandclub。ThechildofJikizaliftedhisshieldtocatchtheblow，buttheshieldwastotheWatcherwhataleafistothewind。
Fullonitshidethehugeclubfell，makingaloudsound；thewar-
shielddoubleduplikearawskin，andhewhoboreitfellcrushedtotheearth。
Nowforamoment，thefourwhowereleftofthesonsofJikizahoveredroundthepair，feintingatthemfromafar，butnevercomingwithinreachofaxeorclub。Onethrewaspearindeed，andthoughUmslopogaasleapedaside，andasitspedtowardshimsmotethehaftintwowiththebladeofGroan-Maker，yetitsheadflewon，woundingGalaziintheflank。Thenhewhohadthrownthespearturnedtofly，forhishandswereempty，andtheothersfollowedswiftly，fortheheartwasoutofthem，andtheydaredtodobattlewiththesetwonomore。
Thusthefightwasended，andfromitsbeginningtillthefinishwasnotlongerthanthetimeinwhichmenmightcountahundredslowly。
“Itseemsthatnoneareleftforustokill，Galazi，“saidUmslopogaas，laughingaloud。“Ah，thatwasacunningfight！Ho！yousonsoftheUnconquered，whorunsofast，stayyourfeet。Igiveyoupeace；youshalllivetosweepmyhutsandtoploughmyfieldswiththeotherwomenofmykraal。Now，councillors，thefightingisdone，soletustothechief\'shut，whereMasilowaitsus，“andheturnedandwentwithGalazi，andafterhimfollowedallthepeople，wonderingandinsilence。
WhenhereachedthehutUmslopogaassathimselfdownintheplacewhereJikizahadsatthatmorning，andthemaidZinitacametohimwithawetclothandwashedthewoundthatthespearhadmade。Hethankedher；thenshewouldhavewashedGalazi\'swoundalso，andthiswasdeeper，butGalazibadehertolethimberoughly，ashewouldhavenowomanmeddlingwithhiswounds。ForneitherthennoratanyothertimedidGalaziturntowomen，buthehatedZinitamostofthemall。
ThenUmslopogaasspoketoMasilothePig，whosatbeforehimwithafrightenedface，saying，“Itseems，OMasilo，thatyouhavesoughtthismaidZinitainmarriage，andagainstherwill，persecutingher。
NowIhadintendedtokillyouasanofferingtoheranger，buttherehasbeenenoughblood-lettingto-day。Yetyoushallhaveamarriagegifttothisgirl，whomImyselfwilltakeinmarriage:youshallgiveahundredheadofcattle。ThengetyougonefromamongthePeopleoftheAxe，lestaworsethingbefallyou，MasilothePig。“
SoMasiloroseupandwent，andhisfacewasgreenwithfear，buthepaidthehundredheadofcattleandfledtowardsthekraalofChaka。
Zinitawatchedhimgo，andshewasgladofit，andbecausetheSlaughtererhadnamedherforhiswife。
“IamwellridofMasilo，“shesaidaloud，inthehearingofGalazi，“butIhadbeenbetterpleasedtoseehimdeadbeforeme。“
“Thiswomanhasafierceheart，“thoughtGalazi，“andshewillbringnogoodtoUmslopogaas，mybrother。“
NowthecouncillorsandthecaptainsofthePeopleoftheAxekonzaedtohimwhomtheynamedtheSlaughterer，doinghomagetohimaschiefandholderoftheaxe，andalsotheydidhomagetotheaxeitself。SoUmslopogaasbecamechiefoverthispeople，andtheirnumberwasmany，andhegrewgreatandfatincattleandwives，andnonedaredtogainsayhim。Fromtimetotime，indeed，amanventuredtostandupbeforehiminfight，butnonecouldconquerhim，andinalittlewhilenoonesoughttofaceGroan-Makerwhenheliftedhimselftopeck。
Galazialsowasgreatamongthepeople，butdweltwiththemlittle，forbesthelovedthewildwoodsandthemountain\'sbreast，andoften，asofold，hesweptatnightacrosstheforestandtheplains，andthehowlingoftheghost-wolveswentwithhim。
ButhenceforthUmslopogaastheSlaughtererhuntedveryrarelywiththewolvesatnight；hesleptatthesideofZinita，andshelovedhimmuchandborehimchildren。
CHAPTERXVIII
THECURSEOFBALEKA
Now，myfather，mystorywindsbackagainastheriverbendstowardsitssource，andItellofthoseeventswhichhappenedattheking\'skraalofGibamaxegu，whichyouwhitepeoplenameGibbeclack，thekraalthatiscalled“Pick-out-the-old-men，“foritwastherethatChakamurderedalltheagedwhowereunfitforwar。
AfterI，Mopo，hadstoodbeforetheking，andhehadgivenmenewwivesandfatcattleandakraaltodwellin，thebonesofUnandi，theGreatMotherElephant，MotheroftheHeavens，weregatheredtogetherfromtheashesofmyhuts，andbecauseallcouldnotbefound，someofthebonesofmywiveswerecollectedalsotomakeupthenumber。ButChakaneverknewthis。Whenallwerebroughttogether，agreatpitwasdugandthebonesweresetoutinorderinthepitandburied；butnotalone，forroundthemwereplacedtwelvemaidensoftheservantsofUnandi，andthesemaidenswerecoveredoverwiththeearth，andlefttodieinthepitbythebonesofUnandi，theirmistress。Moreover，allthosewhowerepresentattheburialweremadeintoaregimentandcommandedthattheyshoulddwellbythegraveforthespaceofayear。
Theyweremany，myfather，butIwasnotoneofthem。AlsoChakagaveordersthatnocropsshouldbesownthatyear，thatthemilkofthecowsshouldbespilledupontheground，andthatnowomanshouldgivebirthtoachildforafullyear，andthatifanyshoulddaretobearchildren，thenthattheyshouldbeslainandtheirhusbandswiththem。
Andforaspaceofsomemonthsthesethingsweredone，myfather，andgreatsorrowcameupontheland。
Thenforalittlewhiletherewasquiet，andChakawentaboutheavily，andheweptoften，andwewhowaitedonhimweptalsoaswewalked，tillatlengthitcameaboutbyusethatwecouldweepwithoutceasingformanyhours。Noangrywomancanweepasweweptinthosedays；itwasanart，myfather，fortheteachingofwhichIreceivedmanycattle，forwoetohimwhohadnotearsinthosedays。ThenitwasalsothatChakasentoutthecaptainandfiftysoldierstosearchforUmslopogaas，for，thoughhesaidnothingmoretomeofthismatter，hedidnotbelieveallthetalethatIhadtoldhimofthedeathofUmslopogaasinthejawsofalionandthetaleofthosewhowerewithme。HowthatcompanyfaredatthehandsofUmslopogaasandofGalazitheWolf，andatthefangsofthepeopleblackandgrey，Ihavetoldyou，myfather。Noneofthemevercamebackagain。Inafterdaysitwasreportedtothekingthatthesesoldiersweremissing，neverhavingreturned，butheonlylaughed，sayingthatthelionwhichateUmslopogaas，sonofMopo，wasafierceone，andhadeatenthemalso。
Atlastcamethenightofthenewmoon，thatdreadfulnighttobefollowedbyamoredreadfulmorrow。IsatinthekraalofChaka，andheputhisarmaboutmyneckandgroanedandweptforhismother，whomhehadmurdered，andIgroanedalso，butIdidnotweep，becauseitwasdark，andonthemorrowImustweepmuchinthesightofkingandmen。Therefore，Isparedmytears，lesttheyshouldfailmeinmyneed。
Allnightlongthepeopledrewonfromeverysidetowardsthekraal，and，astheycameinthousandsandtensofthousands，theyfilledthenightwiththeircries，tillitseemedasthoughthewholeworldweremourning，andloudly。Nonemightceasetheircrying，andnonedaredtodrinksomuchasacupofwater。Thedaylightcame，andChakarose，saying，“Come，letusgoforth，Mopo，andlookonthosewhomournwithus。“Sowewentout，andafteruscamemenarmedwithclubstodothebiddingoftheking。
Outsidethekraalthepeopleweregathered，andtheirnumberwascountlessastheleavesuponthetrees。Oneverysidethelandwasblackwiththem，asattimestheveldtisblackwithgame。Whentheysawthekingtheyceasedfromtheirhowlingandsangthewar-song，thenonceagaintheyhowled，andChakawalkedamongthemweeping。Now，myfather，thesightbecamedreadful，for，asthesunrosehigherthedaygrewhot，andutterwearinesscameuponthepeople，whowerepackedtogetherlikeherdsofcattle，and，thoughoxenslaininsacrificelayaround，theymightneithereatnordrink。Somefelltotheground，andweretrampledtodeath，otherstooktoomuchsnufftomakethemweep，othersstainedtheireyeswithsaliva，otherswalkedtoandfro，theirtongueshangingfromtheirjaws，whilegroansbrokefromtheirparchedthroats。
“Now，Mopo，weshalllearnwhoarethewizardsthathavebroughttheseillsuponus，“saidtheking，“andwhoarethetrue-heartedmen。“
Aswespokewecamuponaman，achiefofrenown。HewasnamedZwaumbana，chiefoftheAmabovus，andwithhimwerehiswivesandfollowers。Thismancouldweepnomore；hegaspedwiththirstandheat。Thekinglookedathim。
“See，Mopo，“hesaid，“seethatbrutewhohasnotearsformymotherwhoisdead！Oh，themonsterwithoutaheart！Shallsuchashelivetolookuponthesun，whileIandthoumustweep，Mopo？Never！never！
Takehimaway，andallthosewhoarewithhim！Takethemaway，thepeoplewithouthearts，whodonotweepbecausemymotherisdeadbywitchcraft！“
AndChakawalkedonweeping，andIfollowedalsoweeping，butthechiefZwaumbanaandthosewithhimwereallslainbythosewhodothebiddingoftheking，andtheslayersalsomustweepastheyslew。
Presentlywecameuponanotherman，who，seeingtheking，tooksnuffsecretlytobringtearstohiseyes。ButtheglanceofChakawasquick，andhenotedit。
“Lookathim，Mopo，“hesaid，“lookatthewizardwhohasnotears，thoughmymotherisdeadbywitchcraft。See，hetakessnufftobringtearstohiseyesthataredrywithwickedness。Takehimaway，theheartlessbrute！Oh，takehimaway！“
Sothisonealsowaskilled，andthesewerebutthefirstofthousands，forpresentlyChakagrewmadwithwickedness，withfury，andwiththelustofblood。Hewalkedtoandfro，weeping，goingnowandagainintohishuttodrinkbeer，andIwithhim，forhesaidthatwewhosorrowedmusthavefood。Andeverashewalkedhewouldwavehisarmorhisassegai，saying，“Takethemaway，theheartlessbrutes，whodonotweepbecausemymotherisdead，“andthosewhochancedtostandbeforehisarmwerekilled，tillatlengththeslayerscouldslaynomore，andthemselveswereslain，becausetheirstrengthhadfailedthem，andtheyhadnomoretears。AndIalso，Imustslay，lestifIslewnotIshouldmyselfbeslain。
Andnow，atlength，thepeoplealsowentmadwiththeirthirstandthefuryoftheirfear。Theyfelluponeachother，killingeachother；
everymanwhohadafoesoughthimoutandkilledhim。Nonewerespared，theplacewasbutashambles；thereonthatdaydiedfullseventhousandmen，andstillChakawalkedweepingamongthem，saying，“Takethemaway，theheartlessbrutes，takethemaway！“Yet，myfather，therewascunninginhiscruelty，forthoughhedestroyedmanyforsportalone，alsoheslewonthisdayallthosewhomhehatedorwhomhefeared。
Atlengththenightcamedown，thesunsankredthatday，alltheskywaslikeblood，andbloodwasalltheearthbeneath。Thenthekillingceased，becausenonehadnowthestrengthtokill，andthepeoplelaypantinginheapsupontheground，thelivingandthedeadtogether。I
lookedatthem，andsawthatiftheywerenotallowedtoeatanddrink，beforedaydawnedagainthemostofthemwouldbedead，andI
spoketotheking，forIcaredlittleinthathourifIlivedordied；
evenmyhopeofvengeancewasforgotteninthesicknessofmyheart。
“Amourningindeed，OKing，“Isaid，“amerrymourningfortrue-
heartedmen，butforwizardsamourningsuchastheydonotlove。I
thinkthatthysorrowsareavenged，OKing，thysorrowsandminealso。“
“Notso，Mopo，“answeredtheking，“thisisbutthebeginning；ourmourningwasmerryto-day，itshallbemerrierto-morrow。“
“To-morrow，OKing，fewwillbelefttomourn；forthelandwillbesweptofmen。“
“Why，Mopo，sonofMakedama？Butafewhaveperishedofallthethousandswhoaregatheredtogether。Numberthepeopleandtheywillnotbemissed。“
“Butafewhavediedbeneaththeassegaiandthekerrie，OKing。Yethungerandthirstshallfinishthespear\'swork。Thepeoplehaveneithereatennordrunkforadayandanight，andforadayandanighttheyhavewailedandmoaned。Lookwithout，BlackOne，theretheylieinheapswiththedead。Byto-morrow\'slighttheyalsowillbedeadordying。“
Now，Chakathoughtawhile，andhesawthattheworkwouldgotoofar，leavinghimbutasmallpeopleoverwhomtorule。
“Itishard，Mopo，“hesaid，“thatthouandImustmournaloneoverourwoeswhilethesedogsfeastandmakemerry。Yet，becauseofthegentlenessofmyheart，Iwilldealgentlywiththem。Goout，sonofMakedama，andbidmychildreneatanddrinkiftheyhavetheheart，forthismourningisended。ScarcelywillUnandi，mymother，sleepwell，seeingthatsolittlebloodhasbeenshedonhergrave——surelyherspiritwillhauntmydreams。Yet，becauseofthegentlenessofmyheart，Ideclarethismourningended。Letmychildreneatanddrink，if，indeed，theyhavetheheart。“
“Happyarethepeopleoverwhomsuchakingisset，“Isaidinanswer。
ThenIwentoutandtoldthewordsofChakatothechiefsandcaptains，andthoseofthemwhohadthevoicelefttothempraisedthegoodnessoftheking。Butthemostgaveoversuckingthedewfromtheirsticks，andrushedtothewaterlikecattlethathavewanderedfivedaysinthedesert，anddranktheirfill。Someofthemweretrampledtodeathinthewater。
AfterwardsIsleptasImightbest；itwasnotwell，myfather，forI
knewthatChakawasnotyetguttedwithslaughter。
Onthemorrowmanyofthepeoplewentbacktotheirhomes，havingsoughtleavefromtheking，othersdrewawaythedeadtotheplaceofbones，andyetothersweresentoutinimpistokillsuchashadnotcometothemourningoftheking。Whenmiddaywaspast，Chakasaidthathewouldwalk，andorderedmeandotherofhisindunasandservantstowalkwithhim。Wewentoninsilence，thekingleaningonmyshoulderasonastick。“Whatofthypeople，Mopo，“hesaidatlength，“whatoftheLangenitribe？Weretheyatmymourning？Ididnotseethem。“
ThenIansweredthatIdidnotknow，theyhadbeensummoned，butthewaywaslongandthetimeshortforsomanytomarchsofar。
“Dogsshouldrunswiftlywhentheirmastercalls，Mopo，myservant，“
saidChaka，andthedreadfullightcameintohiseyesthatnevershoneintheeyesofanyotherman。ThenIgrewsickatheart，myfather——
ay，thoughIlovedmypeoplelittle，andtheyhaddrivenmeaway，I
grewsickatheart。Nowwehadcometoaspotwherethereisagreatriftofblackrock，andthenameofthatriftisU\'Donga-lu-ka-
Tatiyana。Oneithersideofthisdongathegroundslopessteeplydowntowardsitsyawninglips，andfromitsendamanmayseetheopencountry。HereChakasatdownattheendoftherift，pondering。
Presentlyhelookedupandsawavastmultitudeofmen，women，andchildren，whowoundlikeasnakeacrosstheplainbeneathtowardsthekraalGibamaxegu。
“Ithink，Mopo，“saidtheking，“thatbythecolouroftheirshields，yondershouldbetheLangenitribe——thineownpeople，Mopo。“
“Itismypeople，OKing，“Ianswered。
ThenChakasentmessengers，runningswiftly，andbadethemsummontheLangenipeopletohimwherehesat。Othermessengershesentalsotothekraal，whisperingintheirears，butwhathesaidIdidnotknowthen。
Now，forawhile，Chakawatchedthelongblacksnakeofmenwindingtowardshimacrosstheplaintillthemessengersmetthemandthesnakebegantoclimbtheslopeofthehill。
“Howmanyarethesepeopleofthine，Mopo？“askedtheking。
“Iknownot，OElephant，“Ianswered，“whohavenotseenthemformanyyears。Perhapstheynumberthreefullregiments。“
“Nay，more，“saidtheking；“whatthinkestthou，Mopo，wouldthispeopleofthinefilltheriftbehindus？“andhenoddedatthegulfofstone。
Now，myfather，Itrembledinallmyflesh，seeingthepurposeofChaka；butIcouldfindnowordstosay，formytongueclavetotheroofofmymouth。
“Thepeoplearemany，“saidChaka，“yet，Mopo，Ibettheefiftyheadofcattlethattheywillnotfillthedonga。“
“Thekingispleasedtojest，“Isaid。
“Yea，Mopo，Ijest；yetasajesttakethouthebet。“
“Asthekingwills，“Imurmured——whocouldnotrefuse。Nowthepeopleofmytribedrewnear:attheirheadwasanoldman，withwhitehairandbeard，and，lookingathim，Iknewhimformyfather，Makedama。
Whenhecamewithinearshotoftheking，hegavehimtheroyalsaluteofBayete，andfelluponhishandsandknees，crawlingtowardshim，andkonzaedtotheking，praisinghimashecame。Allthethousandsofthepeoplealsofellontheirhandsandknees，andpraisedthekingaloud，andthesoundoftheirpraisingwaslikethesoundofagreatthunder。
AtlengthMakedama，myfather，writhingonhisbreastlikeasnake，laybeforethemajestyoftheking。Chakabadehimrise，andgreetedhimkindly；butallthethousandsofthepeopleyetlayupontheirbreastsbeatingthedustwiththeirheads。
“Rise，Makedama，mychild，fatherofthepeopleoftheLangeni，“saidChaka，“andtellmewhyartthoulateincomingtomymourning？“
“Thewaywasfar，OKing，“answeredMakedama，myfather，whodidnotknowme。“Thewaywasfarandthetimeshort。Moreover，thewomenandthechildrengrewwearyandfootsore，andtheyarewearyinthishour。“
“Speaknotofit，Makedama，mychild，“saidtheking。“Surelythyheartmournedandthatofthypeople，andsoontheyshallrestfromtheirweariness。Say，aretheyhereeveryone？“
“Everyone，OElephant！——nonearewanting。Mykraalsaredesolate，thecattlewanderuntendedonthehills，birdspickattheunguardedcrops。“
“Itiswell，Makedama，thoufaithfulservant！Yetthouwouldstmournwithmeanhour——isitnotso？Now，hearken！Bidthypeoplepasstotherightandtotheleftofme，andstandinalltheirnumbersupontheslopesofthegrassthatrundowntothelipsoftherift。“
SoMakedama，myfather，badethepeopledothebiddingoftheking，forneitherhenortheindunassawhispurpose，butI，whoknewhiswickedheart，Isawit。Thenthepeoplefiledpasttotherightandtotheleftbyhundredsandbythousands，andpresentlythegrassoftheslopescouldbeseennomore，becauseoftheirnumber。Whenallhadpassed，ChakaspokeagaintoMakedama，myfather，biddinghimclimbdowntothebottomofthedonga，andthenceliftuphisvoiceinmourning。Theoldmanobeyedtheking。Slowly，andwithmuchpain，heclamberedtothebottomoftheriftandstoodthere。Itwassodeepandnarrowthatthelightscarcelyseemedtoreachtowherehestood，forIcouldonlyseethewhiteofhishairgleamingfardownintheshadows。
Then，standingfarbeneath，helifteduphisvoice，anditreachedthethousandsofthosewhoclusteredupontheslopes。Itseemedstillandsmall，yetitcametothemfaintlylikethevoiceofonespeakingfromamountain-topinatimeofsnow:——
“Mourn，childrenofMakedama！“
Andallthethousandsofthepeople——men，women，andchildren——echoedhiswordsinathunderofsound，crying:——
“Mourn，childrenofMakedama！“
Againhecried:——
“Mourn，peopleoftheLangeni，mournwiththewholeworld！“
Andthethousandsanswered:——
“Mourn，peopleoftheLangeni，mournwiththewholeworld！“
Athirdtimecamehisvoice:——
“Mourn，childrenofMakedama，mourn，peopleoftheLangeni，mournwiththewholeworld！
“Howl，yewarriors；weep，yewomen；beatyourbreasts，yemaidens；
sob，yelittlechildren！
“Drinkofthewateroftears，coveryourselveswiththedustofaffliction。
“Mourn，OtribeoftheLangeni，becausetheMotheroftheHeavensisnomore。
“Mourn，childrenofMakedama，becausetheSpiritofFruitfulnessisnomore。
“Mourn，Oyepeople，becausetheLionoftheZuluisleftsodesolate。
“Letyourtearsfallastherainfalls，letyourcriesbeasthecriesofwomenwhobringforth。
“Forsorrowisfallenliketherain，theworldhasconceivedandbroughtforthdeath。
“Greatdarknessisuponus，darknessandtheshadowofdeath。
“TheLionoftheZuluwandersandwandersindesolation，becausetheMotheroftheHeavensisnomore。
“Whoshallbringhimcomfort？Thereiscomfortinthecryingofhischildren。
“Mourn，peopleoftheLangeni；letthevoiceofyourmourningbeatagainsttheskiesandrendthem。
“Ou-ai！Ou-ai！Ou-ai！“
Thussangtheoldman，myfatherMakedama，fardowninthedeepsofthecleft。Hesangitinastill，smallvoice，but，lineafterline，hissongwascaughtupbythethousandswhostoodontheslopesabove，andthunderedtotheheavenstillthemountainsshookwithitssound。
Moreover，thenoiseoftheircryingopenedthebosomofaheavyrain-
cloudthathadgatheredastheymourned，andtherainfellingreatslowdrops，asthoughtheskyalsowept，andwiththeraincamelightningandtherollofthunder。
Chakalistened，andlargetearscourseddownhischeeks，whoseheartwaseasilystirredbythesoundofsong。Nowtherainhissedfiercely，makingasitwereacurtainaboutthethousandsofthepeople；butstilltheircrywentupthroughtherain，andtherollofthethunderwaslostinit。Presentlytherecameahush，andIlookedtotheright。There，abovetheheadsofthepeople，comingoverthebrowofthehill，weretheplumesofwarriors，andintheirhandsgleamedahedgeofspears。Ilookedtotheleft；therealsoIsawtheplumesofwarriorsdimlythroughthefallingrain，andintheirhandsahedgeofspears。Ilookedbeforeme，towardstheendofthecleft；therealsoloomedtheplumesofwarriors，andintheirhandswasahedgeofspears。
Then，fromallthepeopletherearoseanothercry，acryofterrorandofagony。
“Ah！nowtheymournindeed，Mopo，“saidChakainmyear；“nowthypeoplemournfromtheheartandnotwiththelipsalone。“
Ashespokethemultitudeofthepeopleoneithersideoftheriftsurgedforwardlikeawave，surgedbackagain，oncemoresurgedforward，then，withadreadfulcrying，drivenonbythemercilessspearsofthesoldiers，theybegantofallinatorrentofmen，women，andchildren，farintotheblackdepthsbelow。
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Myfather，forgivemethetearsthatfallfromtheseblindeyesofmine；Iamveryaged，Iambutasalittlechild，andasalittlechildIweep。Icannottellit。Atlastitwasdone，andallgrewstill。
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ThuswasMakedamaburiedbeneaththebodiesofhispeople；thuswasendedthetribeoftheLangeni；asmymotherhaddreamed，soitcameabout；andthusdidChakatakevengeanceforthatcupofmilkwhichwasrefusedtohimmanyayearbefore。
“Thouhastnotwonthybet，Mopo，“saidthekingpresently。“Seethereisalittlespacewhereonemoremayfindroomtosleep。Fulltothebrimisthiscorn-chamberwiththeearsofdeath，inwhichnolivinggrainisleft。Yetthereisonelittlespace，andistherenotonetofillit？AreallthetribeoftheLangenideadindeed？“
“Thereisone，OKing！“Ianswered。“IamofthetribeoftheLangeni，letmycarcasefilltheplace。“
“Nay，Mopo，nay！Whothenshouldtakethebet？Moreover，Islaytheenot，foritisagainstmyoath。Also，dowenotmourntogether，thouandI？“
“ThereisnootherleftlivingofthetribeoftheLangeni，OKing！
Thebetislost；itshallbepaid。“
“Ithinkthatthereisanother，“saidChaka。“Thereisasistertotheeandme，Mopo。Ah，see，shecomes！“
Ilookedup，myfather，andIsawthis:IsawBaleka，mysister，walkingtowardsus，andonhershoulderswasakarossofwild-catskins，andbehindherweretwosoldiers。Shewalkedproudly，holdingherheadhigh，andherstepwaslikethestepofaqueen。Nowshesawthesightofdeath，forthedeadlaybeforeherlikeblackwaterinasunlesspool。Amomentshestoodshivering，havingguessedall，thenwalkedonandstoodbeforeChaka。
“Whatisthywillwithme，OKing？“shesaid。
“Thouartcomeinagoodhour，sister，“saidChaka，turninghiseyesfromhers。“Itisthus:Mopo，myservantandthybrother，madeabetwithme，abetofcattle。Itwasalittlematterthatwewageredon——
astowhetherthepeopleoftheLangenitribe——thineowntribe，Baleka，mysister——wouldfillyonderplace，U\'Donga-lu-ka-Tatiyana。
Whentheyheardofthebet，mysister，thepeopleoftheLangenihurledthemselvesintotheriftbythousands，beingeagertoputthemattertotheproof。Andnowitseemsthatthybrotherhaslostthebet，forthereisyetplaceforoneyondererethedongaisfull。
Then，mysister，thybrotherMopobroughtittomymindthattherewasstilloneoftheLangenitribeleftupontheearth，who，shouldshesleepinthatplace，wouldturnthebetinhisfavour，andprayedmetosendforher。So，mysister，asIwouldnottakethatwhichIhavenotwon，Ihavedoneso，andnowdothougoapartandtalkwithMopo，thybrother，aloneuponthismatter，asoncebeforethoudidsttalkwhenachildwasborntothee，mysister！“
NowBalekatooknoheedofthewordsofChakawhichhespokeofme，forsheknewhismeaningwell。Onlyshelookedhimintheeyesandsaid:——
“Illshaltthousleepfromthisnightforth，Chaka，tillthoucomesttoalandwherenosleepis。Ihavespoken。“
Chakasawandheard，andofasuddenhequailed，growingafraidinhisheart，andturnedhisheadaway。
“Mopo，mybrother，“saidBaleka，“letusspeaktogetherforthelasttime；itistheking\'sword。“
SoIdrewapartwithBaleka，mysister，andaspearwasinmyhand。WestoodtogetheralonebythepeopleofthedeadandBalekathrewthecornerofthekarossaboutherbrowsandspoketomeswiftlyfrombeneathitsshadow。
