Instinctively
the band came to a halt. The apparition was patent of two
interpretations. Either it meant a police patrol, and if so, their own
presence here at such an hour was somewhat suspicious. Or, well, it was
a thing of _tagati_, for, as we have said, the forest was a place to be
avoided at night, and no one but themselves would have been likely to
come into it.

"Go forward, my children," commanded Sapazani, who had been walking
behind. "We will rest by yon fire."

They were astonished, but made no remark. Just before they reached it
the chief gave a rapid order in a low undertone to a couple of young men
who were nearest to him. These again had to conceal their astonishment,
which was great.

A few minutes more and they arrived at the fire, beside which two men
were squatting. No sooner was the party well within the circle of light
than these sprang up, and threw themselves upon one of the new arrivals.
Two more came to their aid, and in a moment the assailed one, in spite
of his powerful struggles, was borne to the earth and securely tied.
Again astonishment was the part of most of the onlookers, but their
father and chief was present. The matter rested with him. The bound
man lay, his eyes starting from his head, a picture of amazement
combined with fear. Sapazani stood gazing down upon him in silence.

"Why art thou afraid, Sebela?" he said in an even tone.

"_Nkose_! I am afraid because I seem to have come under the frown of my
father and chief," answered the man. "But I have done no wrong."

"No wrong? _Hau_! And is treachery no wrong?" said the chief, his tone
now stern and denunciatory.

"Treachery? Now has some evil person been poisoning the ears of my
father," replied the prisoner, who fully realised the desperate strait
he was in. "I would like to see that person."

"Evil person, indeed; but he did not live long after his treachery had
been found out. But he was a Kafula, and thou, Sebela, art one of
ourselves. _Whau_, Sebela!"

"_Whau_, Sebela!" roared the squatting group in abhorrent contempt.

"But if he is dead he cannot speak now, my father," pleaded the other,
grasping at a straw. "It is only the word of one man, and he is a
liar."

"We shall see. First of all, what is the name of the other man who was
with thee at Ezulwini?"

"Now it is of some one else my father is talking. Not for a long time
past have I been at Ezulwini, and then it was alone," was the an