charged?"

"With no message am I charged, Father of the World," I answered. "I
desire to _konza_ to the lion of Zulu. That is why I am come hither."

"Ah--ah, Untuswa," said the King softly, putting his head on one side.
"And what hast thou done, away in the North where a new lion roars
alone--that so mighty a warrior, so brave a leader of men, should seek
another king?"

"I have a reason, Serpent of Wisdom, but it is not for the ears of all,"
I said. "One thing, however. It is to the advantage of the House of
Senzangakona that I thus desire to _konza_ to the Elephant whose tread
shaketh the world."

"Thou art a brave man, Untuswa," said the King, "but I think thou
surpassest thyself in coming hither with that tale. However, I will
hear it, and that shortly. And now, Nomapela, bring hither thy
captives, for I would see them."

The women, to the number of a score and a half, were marched up before
the King, and lay prone on their faces in fear; howbeit some, who were
young and pretty, and well rounded, did not fear to look slily through
their fingers, calculating their chances of obtaining more or less
ascendency within the _isigodhlo_, for Dingane loved women much, though
he would never take onto himself wives, lest there should be strife as
to the succession.

"_Whau_! they are an ugly lot," I heard him mutter. "Nevertheless, she
will do--and she--and she--and she," pointing at four of them with his
short-handled assegai. "For the rest, I want them not. You, Nomapela
and Mfulwana, and all who have led the _impi_, can choose two or three
apiece, and if any remain let Untuswa here take them; for it is not meet
that a warrior of his standing should come among us and have no wives."

We all shouted aloud in praise of the King's generosity, and just then
two of the women whom Dingane had chosen faltered forth that they had
small children with them.

"Children, have ye?" said Dingane softly. "Then they and ye must part,
for my peace cannot be disturbed with screaming. Fear not, my sisters,
they shall be well cared for--ah, yes--well cared for." And the women
said no more, for although they knew what sort of "care" would be meted
out to their offspring, they themselves had no desire to travel into the
Dark Unknown--wherefore they uttered no further word.

Then the King retired, amid shouts of praise from all there, and
I--_Whau_! in but a short space I found myself occupying a fine hut
within the great