thrashing. I can't give my people lines because
they can't write, and a thrashed man does wrong again, but a killed man,
never. If I stopped killing, I should stop being King, for it would
mean that. But--who is he?" pointing towards Oakley.

"A friend I rescued in rather a strange manner. I'll call him." And he
started towards Oakley, all making way before him now, so great was the
general amazement. And he had a purpose in this move.

"Oakley," he said hurriedly, and in an undertone. "For your very life,
don't let go you're related to Nick, or that you ever so much as heard
of him. Be careful. I'll tell you after."

Then to Oakley's astonishment the King began to converse with him in
fluent English, and he, listening, thought it was a lucky day for
Haviland the day he punched Jarnley's head for bullying the new boy at
Saint Kirwin's, whom the missionary's well-intentioned zeal had placed
at that seat of learning--a lucky day for himself, too. But quick to
grasp Haviland's warning, he was nothing if not non-committal.

"Ha!" chuckled Umnovunovu, erewhile Anthony. "They thought to make me
Umfundisi [Missionary], but it suits me better to be a King."

Later, he told Haviland of all his vicissitudes since the scheme for his
education and civilisation had failed, also how he came to be installed
on the Inswani throne in succession to his father, but it was a long and
intricate history, full of strange and startling plottings and
developments, and in no wise material to this narrative--later, we
repeat, this was revealed, but not then. For then happened one of those
very occurrences which the young despot claimed to justify him in the
savage severities for which his white friend had been taking him to
task, and the prime mover therein was Dumaliso.

Whether it was that the chief had really resolved upon a _coup d'etat_
or was acting upon one of those irresponsible impulses to which savages
are so liable, he now rushed forward, waving his great assegai, and
shouting in stentorian tones that the King was bewitched by these white
people, and that it was time to make an end of them. A frantic uproar
greeted his words, and blades flashed in ominous manner. But Umnovunovu
hesitated not a moment. Drawing his towering stature to its full
height, he gazed for one second with that terrible gaze of his upon the
excited multitude, then there was a rush and a spring and he was upon
Dumaliso, and the great spear was s