n sixty their footsteps had
died away. Then the figure wheeled slowly round and by the
strengthening light I perceived that a spear transfixed its
breast.

As it sank to the ground I ran up to it. It was Nombe with her
face and arms whitened and her life-blood running down the
glittering feather robe.

CHAPTER XXII

THE MADNESS OF NOMBE

The dog reached Nombe first and began to lick her face, its
tongue removing patches of the white which had not had time to
dry. She was lying, her back supported by one of the boulders.
With her left hand she patted the dog's head feebly and with her
right drew out the assegai from her body, letting it fall upon
the ground. Recognizing me she smiled in her usual mysterious
fashion and said--

"All is well, Macumazahn, all is very well. I have deserved to
die and I do not die in vain."

"Don't talk, let me see your wound," I exclaimed.

She opened her robe and pointed; it was quite a small gash
beneath the breast from which blood ebbed slowly.

"Let it be, Macumazahn," she said. "I am bleeding inside and it
is mortal. But I shall not die yet. Listen to me while I have
my mind. Yesterday when Mauriti and Heddana went up to the plain
I wished to go with them because I had news that Zulus were
wandering everywhere and thought that I might be able to protect
my mistress from danger. Mauriti spoke to me roughly, telling me
that I was not wanted. Of that I thought little, for to such
words I am accustomed from him; moreover, they are to be forgiven
to a man in love. But it did not end there, for my lady Heddana
also pierced me with her tongue, which hurt more than this spear
thrust does, Macumazahn, for I could see that her speech had been
prepared and that she took this chance to throw it at me. She
said that I did not know where I should sit; that I was a thorn
beneath her nail, and that whenever she wished to talk with
Mauriti, or with you, Macumazahn, I was ever there with my ear
open like the mouth of a gourd. She commanded me in future to
come only when I was called; all of which things I am sure
Mauriti had taught her, who in herself is too gentle even to
think them--unless you taught her, Macumazahn."

I shook my head and she went on--

"No, it was not you who also are too gentle, and having suffered
yourself, can feel for those who suffer, which Mauriti who has
never suffered cannot do. Still, you too thought me a trouble,
one that sti