warriors, the doctors, the councillors, even all those who had
authority were invited.

The discussion was lively, and had a newspaper reporter who understood
Kituta polysyllables been there, I doubt not he would have been as much
edified as he would be elsewhere amongst councils. "How is
Katalambula's village to be taken? How is Kalulu to be ousted out of
his right? How are the warriors in the village to be brought to
submission to Ferodia, if they have made Kalulu king?" were the
questions to be answered.

One chief suggested that Ferodia should visit Kalulu, and offer him the
hand of friendship, and in the night rise up and slay; another, that
Kalulu should be invited for a grand elephant hunt: when in the woods
the young King might be easily disposed of; another, that he should be
invited to Ferodia's country, to celebrate his coming to power, when he
could be poisoned by the doctors--in short, all things were suggested to
aid the daring conspirators to deprive Kalulu of his rights.

"Tifum, what dost thou advise? Thou art cunning as a phizi (hyaena),
chary of thy speech as the flying-cat is of its form, wise as a lord of
an elephant herd, but cruel as the sable leopard; which letteth not go
whatever it seizes upon. Thou art invaluable to me, O Tifum; therefore
speak, and give thy chief counsel," said Ferodia.

Being commanded to speak, Tifum the Wicked rose and said:

"Words, words! Who is like unto Forodia in wisdom? He searches the
heart, and penetrates to the hidden and unspoken thoughts. Ferodia
knows that Tifum the Wicked can give him counsel, and he forthwith
commands him to speak. Who is like unto Ferodia in the battle? He
rages about the war-field, seeking the strong arm and the brave with
whom he may measure his strength. His feet lift him from point to
point, swift as the swiftest quagga in the forest. He springs aloft
with his ever-thirsty spear, seeking to drink the blood of the
strongest. When his voice is heard his foes stand abashed, as if the
roaring lion had come into the fight. I, Tifum the Wicked, have seen
him oft in the war, and Tifum knows whereof he speaks. Ferodia the
chief commands Tifum to give him counsel. My counsel is this, O chief.
Katalambula's village is strong--the warriors are many--the palisade is
lofty and close, and the villages round about are more than can be
counted. Ferodia's tribe is small and weak; it is like a handful of
sand compared to the sand of