E AXE

Now, when Umslopogaas and Jikiza the Unconquered had come to the cattle
kraal, they were set in its centre and there were ten paces between
them. Umslopogaas was armed with the great shield and the light
moon-shaped axe, Jikiza carried the Groan-Maker and a small dancing
shield, and, looking at the weapons of the two, people thought that the
stranger would furnish no sport to the holder of the axe.

"He is ill-armed," said an old man, "it should be otherwise--large axe,
small shield. Jikiza is unconquerable, and the big shield will not help
this long-legged stranger when Groan-Maker rattles on the buffalo hide."
The old man spoke thus in the hearing of Galazi the Wolf, and Galazi
thought that he spoke wisely, and sorrowed for the fate of his brother.

Now, the word was given, and Jikiza rushed on Umslopogaas, roaring, for
his rage was great. But Umslopogaas did not stir till his foe was about
to strike, then suddenly he leaped aside, and as Jikiza passed he smote
him hard upon the back with the flat of his axe, making a great sound,
for it was not his plan to try and kill Jikiza with this axe. Now,
a shout of laughter went up from the hundreds of the people, and the
laughter went up from the hundreds of the people, and the heart of
Jikiza nearly burst with rage because of the shame of that blow. Round
he came like a bull that is mad, and once more rushed at Umslopogaas,
who lifted his shield to meet him. Then, of a sudden, just when the
great axe leapt on high, Umslopogaas uttered a cry as of fear, and,
turning, fled before the face of Jikiza. Now once more the shout of
laughter went up, while Umslopogaas fled swiftly, and after him rushed
Jikiza, blind with fury. Round and about the kraal sped Umslopogaas,
scarcely a spear's length ahead of Jikiza, and he ran keeping his
back to the sun as much as might be, that he might watch the shadow of
Jikiza. A second time he sped round, while the people cheered the
chase as hunters cheer a dog which pursues a buck. So cunningly did
Umslopogaas run, that, though he seemed to reel with weakness in such
fashion that men thought his breath was gone, yet he went ever faster
and faster, drawing Jikiza after him.

Now, when Umslopogaas knew by the breathing of his foe and by the
staggering of his shadow that his strength was spent, suddenly he made
as though he were about to fall himself, and stumbled out of the path
far to the right, and as he stumbled he let drop his great