eying, and knew little of what
they saw or said. Then he, Galazi, and Nada and passed through the
opening on to the plain beyond.

Here the Slaughterer and the Lily bade each other farewell, while Galazi
watched, and presently the Wolf saw Umslopogaas return as one who is
heavy at heart, and caught sight of the Lily skimming across the plain
lightly like a swallow.

"I do not know when we two shall meet again," said Umslopogaas so soon
as she had melted into the shadows of the night.

"May you never meet," answered Galazi, "for I am sure that if you meet
that sister of yours will bring death on many more than those who now
lie low because of her loveliness. She is a Star of Death, and when she
sets the sky shall be blood red."

Umslopogaas did not answer, but walked slowly through the archway in the
mountain side.

"How is this, chief?" said he who was captain of the guard. "Three went
out, but only two return."

"Fool!" answered Umslopogaas. "Are you drunk with Halakazi beer, or
blind with sleep? Two went out, and two return. I sent him who was with
us back to the camp."

"So be it, father," said the captain. "Two went out, and two return. All
is well!"

CHAPTER XXVII. THE STAMPING OF THE FIRE

On the morrow the impi awoke refreshed with sleep, and, after they had
eaten, Umslopogaas mustered them. Alas! nearly half of those who had
seen the sun of yesterday would wake no more forever. The Slaughterer
mustered them and thanked them for that which they had done, winning
fame and cattle. They were merry, recking little of those who were dead,
and sang his praises and the praises of Galazi in a loud song. When the
song was ended Umslopogaas spoke to them again, saying that the victory
was great, and the cattle they had won were countless. Yet something was
lacking--she was lacking whom he came to seek to be a gift to Dingaan
the king, and for whose sake this war was made. Where now was the Lily?
Yesterday she had been here, clad in a moocha like a man and bearing a
shield; this he knew from the captives. Where, then, was she now?

Then all the soldiers said that they had seen nothing of her. When
they had done, Galazi spoke a word, as was agreed between him and
Umslopogaas. He said that when they stormed the cave he had seen a man
run at a warrior in the cave to kill him. Then as he came, he who was
about to be slain threw down the shield and cried for mercy, and Galazi
knew that this was no warrior of the