you are discreet, that you do not shout
from the top of a hut what you hear within it. Now, hearken to me. Our
country is disturbed; we do not all of us love the seed of Senzangakona,
of whom the present king, Panda, is one. For instance, you may know that
we Quabies--for my tribe, the Amansomi, are of that race--suffered at
the spear of Chaka. Well, we think that a time may come when we who live
on shrubs like goats may again browse on tree-tops like giraffes, for
Panda is no strong king, and he has sons who hate each other, one of
whom may need our spears. Do you understand?"

"I understand that you want guns, O Masapo," I answered dryly. "Now, as
to the price and place of delivery."

Then we bargained for a while, but the details of that business
transaction of long ago will interest no one. Indeed, I only mention the
matter to show that Masapo was plotting to bring trouble on the ruling
house, whereof Panda was the representative at that time.

When we had concluded our rather nefarious negotiations, which were to
the effect that I was to receive so many cattle in return for so many
guns, if I could deliver them at a certain spot, namely, Umbezi's kraal,
I returned to the circle where Umbezi, his followers and guests were
sitting, purposing to bid him farewell. By now, however, meat had been
served, and as I was hungry, having had little breakfast that morning,
I stayed to eat. When I had finished my meal, and washed it down with a
draught of tshwala (that is, Kafir beer), I rose to go, but just at that
moment who should walk through the gate but Saduko?

"Piff!" said Mameena, who was standing near me, speaking in a voice that
none but I could hear. "When two bucks meet, what happens, Macumazahn?"

"Sometimes they fight and sometimes one runs away. It depends very much
on the doe," I answered in the same low voice, looking at her.

She shrugged her shoulders, folded her arms beneath her breast, nodded
to Saduko as he passed, then leaned gracefully against the fence and
awaited events.

"Greeting, Umbezi," said Saduko in his proud manner. "I see that you
feast. Am I welcome here?"

"Of course you are always welcome, Saduko," replied Umbezi uneasily,
"although, as it happens, I am entertaining a great man." And he looked
towards Masapo.

"I see," said Saduko, eyeing the strangers. "But which of these may be
the great man? I ask that I may salute him."

"You know well enough, umfokazana" (that is, low fello