r Umbezi, and even Masapo's
headmen, seemed paralysed with surprise, he stalked through the kraal
gate, saying as he passed me:

"Inkoosi, I have words for you when you are at liberty."

"You shall pay for this," roared Umbezi after him, turning almost green
with rage, for Masapo still lay upon his broad back, speechless, "you
who dare to insult my guest in my own house."

"Somebody must pay," cried back Saduko from the gate, "but who it is
only the unborn moons will see."

"Mameena," I said as I followed him, "you have set fire to the grass,
and men will be burned in it."

"I meant to, Macumazahn," she answered calmly. "Did I not tell you
that there was a flame in me, and it will break out sometimes? But,
Macumazahn, it is you who have set fire to the grass, not I. Remember
that when half Zululand is in ashes. Farewell, O Macumazana, till we
meet again, and," she added softly, "whoever else must burn, may the
spirits have _you_ in their keeping."

At the gate, remembering my manners, I turned to bid that company a
polite farewell. By now Masapo had gained his feet, and was roaring out
like a bull:

"Kill him! Kill the hyena! Umbezi, will you sit still and see me, your
guest--me, Masapo--struck and insulted under the shadow of your own hut?
Go forth and kill him, I say!"

"Why not kill him yourself, Masapo," asked the agitated Umbezi, "or
bid your headmen kill him? Who am I that I should take precedence of
so great a chief in a matter of the spear?" Then he turned towards me,
saying: "Oh, Macumazahn the crafty, if I have dealt well by you, come
here and give me your counsel."

"I come, Eater-up-of-Elephants," I answered, and I did.

"What shall I do--what shall I do?" went on Umbezi, brushing the
perspiration off his brow with one hand, while he wrung the other in his
agitation. "There stands a friend of mine"--he pointed to the infuriated
Masapo--"who wishes me to kill another friend of mine," and he jerked
his thumb towards the kraal gate. "If I refuse I offend one friend,
and if I consent I bring blood upon my hands which will call for blood,
since, although Saduko is poor, without doubt he has those who love
him."

"Yes," I answered, "and perhaps you will bring blood upon other parts of
yourself besides your hands, since Saduko is not one to sit still like a
sheep while his throat is cut. Also did he not say that he is not quite
alone? Umbezi, if you will take my advice, you will leave Masapo to do
hi