ace, and wearing as complete an air of
nonchalance as I was able to assume under the somewhat disconcerting
circumstances. During my progress through the town I glanced right and
left about me from time to time, but saw not a solitary man in any of
the narrow lanes between the huts--they were evidently all congregated
in the great square in the centre of the town; but here and there I
caught a passing glimpse of a woman or two, or a little group of
children, peering curiously at me from the interior of the huts as I
passed. Finally, I reached the junction of the square with the street
which I was traversing, and, dismounting, turned over my horse to the
care of a lad of about fourteen, directing the umfaan to lead the animal
into the shadow of a certain hut which I indicated, and there carefully
hold him by the bridle until I should return. Then, on foot, I passed
through a narrow gap in a solid phalanx of warriors, and found myself in
the square, with Mapela waiting to conduct me to the place which had
been assigned to me, and from which I was unwillingly to witness the
forthcoming spectacle.

Imposing as had been the scene in the great square on the preceding day,
it was as nothing compared to what I now beheld; for, with the exception
of a small open space about one hundred feet in diameter in the
north-west corner of the square, the vast quadrangle was literally
packed with warriors, all in full war equipment, regiment after regiment
being drawn up in such close order that there was only a narrow space of
less than a yard in width between the ranks. As Mapela conducted me
through the serried ranks I idly wondered what these narrow spaces were
for. I was to learn their purpose all too soon.

"I am glad that thou hast come, Chia'gnosi," murmured my companion in my
ear, as we made our way slowly toward the small open space.
"Nevertheless, I say unto thee, be watchful, and do nothing that may by
any chance anger the Great, Great One, for he is in a black mood
to-day--why, I know not--and when the king frowns it means death! This
is thy place," indicating a stool placed close to the king's empty
throne. "Stand here until the king is seated, for it is not lawful for
any man to sit until he is bidden to do so by the king. Farewell!"

So saying, Mapela saluted and withdrew, making his way toward the
regiment of which he was induna.

And now, left absolutely to myself in that vast space, I became acutely
consciou