EW AND GREAT.

Now, time went by, and of Lalusini I saw nothing, nor could I find
opportunity of speaking with her alone. I was greatly troubled in mind,
too; for I thought the King desired her--he who cared not usually about
women--and my days were heavy and my dreams dark.

We were seated alone, the King and I. We had been talking over many
things, as our way was; for Umzilikazi seemed to trust me more and more,
till it was whispered that I had become the most powerful man in the
nation, young as I was--more powerful than Mcumbete, the chief _induna_,
or even than Kalipe, the commander of the army. As we sat thus, the
King said--

"It seems to me, son of Ntelani, that we have sorcerers enough and to
spare. Now this one which came last among us is one too many.
Wherefore, as she is young and well-favoured, I will take her to wife,
so shall she practise sorcery no more."

Here was a dark curtain for my eyes--I, who loved Lalusini. But I only
answered that it was good--that the small wishes of the King were the
great ones of his children.

"That is well said, Untuswa! Go now, and bring hither this sorceress,
that she may learn to what great end she was born."

I saluted, and, going forth, proceeded straight to Lalusini's hut,
sending in women to tell her the Great Great One desired speech with
her. Then I returned to the King, fearing to be alone with Lalusini,
lest I should by word or look betray myself--betray us both. And as I
went I remembered her words, spoken first in the hiding-place up yonder,
on the mountain of death: "There is that by which even Umzilikazi dare
not wed me." What was behind this saying? For a matter which should
come between the King and his will must indeed be weighty--nothing less
than one of life or death.

Lalusini stood before the King, royal in the stately splendour of her
beauty; her large eyes smiling down upon him as she uttered the _Bayete_
in a voice like the murmuring of trees, yet not bending over much.

"_Whau_! It shall be so!" I heard him mutter, after gazing at her for
a short space in silence and admiration.

"Hearken, my sister!" he said aloud. "Among this people there are
sorcerers and diviners enough already. And now thou art another of
them--yet thy _muti_ is great."

"Would the King sit here to-day, but for that _muti_?" she answered.
"Here or on a darker seat? Yet it matters not that I should wander
again if I am to find no resting-place among t