red me severely on the sins of bloodthirstiness
and a desire for revenge. So, finding that we looked at things
differently, and that it was of no use wasting breath in argument, I
wished him and his people good-bye and good fortune and went upon my
way, little guessing how we should meet again.

An hour later we trekked. Passing by the accursed hill, Hloma Amabutu,
where I saw some gorged vultures sleeping on the rocks, we came to the
gate of the Great Kraal. Here, to my surprise, I saw Dingaan with some
of his councillors and an armed guard of over a hundred men, seated
under the shade of two big milk trees. Fearing treachery, I halted the
wagons and advised the Boers to load their rifles and be ready for the
worst. A minute or so later young Thomas Halstead arrived and told me
that Dingaan wished to speak with us. I asked him if that meant that we
were to be killed. He answered, "No, you are quite safe." The king had
received some news that had put him in a good humour with the white
people, and he desired to bid us farewell, that was all.

So we trekked boldly to where Dingaan was, and, stopping the wagons,
went up to him in a body. He greeted us kindly enough, and even gave me
his fat hand to shake.

"Macumazahn," he said, "although it has cost me many oxen, I am glad
that your magic prevailed yesterday. Had it not done so I should have
killed all these your friends, which would have been a cause of war
between me and the Amaboona. Now, this morning I have learned that these
Amaboona are sending a friendly embassy to me under one of their great
chiefs, and I think that you will meet them on the road. I charge you,
therefore, to tell them to come on, having no fear, as I will receive
them well and listen to all they have to say."

I answered that I would do so.

"Good," he replied. "I am sending twelve head of cattle with you, six
of them for your food during your journey, and six as a present to the
embassy of the Amaboona. Also Kambula, my captain, has charge to see you
safely over the Tugela River."

I thanked him and turned to go, when suddenly his eye fell upon Marie,
who, foolishly enough, took this opportunity to advance from among the
others and speak to me about something--I forget what.

"Macumazahn, is that the maiden of whom you spoke to me?" asked Dingaan;
"she whom you are going to marry?"

I answered, "Yes."

"By the head of the Black One," he exclaimed, "she is very fair. Will
you not make