, and in most I read expressions of sorrow,
especially among those of my own age, for although some of the older men
regarded me with jealousy, I was well liked among my companions in arms;
and the daring magnitude of my offence had struck them with admiration.
Beyond the ring-fence in the background, where stood the huts, heads of
women clustered thickly, and even they forgot to use their tongues in
the intense excitement of the moment. All this I took in, so that it
would remain stamped upon my brain as long as the power of thought
should be left. Then I was standing before the King, and raising my
hand, I cried `_Bayete_.' and bent low before him.

"Umzilikazi was seated at the upper end of the open space, a semicircle
of _indunas_ around him. Close beside him, however, squatted the old
Mosutu witch-doctor, whose piercing, beady eyes met my glance with a
most indescribable expression, the meaning of which I was utterly at a
loss to read. I noticed, farther, that Nangeza was not present; but
this was only to be expected. When she had been led off by the guard of
women, I never expected to behold her face again. Her doom would take
place privately. It was only mine--as a necessary warning to those of
my own age and standing--that would be pronounced and carried out in the
sight of the nation. The great space, as I said, was crowded with dense
masses of people; but, except a small body of armed warriors in
attendance on the King, all carried sticks only.

"The King's eyes were fixed upon me, and in them I read no hope; indeed,
not one spark of hope had kindled in my heart from the moment of our
capture. Then Umzilikazi spoke:

"`Draw near, son of Ntelani! Welcome, son of Ntelani!' he said,
speaking soft and pleasantly, but in that most terrible voice of all--
even that mocking, bitter voice of his. `So thou art returned once
more? The calf has again returned to the kraal? Welcome, wanderer!'

"`I lie beneath the foot of the Black Elephant,' I answered.

"`Ha! But thou art an Elephant which is blacker still. Hail, Untuswa,
builder up of a new nation! Hail, thou mightiest of all kings! Cry him
the "_Bayete_," my children! Praise him, ye _izimbonga_! What! Have
ye no titles for Untuswa, the would-be King--the great King of Nowhere?'
And, as he looked from side to side, some of the old men mumbled out
certain of the royal titles at me in mockery; but most of those present
were silent, being filled wi