gue, hatred and fury were in my heart--the former begotten of
those mocking words, the latter of bitter and galling disappointment. I
had distinguished myself as surely no young warrior had ever done
before. I had gone singlehanded and alone into the midst of swarming
enemies, and had saved the day to our _impi_ on the point of defeat. I
had, in sparing the Mosutu witch-doctor, performed an act which was
gratifying to the King, and when I claimed credit for it, he had curtly
given me to understand that I was a fool. I had made an enemy of a
powerful _induna_ rather than forego one hair's-breadth of my claim to
distinction. All this I had done deeming my reward near at hand, and
sure; but the King had mocked me, and driven me forth with jeering
laughter. Well, whether he knew everything or not, death could come but
once, and the enjoyment of life was a thing of the present.

"Fired by these thoughts, I sped forth to the place where I knew I
should find Nangeza helping to herd her father's cattle. She was there,
even as I expected, with her little sister, Sitele. I gave her a sign
as I passed--for there were other women within sight and I dared not be
seen speaking with her--and sped on as though I were going to look for
game. But once out of sight of all, I doubled back until I came to a
deep, bushy valley which was cleft by a watercourse, now dry. Here I
sat down and waited; nor was it long before I was joined by Nangeza.

"`Ha! is that you, son of Ntelani!' she cried, pretending surprise in
case our meeting was witnessed. `I have come here to cut firewood,'
showing a thong for tying it in a bundle.

"`There is no one here. We are quite safe, for I have examined the
place well,' I answered, drawing her into a still more hidden spot.
Then I told her all that had happened, and how the King had again
refused my prayer to be allowed to _tunga_. And the worst of it was I
dared not apply again for a long time to come. It would almost
certainly cost me my life to do so.

"`Not that it matters,' I ended sorrowfully. `It seems to me, Nangeza,
that life has no more value--I, who am destined to remain an _umfane_
for ever, to do deeds of valour for which others get all the praise.'

"`I, too, have ill news for thee, Untuswa,' she said. `This day has
_lobola_ been sent to my father's house--for me.'

[Lobola: The price in cattle paid by the intending bridegroom to the
parent or guardian of a girl.]

"`Ha!' I