loss of Lalusini, and I still had two remaining. But
she who had disappeared was that same girl who had been by my side what
time I had dreamed; and she, too, had awakened in fear, declaring that a
vision had passed through the hut, and I thought that the disappearance
of this one, rather than that of the other two, augured ill--how, I knew
not.

As the days went by, the gloom that lay upon the mind of the King
deepened, and herein the _izanusi_--ever eager for blood, or for gain--
saw their opportunity. The wizardry which had wrought ill for our arms
must be removed. So there was "smelling out," and many were killed; but
still the invaders did not melt away in fear, as the witch doctors had
promised. On the contrary, they grew stronger; for others crossed
Kwahlamba to join them.

Then the _izanusi_ declared they had seen other visions--had received a
new and important revelation, to the effect that the workers of _tagati_
had not yet been discovered, but should be by an entirely new method.
But Dingane was becoming weary of them and their trickeries. He sent
for Tola, the chief of the _izanusi_, and roundly told him to use what
methods he liked, but if his prophecies fell short of fulfilment this
time death should be his reward.

The land seemed shaken by a shudder of ill-ease. The warriors were
growing impatient once more to be sent against the Amabuna, but the
counsels of Umhlela, that we should wait for our enemies to make the
first move--as they surely would--prevailed. So when the word went
forth that all were to assemble at Nkunkundhlovu for a great
witch-finding, an eagerness of relief went through all; for now we would
see what the new method, as announced by the _izanusi_, would bring
forth.

Many a "smelling out" had I witnessed, _Nkose_, as you know, and the
truth was, I hated them. I had been too much among the heads of the
nation not to know what their real object was, however much the common
people might be deceived, and believe--or pretend to--in the power of
the _izanusi_. I had known but two real magicians in my life--Masuka,
the old Mosutu, and Lalusini, my sorceress wife--and these used not
their powers to destroy any, save real evil-doers; never to take the
lives of brave men for the sake of gain or malice. All others I knew to
be jugglers and impostors, and that Tola and his following were of this
order I had long since determined. So there was no eagerness in my mind
as on the day