amed the Red Death had broken forth.

As I strode across the centre space--the domes of the encircling huts
looming shadowy through the mist--Maqandi himself came forth to meet me.
Yet although showing me this mark of deference, I liked not his manner,
which was sullen, and somewhat lacking in the respect due from an
inferior and disgraced chief towards one who dwelt at the right hand of
the King, and who was, moreover, the second in command of the King's
army. But it seemed to me that fear was in his mind, for he could not
think that an induna of my rank would arrive alone, attended by one
slave, and I think he expected every moment the signal which should
bring my followers swarming into the kraal to put him and his to the
assegai and his possessions to the flames.

"What is the will of the Great Great One, son of Ntelani?" he said, as
we sat together within his hut alone. "_Hau_! I am an old man now, and
troubles grow thick on every side. I have no people, and am but
taskmaster over a set of miserable slaves--I, who fought with the
assegai and led warriors to victory at the Place of the Three Rifts,
even as you did yourself, Untuswa. Yes, troubles are upon me on every
side, and I would fain sit down at rest within the Dark Unknown."

I looked at Maqandi, and I pitied him. He had, indeed, grown old since
we had fought together in that great battle. His face was lined and his
beard had grown grey; and his hair--which, being in some measure in
disgrace, he had neglected to shave--seemed quite white against the
blackness of his head-ring. Yet with all his desire to sleep the sleep
of death, there was in his eyes a look of fear; such a look as may be
descried in the faces of those to whom the witch-finder's rod draws very
near. Yes, I pitied him.

"The will of the Great Great One is not with thee for the present,
Maqandi," I said, desiring to reassure him. "Now, hearken, and give me
such aid as I need, and it may be that the head-ring of the son of Mahlu
may yet shine once more in its place among the nation."

"Ha! Sayest thou so, holder of the White Shield?" he answered quickly,
a look of joy lighting up his face. "Is not all I have at the disposal
of the second induna of the King?"

"That is rightly said, Maqandi," I replied. "For never yet did I fail
those who did well by me. And now we will talk."

I unfolded my plan to the chief over the ironworkers, and as I did so
his face grew sad and heavy ag