wilight, and above the domed huts rose many a smoke reek.

"What a strange rock that is," remarked Gerard, referring to the great
solitary pyramid which we have already described, and which, looming out
in its isolation, seemed to gain in size. "What is it called?"

"It is called _Izinyo_--`The Tooth,'" answered Vunawayo, after a
momentary hesitation on the part of any one to reply.

"That is a strange name," said Gerard. "Is it so-called because of its
shape?"

"And because _it eats_."

"It eats!" echoed Gerard, mystified. "How? What does it eat?"

"Wizards, and--other people," said Vunawayo, darkly. And both Gerard
and Dawes thought they saw more than one significant look exchanged, and
both remembered the muttered remark of their informant while they were
chaffering over the lion's skin. That remark stood now explained, and
in a very grim and boding sense did the explanation strike them.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note 1. The salute royal, only accorded to the king, as distinct from
the "Inkose" or "Baba" ("Chief Father"), employed in hailing a lesser
potentate.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN.

"THE TOOTH."

In announcing his hearty desire to bid good-bye to the Igazipuza kraal
as soon as possible, John Dawes had stated no more than the barest
truth, but its fulfilment seemed destined to be postponed indefinitely,
failing the conversion to his views of the Igazipuza themselves. They,
apparently, did not share his aspiration. They were not nearly so
anxious to part with him as he was to part with them, and objected most
strenuously to all and every suggestion to that end. In sum, he and his
companion and servants, and all their possessions, were practically
prisoners. Ingonyama's motives in thus holding them in restraint they
were up till now at a loss to fathom. It was not trade, for they had
long since bartered everything negotiable. It certainly was not
friendship, for the chief's manner had become sullen and distrustful,
not to say gruff. John Dawes, who understood natives thoroughly, and
knew that they are nothing if not practical, confessed himself utterly
baffled, failing a motive.

Once they had actually inspanned, but before they had trekked half a
mile from the kraal they were met by a large force of armed warriors,
and deliberately turned back. There was no help for it. Might was
right, and comply they must. But, after that, under pretence