uza were the scum.

"It is as I say," went on Sobuza, smiling at his air of incredulity.
"The Great Great One has long borne with this rebellious dog of his, and
these were his words to us, to me Sobuza the son of Panhla, second in
command of the Udhloko, and to Gcopo, the third _induna_ of the
Ngobamakosi," designating the chief at his side, whose magnificent
physique had struck Gerard the moment he arrived--

"`There sits among the mountains in the north, a dog who dares call
himself by my name [Note 1]--who dares to insult the majesty of my state
by his miserable imitation of the same; who gathers around him all the
evil-doers of the nation, and levies tribute from my subjects, and kills
and plunders men of nations between whom and myself there is peace, so
that I am in danger of becoming embroiled by their ill-doings. Moreover
these claim the power of immunity from harm by sundry abominable
practices abhorrent in the eyes of the People of the Heavens, [Note 2.],
and make it their boast that they drink the blood of men. To such
lengths have these _abatagati_ carried their enormities, that not only
is there no longer peace or security for any who dwell near the northern
border on either side thereof, but there is a danger that men may be led
to think this dog greater than his master.

"`Further, this dog who calls himself lion, plots that one day he may
roar where the Lion of the Zulu roars alone. Now shall he feel the
Lion's paw, for the time has come when such disturbances and such
abominations shall cease out of the land.

"`Now, Sobuza, and you Gcopo, pick from the Udhloko and the Ngobamakosi
one thousand of your best warriors, half from each--for I hear these
_abatagati_, who call themselves blood-drinkers, are numerous and hold a
strong place--and go up against them. If they dare to resist _eat them
up_--every man who bears a weapon--otherwise, slay only the dog who
calls himself Ingonyama, also Vunawayo, and all who hold rank or
standing among this pestilent clan. The remainder, with their women and
cattle, drive before you hither. Burn their kraal that no stick or
straw be left, and return here by the sixth day from this. Depart.'

"Such were the words of the king to us, Jeriji. _Whau_! We leaped up
shouting the _bonga_ [Note 3], and that same evening we left Undini, as
you see us. By this time to-morrow there will be nothing left of the
Igazipuza kraal but its smoke, and the vultures of the nort