eerpots and mats
in such a position that my head, over which I set a three-legged
carved stool of Zikali's own cutting, was but a few inches to the
left of the door-hole and therefore in the deepest of the
shadows. Thence by stretching out my neck a little, I could see
through the hole, also hear all that passed outside. Unless a
deliberate search of the hut should be made I was fairly safe
from observation, even if it were entered by strangers. One fear
I had, however, it was lest the dog Lost should get into the
place and smell me out. I had left him tied to the centre pole
in my own hut, because he hated Zikali and always growled at him.
But suppose he gnawed through the cord, or any one let him loose!

Scarcely had Zikali seated himself in his accustomed place before
the hut, than the gate of the outer fence opened and approaching
through it I saw forty or fifty fierce and way-worn men. In
front of them, riding on a tired horse that was led by a servant,
was Cetewayo himself. He was assisted to dismount, or rather
threw his great bulk into the arms that were waiting to receive
him.

Then after some words with his following and with one of Zikali's
people, followed by three or four indunas and leaning on the arm
of Umnyamana, the Prime Minister, he entered the enclosure, the
rest remaining without. Zikali, who sat as though asleep,
suddenly appeared to wake up and perceive him. Struggling to his
feet he lifted his right arm and gave the royal salute of Bayete,
and with it titles of praise, such as "Black One!" "Elephant!"
"Earth-Shaker!" "Conqueror!" "Eater-up of the White men!" "Child
of the Wild Beast (Chaka) whose teeth are sharper than the Wild
Beast's ever were!" and so on, until Cetewayo, growing
impatient, cried out--

"Be silent, Wizard. Is this a time for fine words? Do you not
know my case that you offend my ears with them? Give us food to
eat if you have it, after which I would speak with you alone. Be
swift also; here I may not stay for long, since the white dogs
are at my heels."

"I knew that you were coming, O King, to honour my poor house
with a visit," said Zikali slowly, "and therefore the ox is
already killed and the meat will soon be on the fire. Meanwhile
drink a sup of beer, and rest."

He clapped his hands, whereon Nombe and some servants appeared
with pots of beer, of which, after Zikali had tasted it to show
that it was not poisoned, the king and his people drank
thirst