ext he attacked the
second line, and carried it after heavy fighting, then hurled himself
upon the weakest point of the main fence of the vast kraal. Here it was
that the fray began in earnest, for here Nodwengo was waiting for him.
Thrice the thousands rolled on in the face of a storm of spears, and
thrice they fell back from the wide fence of thorns and the wall of
stone behind it. By now the battle had raged for about an hour and a
half, and it was reported to the king that the first of the women and
children had passed the archway into the valley, and that nearly all of
them were clear of the eastern gate of the town.

"Then it is time that we follow them," said the king, "for if we wait
here until the warriors of Hafela are among us, our retreat will become
a rout and soon there will be none left to follow. Let one company," and
he named it, "hold the fence for a while to give us time to withdraw,
taking the wounded with us."

"We hear you, king," said one of that company, "but our captain is
killed."

"Who among you will take over the command of these men and hold the
breach?" asked Nodwengo of the group of officers about him.

"I, King," answered old Hokosa, lifting his spear, "for I care not
whether I live or die."

"Go to, boaster!" cried another. "Who among us cares whether he lives or
dies when the king commands?"

"That we shall know to-morrow," said Hokosa quietly, and the soldiers
laughed at the retort.

"So be it," said the king, and while silently and swiftly he led off the
regiments, keeping in the shadow of the huts, Hokosa and his hundred
men posted themselves behind the weakened fence and wall. Now, for the
fourth time the attacking regiment came forward grimly, on this occasion
led by the prince himself. As they drew near, Hokosa leapt upon the
wall, and standing there in the bright moonlight where all could see
him, he called to them to halt. Instinctively they obeyed him.

"Is it Hafela whom I see yonder?" he asked.

"Ah! it is I," answered the prince. "What would you with me, wizard and
traitor?"

"This only, Hafela: I would ask you what you seek here?"

"That which you promised me, Hokosa, the crown of my father and certain
other things."

"Then get you back, Hafela, for you shall never win them.. Have I
prophesied falsely to you at any time? Not so--neither do I prophesy
falsely now. Get you back whence you came, and your wolves with you,
else shall you bide here for ever."

"