ppened, and with a shout of
"Treachery!" some hundreds of them leapt into the plain and began to run
towards the koppie to rescue their envoy.

Hokosa heard the shout, and wrenching himself round, beheld them.

"Back!" he cried in a clear, shrill voice. "Back! children of Nodwengo,
and leave me to my fate, for the foe waits for you by thousands behind
the wall!"

A soldier struck him across the mouth, bidding him be silent; but his
warning had come to the ears of Nodwengo, causing him and his warriors
to halt and begin a retreat. It was well that they did so, for seeing
that they would not come on, from under the shelter of the wall and
of every rock and stone soldiers jumped up by companies and charged,
driving them back to their own schanse. But the king's men had the start
of them, and had taken shelter behind it, whence they greeted them with
a volley of spears, killing ten and wounding twice as many more.

Now it was Hokosa's turn to laugh, and laugh he did, saying:--

"My taking is well paid for already, Prince. A score of your best
warriors is a heavy price to give for the carcase of one weary and aging
man. But since I am here among you, captured with so much pain and loss,
tell me of your courtesy why I have been brought."

Then the prince shook his spear at him and cursed him.

"Would you learn, wizard and traitor?" he cried. "We have caught you
because we know well that while you stay yonder your magic counsel will
prevail against our might; whereas, when once we hold you fast, Nodwengo
will wander to his ruin like a blind and moonstruck man, for you were to
him both eyes and brain."

"I understand," said Hokosa calmly. "But, Prince, how if I left my
wisdom behind me?"

"That may not be," answered Hafela, "since even a wizard cannot throw
his thoughts into the heart of another from afar."

"Ah! you think so, Prince. Well, ask Noma yonder if I cannot throw my
thoughts into her heart from afar: though of late I have not chosen
to do so, having put aside such spells. But let it pass, and tell me,
having taken me, what is it you propose to do with me? First, however,
I will give you for nothing some of that wisdom which you grudge to
Nodwengo the king. Be advised by me, Prince, and take the terms that he
offers to you--namely, to turn this very night and begone from the land
without harm or hindrance. Will you receive my gift, Hafela?"

"What will happen if I refuse it?" asked the prince slowly.

No