are easier killed than frightened," rejoined Eustace. "Last
night some people from Nteya's kraal attacked my brother, [The term
`brother' is often colloquially used among Kafirs to designate other
degrees of relationship] stole his gun, and tried to kill him. But they
did not frighten him."

In spite of the conventional exclamation of astonishment which arose
from his hearers, Eustace was perfectly well aware that this was no news
to them.

"That is bad news," said Ncanduku, with well-feigned concern. "But it
may not have been done by any of our people, Ixeshane. There may have
been some Fingo dogs wandering about the land, who have done this thing
in order that the English may blame us for it."

It was now Eustace's turn to smile.

"Does a dog wander to the mouth of a den of lions?" he said, keenly
enjoying the notion of turning the tables. "Will a few Fingoes attack a
guest of Nteya's within the very light of the fires of the Gaika
location?"

"Your brother, Umlilwane, is too hot-headed," answered the chief, forced
to shift his ground. "Yet he is not a young man. Our young men, too,
are hot-headed at times and escape from under the controlling eye of the
chiefs. But Nteya will surely punish those who have done this thing."

"Let your friends proceed on their way, Ncanduku," said Eustace
suddenly, and in a low tone. "I would speak with you alone."

The chief assented, and at a word from him the Gcalekas rose to their
feet and gathered up their weapons. With a respectful salute to the
white man they filed off into the bush, and soon the faint rattle of
assegai hafts and the deep bass hum of their voices faded into silence.

"Now we are alone," began Eustace after a pause. "We are friends,
Ncanduku, and can talk freely. If there is trouble between the Gcalekas
and the Fingoes, surely Kreli is able to take care of his own interests.
Why, then, should the Gaikas have lighted the war-fires, have danced
the war-dance? The quarrel is not theirs."

"The wrongs of the Paramount Chief are the wrongs of the whole Xosa
race," answered the Kafir. "See now. We love not your brother,
Umlilwane. Yet, tell him to collect his flocks and his herds and to
leave, to depart into a quieter country, and that speedily; for the land
will soon be dead." [Native idiom for war.]

"And what if he refuses?"

"Then he, too, will soon be dead."

For some minutes Eustace kept silence. The Kafir's remark had added
fuel t