saw the purpose of Chaka. He would put me to the trial by
fire.

For a moment I sat silent, thinking. Then the king spoke again in a
great voice: "Nay, Mopo, be not so backward; shall I sit warm and see
thee suffer cold? What, my councillors, rise, take the hand of Mopo, and
hold it to the flame, that his heart may rejoice in the warmth of the
flame while we speak together of this matter of the child that was,
so my mother sang, born to Baleka, my wife, the sister of Mopo, my
servant."

"There is little need for that, O king," I answered, being made bold by
fear, for I saw that if I did nothing death would swiftly end my doubts.
Once, indeed, I bethought me of the poison that I bore, and was minded
to swallow it and make an end, but the desire to live is great, and keen
is the thirst for vengeance, so I said to my heart, "Not yet awhile; I
will endure this also; afterwards, if need be, I can die."

"I thank the king for his graciousness, and I will warm me at the fire.
Speak on, O king, while I warm myself, and thou shalt hear true words,"
I said boldly.

Then, my father, I stretched out my left hand and plunged it into the
fire--not into the hottest of the fire, but where the smoke leapt from
the flame. Now my flesh was wet with the sweat of fear, and for a little
moment the flames curled round it and did not burn me. But I knew that
the torment was to come.

For a short while Chaka watched me, smiling. Then he spoke slowly, that
the fire might find time to do its work.

"Say, then, Mopo, thou knowest nothing of this matter of the birth of a
son to thy sister Baleka?"

"I know this only, O king!" I answered, "that a son was born in past
years to thy wife Baleka, that I killed the child in obedience to thy
word, and laid its body before thee."

Now, my father, the steam from my flesh had been drawn from my hand by
the heat, and the flame got hold of me and ate into my flesh, and its
torment was great. But of this I showed no sign upon my face, for I knew
well that if I showed sign or uttered cry, then, having failed in the
trial, death would be my portion.

Then the king spoke again, "Dost thou swear by my head, Mopo, that no
son of mine was suckled in thy kraals?"

"I swear it, O king! I swear it by thy head," I answered.

And now, my father, the agony of the fire was such as may not be told.
I felt my eyes start forward in their sockets, my blood seemed to boil
within me, it rushed into my head, and down