ear their treachery with my own ears. You and I will go forth
together, Untuswa; then on the morrow they shall behold their last
sunrise."

"How many men shall I bring for safeguard, Father?" I said. "Ten,
perhaps, or more?"

"No men shalt thou bring, Untuswa. Thou and I will go forth together
and witness the doings of these wizards, these _abatagati_, who meet at
night."

I looked anxious, for this was a serious adventure. The risks were
enormous. Of the exact number of conspirators we were in ignorance, but
we, being only two, would be sure to find ourselves at a great
disadvantage in the event of discovery. Again, if any harm befell the
King, should not I be held responsible for it? So I said--

"May I not go alone and bring back word, Black Elephant?"

I fancied Umzilikazi looked suspicious.

"Not so, Untuswa," he said. "I will satisfy my own eyes, my own ears,
and then--Hearken now. Take thy weapons, for it is time to start. Walk
in front of me until we are without the gates. If we meet any man, harm
him not. But any man who recognises the King, with the first words of
royal greeting which pass his lips, slay him instantly and without a
word, be he whom he may. I would not be known to have moved in this
matter."

Umzilikazi took a broad-bladed spear in his hand and a black shield, of
smaller size than those used in war. It happened that I was armed in
like manner, except that I had a large knobstick as well. Thus
equipped, we started upon our adventure.

CHAPTER THREE.

THE CONSPIRACY OF NCWELO'S POOL.

We passed out of the _isigodhlo_ by a secret way; known to and used by
the King alone. The night was not a dark one, for the stars were
shining bright and clear, and a waning moon hung low down in the
heavens. As we stepped rapidly forth across the open plain we could
make out the dim outline of the great kraal lying silent and slumbrous.
Suddenly the figure of a man rose up, right across our path.

Now we were facing the setting moon, and the man was advancing
stealthily in the direction of the kraal, wherefore we met. His face
was in darkness. Not so ours, however, and as he recognised the lion
countenance of the Great Great One, thus walking abroad by night, he was
seized with a mighty fear, and, uttering the _Bayete_, he crouched low--
hiding his face that we might pass him. And he had looked on the things
of this world for the last time, for the words of the Black Elephant