but reflecting to myself, first that he was undoubtedly
half mad, and therefore not responsible for his actions, and secondly
that he was better here with us than in the same camp with my wife,
I gave up the idea. Yet alas! it is the half-mad who are the most
dangerous of lunatics.

Hans, who had observed this scene and overheard all Marais's talk,
and who also knew the state of the case well enough, sidled his horse
alongside of me, and whispered in a wheedling voice:

"Baas, I think the old baas is kransick and not safe. He looks like one
who is going to harm someone. Now, baas, suppose I let my gun off by
accident; you know we coloured people are very careless with guns! The
Heer Marais would never be troubled with any more fancies, and you and
the Missie Marie and all of us would be safer. Also, _you_ could not
be blamed, nor could I, for who can help an accident? Guns will go off
sometimes, baas, when you don't want them to."

"Get out," I answered. Yet if Hans's gun had chanced to "go off," I
believe it might have saved a multitude of lives!

CHAPTER XVIII. THE TREATY

Our journey to Umgungundhlovu was prosperous and without incident. When
we were within half a day's march from the Great Kraal we overtook the
herd of cattle that we had recaptured from Sikonyela, for these beasts
had been driven very slowly and well rested that they might arrive in
good condition. Also the commandant was anxious that we should present
them ourselves to the king.

Driving this multitude of animals before us--there were over five
thousand head of them--we reached the Great Place on Saturday the 3rd of
February about midday, and forced them through its gates into the cattle
kraals. Then we off-saddled and ate our dinner under those two milk
trees near the gate of the kraal where I had bid good-bye to Dingaan.

After dinner messengers came to ask us to visit the king, and with them
the youth, Thomas Halstead, who told the commandant that all weapons
must be left behind, since it was the Zulu law that no man might appear
before the king armed. To this Retief demurred, whereon the messengers
appealed to me, whom they had recognised, asking if that were not the
custom of their country.

I answered that I had not been in it long enough to know. Then there was
a pause while they sent for someone to bear evidence; at the time I
did not know whom, as I was not near enough to Thomas Halstead to make
inquiries. Presently this so