"Greeting, Macumazahn," he said. "I am sent by the King to say that you

are welcome and to point you out a good place to outspan; also to give

you permission to trade as much as you will in this town, since he knows

that your dealings are always fair."

I returned my thanks in the usual fashion, adding that I had brought a

little present for the King which I would deliver when it pleased him

to receive me. Then I invited Maputa, to whom I also offered some trifle

which delighted him very much, to ride with me on the wagon-box till we

came to the selected outspan.

This, by the way, proved, to be a very good place indeed, a little

valley full of grass for the cattle--for by the King's order it had not

been grazed--with a stream of beautiful water running down it. Moreover

it overlooked a great open space immediately in front of the main gate

of the town, so that I could see everything that went on and all who

arrived or departed.

"You will be comfortable here, Macumazahn," said Maputa, "during your

stay, which we hope will be long, since, although there will soon be

a mighty crowd at Nodwengu, the King has given orders that none except

your own servants are to enter this valley."

"I thank the King; but why will there be a crowd, Maputa?"

"Oh!" he answered with a shrug of the shoulders, "because of a new

thing. All the tribes of the Zulus are to come up to be reviewed.

Some say that Cetewayo has brought this about, and some say that it is

Umbelazi. But I am sure that it is the work of neither of these, but of

Saduko, your old friend, though what his object is I cannot tell you.

I only trust," he added uneasily, "that it will not end in bloodshed

between the Great Brothers."

"So Saduko has grown tall, Maputa?"

"Tall as a tree, Macumazahn. His whisper in the King's ear is louder

than the shouts of others. Moreover, he has become a 'self-eater' [that

is a Zulu term which means one who is very haughty]. You will have to

wait on him, Macumazahn; he will not wait on you."

"Is it so?" I answered. "Well, tall trees are blown down sometimes."

He nodded his wise old head. "Yes, Macumazahn; I have seen plenty grow

and fall in my time, for at last the swimmer goes with the stream.

Anyhow, you will be able to do a good trade among so many, and, whatever

happens, none will harm you whom all love. And now farewell; I bear your

messages to the King, who sends an ox for you to kill lest you should

grow hungry in his house."




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