Maiwa's Revenge by H. Rider (Henry Rider) Haggard
page 72 of 109 (66%)
page 72 of 109 (66%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
"Shortly afterwards, through a crack in the hut, I saw the messengers arrive, and they were great truculent-looking fellows. There were four of them, and evidently they had travelled night and day. They entered with a swagger and squatted down before Nala. "'Your business?' said Nala, frowning. "'We come from Wambe, bearing the orders of Wambe to Nala his servant,' answered the spokesman of the party. "'Speak,' said Nala, with a curious twitch of his nervous-looking mouth. "'These are the words of Wambe: "Send back the woman, my wife, who has run away from my kraal, and send with her the white man who has dared to hunt in my country without my leave, and to slay my soldiers." These are the words of Wambe.' "'And if I say I will not send them?' asked Nala. "'Then on behalf of Wambe we declare war upon you. Wambe will eat you up. He will wipe you out; your kraals shall be stamped flat--so,' and with an expressive gesture he drew his hand across his mouth to show how complete would be the annihilation of that chief who dared to defy Wambe. "'These are heavy words,' said Nala. 'Let me take counsel before I answer.' "Then followed a little piece of acting that was really very creditable |
|