drift that is called Crocodile Drift, taking their cattle with them and
flying from the king. I also shall be of their company, for they know
that I have learned their secret, and would murder me if I tried to
leave them. Now you who are chief of the border and guardian of that
drift, must hide at night with some men among the rocks in the shallows
of the drift and await our coming. First Nanea will cross driving the
cows and calves, for so it is arranged, and I shall help her; then will
follow Umgona and Nahoon with the oxen and heifers. On these two you
must fall, killing them and capturing the cattle, and afterwards I will
give you the rifle."

"What if the king should ask for the girl, White Man?"

"Then you shall answer that in the uncertain light you did not recognise
her and so she slipped away from you; moreover, that at first you feared
to seize the girl lest her cries should alarm the men and they should
escape you."

"Good, but how can I be sure that you will give me the gun once you are
across the river?"

"Thus: before I enter the ford I will lay the rifle and cartridges upon
a stone by the bank, telling Nanea that I shall return to fetch them
when I have driven over the cattle."

"It is well, White Man; I will not fail you."

So the plot was made, and after some further conversation upon points of
detail, the two conspirators shook hands and parted.