Somewhat to his surprise it was accepted. "At least, White Man," said
the king, glancing at his visitor's tall spare form and cleanly cut
face, "you are no '_umfagozan_' (low fellow); you are of the blood of
chiefs."

"Yes, King," answered Hadden, with a little sigh, "I am of the blood of
chiefs."

"What do you want in my country, White Man?"

"Very little, King. I have been trading here, as I daresay you have
heard, and have sold all my goods. Now I ask your leave to hunt buffalo,
and other big game, for a while before I return to Natal."

"I cannot grant it," answered Cetywayo, "you are a spy sent by Sompseu,
or by the Queen's Induna in Natal. Get you gone."

"Indeed," said Hadden, with a shrug of his shoulders; "then I hope that
Sompseu, or the Queen's Induna, or both of them, will pay me when I
return to my own country. Meanwhile I will obey you because I must, but
I should first like to make you a present."

"What present?" asked the king. "I want no presents. We are rich here,
White Man."

"So be it, King. It was nothing worthy of your taking, only a rifle."

"A rifle, White Man? Where is it?"

"Without. I would have brought it, but your servants told me that it is