the cattle of the People of Fire in times of danger, and to serve as a
review ground for their _impis_ in times of peace or festival.

At the outer gate of the kraal there was a halt, while the keepers of
the gate despatched a messenger to their king to announce the advent of
the white man. Of this pause Owen took advantage to array himself in the
surplice and hood which he had brought with him in readiness for that
hour. Then he gave the mule to John to lead behind him.

"What do you, Messenger?" asked the leader of the guard, astonished.

"I clothe myself in my war-dress," he answered.

"Where then is your spear, Messenger?"

"Here," said Owen, presenting to his eyes a crucifix of ivory, most
beautifully carved.

"I perceive that you are of the family of wizards," said the man, and
fell back.

Now they entered the kraal and passed for three hundred yards or more
through rows of huts, till they reached the gate of the stockade, which
was opened to them. Once within it, Owen saw a wonderful sight, such a
sight as few white men have seen. The ground of the enormous oval before
him was not flat. Either from natural accident or by design it sloped
gently upwards, so that the spectator, standing by the gate or at
the head of it before the house of the king, could take in its whole
expanse, and, if his sight were keen enough, could see every individual
gathered there.