The two regiments, numbering some 5000 men in all, had come together,
and the roar of their meeting shields was like the roar of thunder. They
were armed with kerries only, and not with spears, for the fight was
supposed to be a mimic one; but these weapons they used with such effect
that soon hundreds of them were down dead or with shattered skulls and
bruised limbs. Fiercely they fought, while the whole army watched, for
their rivalry was keen and for many months they had known that they were
to be pitted one against the other on this day. Fiercely they fought,
while the captains cried their orders, and the dust rose up in clouds
as they swung to and fro, breast thrusting against breast. At length the
end came; the Bees began to give, they fell back ever more quickly till
their retreat was a rout, and, leaving many stretched upon the ground,
amid the mocking cries of the army they were driven to the fence, by
touching which they obtained peace at the hands of their victors.

The king saw, and his somewhat heavy, quiet face grew alive with rage.

"Search and see," he said, "if the captain of the Bees is alive and
unhurt."

Messengers went to do his bidding, and presently they returned, bringing
with them a man of magnificent appearance and middle age, whose left arm
had been broken by a blow from a kerry. With his right hand he saluted
first the king, then the Prince Nodwengo, a kindly-faced, mild-eyed man,
in whose command he was.

"What have you to say?" asked the king, in a cold voice of anger. "Know
you that you have cost me ten head of the royal white cattle?"

"King, I have nothing to say," answered the captain calmly, "except that