Sight. And now, farewell; you had best seek out some friends among your
people and hide yourself."

"My people," said Sihamba; "then I must seek long, for they are very,
very far away, nor do they desire to see me."

"Why not?"

"Because as it chances I am by blood their ruler, for I am the only
child of my father's head-wife. But they would not have me set over them
as chieftainess unless I married a man, and towards marriage I have no
wish, for I am different from other women, both in body and heart. So
having quarrelled with them on this and another matter of policy I set
out to seek my fortune and left them to theirs."

"Your fortune was not a good one, Sihamba, for it led you to Swart Piet
and the rope."

"Nay, lady, it led me to the Swallow and freedom; no, not to freedom but
to slavery, for I am your slave, whose life you have bought at a great
price. Now I have nothing left in the world; Swart Piet has taken my
cattle which I earned cow by cow and bred up heifer by heifer, and save
for the wit within my brain and this kaross upon my shoulders, I have
nothing."

"What, then, will you do, Sihamba?"

"What you do, Swallow, that I shall do, for am I not your slave bought
at a great price? I will go home with you and serve you, yes, to my
life's end."