he will send a guide at the first light to show the best path for the
waggon."

"Hearken," said the man to his companions, "this is Macumazahn himself
and no other. Well, we thought it, for who else would have dared----"

Then they saluted with their axes, calling me "Chief" and other fine
names, and departed as they had come, at a run, calling out that my
message should be delivered and that doubtless Umslopogaas would send
the guide.



So it came about that, quite contrary to my intention, after all
circumstances brought me to the Town of the Axe. Even to the last moment
I had not meant to go there, but when the tribute was demanded I saw
that it was best to do so, and having once passed my word it could
not be altered. Indeed, I felt sure that in this event there would be
trouble and that my oxen would be stolen, or worse.

So Fate having issued its decree, of which Hans's version was that
Zikali, or his Great Medicine, had so arranged things, I shrugged my
shoulders and waited.



CHAPTER III

UMSLOPOGAAS OF THE AXE