me of that of the late King Dingaan. Also he had a great hole in his
head above the temple where the skull had been driven in by some blow,
and keen, royal-looking eyes.

He looked up and seeing me, cried out,

"What! Has a white man come to fight me for the chieftainship of the
People of the Axe? Well, he is a small one."

"No," I answered quietly, "but Macumazahn, Watcher-by-Night, has come
to visit you in answer to your request, O Umslopogaas; Macumazahn whose
name was known in this land before yours was told of, O Umslopogaas."

The Chief heard and rising from his seat, lifted the big axe in salute.

"I greet you, O Macumazahn," he said, "who although you are small
in stature, are very great indeed in fame. Have I not heard how you
conquered Bangu, although Saduko slew him, and of how you gave up the
six hundred head of cattle to Tshoza and the men of the Amangwane who
fought with you, the cattle that were your own? Have I not heard how you
led the Tulwana against the Usutu and stamped flat three of Cetywayo's
regiments in the days of Panda, although, alas! because of an oath of
mine I lifted no steel in that battle, I who will have nothing to do
with those that spring from the blood of Senzangacona--perhaps because
I smell too strongly of it, Macumazahn. Oh! yes, I have heard these and
many other things concerning you, though until now it has never been
my fortune to look upon your face, O Watcher-by-Night, and therefore I
greet you well, Bold one, Cunning one, Upright one, Friend of us Black
People."