"As to the first," answered Umslopogaas, "learn, Monazi, that I will not
dismiss my new wife, who at least is gentler-tongued and truer-hearted
than you are. As to the second, you ask that which it is not in my power
to give, since children are the gift of Heaven, and barrenness is its
bane. Moreover, you have done ill to bring into this matter the name of
one who is dead, who of all women was the sweetest and most innocent.
Lastly, I warn you before the people to cease from your plottings or
traffic with Lousta, lest ill come of them to you, or him, even though
he be my blood-brother, or to both."

"Plottings!" cried Monazi in a shrill and furious voice. "Does
Umslopogaas talk of plottings? Well, I have heard that Chaka the Lion
left a son, and that this son has set a trap for the feet of him who
sits on Chaka's throne. Perchance that king has heard it also; perchance
the People of the Axe will soon have another Chief."

"Is it thus?" said Umslopogaas quietly. "And if so, will he be named
Lousta?"

Then his smouldering wrath broke out and in a kind of roaring voice he
went on,

"What have I done that the wives of my bosom should be my betrayers,
those who would give me to death? Zinita betrayed me to Dingaan and
in reward was slain, and my children with her. Now would you, Monazi,
betray me to Cetywayo--though in truth there is naught to betray? Well,
if so, bethink you and let Lousta bethink him of what chanced to Zinita,
and of what chances to those who stand before the axe of Umslopogaas.
What have I done, I say, that women should thus strive to work me ill?"