Chaka, "and tell me why art thou late in coming to my mourning?"

"The way was far, O King," answered Makedama, my father, who did not

know me. "The way was far and the time short. Moreover, the women and

the children grew weary and footsore, and they are weary in this

"Speak not of it, Makedama, my child," said the king. "Surely thy

heart mourned and that of thy people, and soon they shall rest from

their weariness. Say, are they here every one?"

"Every one, O Elephant!--none are wanting. My kraals are desolate, the