a push of the hand. But enough of the stone. Enter again, wanderer,

and I will go forward with my tale, for it is long and strange.

"I started from the kraal of the old woman, and the people of the

kraal followed me to the brink of the river. It was in flood, and few

"'Ha! ha!' they cried, 'now your journey is done, little man; watch by

the ford you who would win the Watcher of the Ford! Beat the water

with the club, perhaps so it shall grow gentle that your feet may pass

"I answered nothing to their mocking, only I bound the shield upon my