him kindly; but all the thousands of the people yet lay upon their

breasts beating the dust with their heads.

"Rise, Makedama, my child, father of the people of the Langeni," said

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