WE GIVE A SIGN
For a long while—two hours, I should think—we
sat there in silence, being too much overwhelmed by
the recollection of the horrors we had seen to talk.
At last, just as we were thinking of turning in—for
the night drew nigh to dawn—we heard a
sound of steps. Then came the challenge of a
sentry posted at the kraal gate, which apparently was
answered, though not in an audible tone, for the steps
still advanced; and in another second Infadoos had
entered the hut, followed by some half-dozen stately-looking
chiefs.
“My lords,” he said, “I have come
according to my word. My lords and Ignosi, rightful
king of the Kukuanas, I have brought with me these
men,” pointing to the row of chiefs, “who
are great men among us, having each one of them the
command of three thousand soldiers, that live but
to do their bidding, under the king’s. I
have told them of what I have seen, and what my ears
have heard. Now let them also behold the sacred
snake around thee, and hear thy story, Ignosi, that
they may say whether or no they will make cause with
thee against Twala the king.”
By way of answer Ignosi again stripped off his girdle,
and exhibited the snake tattooed about him. Each
chief in turn drew near and examined the sign by the
dim light of the lamp, and without saying a word passed
on to the other side.
Then Ignosi resumed his moocha, and addressing them,
repeated the history he had detailed in the morning.
“Now ye have heard, chiefs,” said Infadoos,
when he had done, “what say ye: will ye
stand by this man and help him to his father’s
throne, or will ye not? The land cries out against
Twala, and the blood of the people flows like the
waters in spring. Ye have seen to-night.
Two other chiefs there were with whom I had it in
my mind to speak, and where are they now? The
hyaenas howl over their corpses. Soon shall ye
be as they are if ye strike not. Choose then,
my brothers.”
The eldest of the six men, a short, thick-set warrior,
with white hair, stepped forward a pace and answered—
“Thy words are true, Infadoos; the land cries
out. My own brother is among those who died to-night;
but this is a great matter, and the thing is hard
to believe. How know we that if we lift our spears
it may not be for a thief and a liar? It is a
great matter, I say, of which none can see the end.
For of this be sure, blood will flow in rivers before
the deed is done; many will still cleave to the king,
for men worship the sun that still shines bright in
the heavens, rather than that which has not risen.
These white men from the Stars, their magic is great,
and Ignosi is under the cover of their wing. If
he be indeed the rightful king, let them give us a
sign, and let the people have a sign, that all may
see. So shall men cleave to us, knowing of a
truth that the white man’s magic is with them.”
