“You shall pay for this,” roared Umbezi after him, turning almost green with rage, for Masapo still lay upon his broad back, speechless, “you who dare to insult my guest in my own house.”

“Somebody must pay,” cried back Saduko from the gate, “but who it is only the unborn moons will see.”

“Mameena,” I said as I followed him, “you have set fire to the grass, and men will be burned in it.”

“I meant to, Macumazahn,” she answered calmly.  “Did I not tell you that there was a flame in me, and it will break out sometimes?  But, Macumazahn, it is you who have set fire to the grass, not I. Remember that when half Zululand is in ashes.  Farewell, O Macumazana, till we meet again, and,” she added softly, “whoever else must burn, may the spirits have you in their keeping.”

At the gate, remembering my manners, I turned to bid that company a polite farewell.  By now Masapo had gained his feet, and was roaring out like a bull: 

“Kill him!  Kill the hyena!  Umbezi, will you sit still and see me, your guest—­me, Masapo—­struck and insulted under the shadow of your own hut?  Go forth and kill him, I say!”

“Why not kill him yourself, Masapo,” asked the agitated Umbezi, “or bid your headmen kill him?  Who am I that I should take precedence of so great a chief in a matter of the spear?” Then he turned towards me, saying:  “Oh, Macumazahn the crafty, if I have dealt well by you, come here and give me your counsel.”

“I come, Eater-up-of-Elephants,” I answered, and I did.

“What shall I do—­what shall I do?” went on Umbezi, brushing the perspiration off his brow with one hand, while he wrung the other in his agitation.  “There stands a friend of mine”—­he pointed to the infuriated Masapo—­“who wishes me to kill another friend of mine,” and he jerked his thumb towards the kraal gate.  “If I refuse I offend one friend, and if I consent I bring blood upon my hands which will call for blood, since, although Saduko is poor, without doubt he has those who love him.”

“Yes,” I answered, “and perhaps you will bring blood upon other parts of yourself besides your hands, since Saduko is not one to sit still like a sheep while his throat is cut.  Also did he not say that he is not quite alone?  Umbezi, if you will take my advice, you will leave Masapo to do his own killing.”

“It is good; it is wise!” exclaimed Umbezi.  “Masapo,” he called to that warrior, “if you wish to fight, pray do not think of me.  I see nothing, I hear nothing, and I promise proper burial to any who fall.  Only you had best be swift, for Saduko is walking away all this time.  Come, you and your people have spears, and the gate stands open.”

“Am I to go without my meat in order to knock that hyena on the head?” asked Masapo in a brave voice.  “No, he can wait my leisure.  Sit still, my people.  I tell you, sit still.  Tell him, you Macumazahn, that I am coming for him presently, and be warned to keep yourself away from him, lest you should tumble into his hole.”