“‘That I should perform some act braver than any he had ever heard tell of.’
“‘Then—perform it. Perform such an act, son of Ntelani;’ and, laughing softly, Masuka turned and went into his hut.
“Angry that he should mock me, yet dreading his knowledge and power, I left him. Then, for solitude, I wandered out of the kraal, and unconsciously directed my way towards where the cattle were being herded—unconsciously, because in my then mood I had no desire to encounter Nangeza. Of what avail was it, since my head-ring was as far distant as ever?
“Soon I came upon one I recognised. This was Nangeza’s little sister, Sitele. But she was alone, and it seemed to me that on beholding me she wished to avoid speech with me, for she immediately began driving calves in a direction where it was not in the least necessary, or even desirable, they should go. So I called out to her, and she stopped.
“‘Why are you alone, Sitele?’ I said. ‘Where is Nangeza?’
“‘Can I see people at a distance?’ was the answer. ‘She is not here.’
“I could see her manner was full of confusion, and now I began to fear I knew not what.
“‘Where is she, Sitele?’ I cried again.
“‘Au! I know not. She dwells in my father’s house no more.’
“That was quick work! Who could have sent lobola and taken her away in those few days during which I had been absent?