"It is for Ngonyama," said the runner.
The headman fell back and looked at Compton, who then stepped forward.
"Give the message to me."
"Wow! This, then, is the chief's word. 'Say to Ngonyama, the great white one, that the enemy will come against the valley up from the dead water. Ngonyama will let them advance until they are in the jaws of the rocks. Then will Muata, the black one, fall on the rear and eat them up.' So said the chief."
Compton tamed to the headmen. "Where are the white chiefs?"
"We do not know, Inkose," they said uneasily.
"Ye will take the orders of your chief yourselves then, for unless my brothers are restored in safety, I will not help you."
"Maybe," said a man in a whisper, "the wizards have taken them to themselves to learn wisdom."
"Who are these wizards?" demanded Compton, sternly.
"Haw! Inkose, how shall we know?" But their eyes went fearfully to the silent walls of the gorge.