“It is my people, O King,” I answered.
Then Chaka sent messengers, running swiftly, and bade them summon the Langeni people to him where he sat. Other messengers he sent also to the kraal, whispering in their ears, but what he said I did not know then.
Now, for a while, Chaka watched the long black snake of men winding towards him across the plain till the messengers met them and the snake began to climb the slope of the hill.
“How many are these people of thine, Mopo?” asked the king.
“I know not, O Elephant,” I answered, “who have not seen them for many years. Perhaps they number three full regiments.”
“Nay, more,” said the king; “what thinkest thou, Mopo, would this people of thine fill the rift behind us?” and he nodded at the gulf of stone.
Now, my father, I trembled in all my flesh, seeing the purpose of Chaka; but I could find no words to say, for my tongue clave to the roof of my mouth.
“The people are many,” said Chaka, “yet, Mopo, I bet thee fifty head of cattle that they will not fill the donga.”
“The king is pleased to jest,” I said.
“Yea, Mopo, I jest; yet as a jest take thou the bet.”