“The cattle and the ivory shall be sent,” he said, sternly, “but ill shall it be for you, Ibubesi, if you seek to trick me in this matter. You have grown rich on my bounty, and yonder at your place, Mafooti, you have many cows, many wives, many children—my spies have given me count of all of them. Now, if you play me false, or if you dare to lift a finger against the White One, know that I will burn that kraal and slay the inhabitants with the spear and take the cattle, and when I catch you, Ibubesi, I will kill you, slowly, slowly. I have spoken, go.
“I go, Great Elephant, Calf of the Black Cow, and I will obey in all things,” answered Ishmael in a humble voice, for he was frightened. “The white people shall be brought, only I trust to you to protect me from the anger of the Inkosazana for all that I may do.”
“You must make your own peace with the Inkosazana,” answered Dingaan, and turning, he crept into his hut.
An hour later the great induna, Tamboosa, appeared at Rachel’s kraal, and craved leave to speak with her.
“What is it?” asked Rachel when he had been admitted. “Have you come to lead me out of Zululand, Tamboosa?”
“Nay, White One,” he answered, “the land needs you yet awhile. I have come to tell you that Dingaan would speak with your servant Noie, if it be your good pleasure to let her visit him. Fear not. No harm shall come to her, if it does you may order me to be put to death. You, yourself, could not be safer than she shall be.”
“Are you afraid to go?” asked Rachel of Noie.
“Not I,” answered the girl, with a laugh. “I trust to the King’s word and to your might.”
“Depart then,” said Rachel, “and come back as swiftly as you may. Tamboosa shall lead you.”
So Noie went.