Lochien took these instructions to Tzaneen, but the event gave me food for serious thought. If the government was sending messengers to ask questions, it would soon send white investigators—and then would come trouble.
That night I called on the queen and informed her that I intended leaving Swaziland as quickly as possible. She seemed much upset at this and besought me to stay for several moons more. I gathered that she was afraid to face the authorities alone. I pointed out to her that my return to my own world was imperative, and finally she agreed to let me go.
"Nkoos, you will always remember that you are a Swazi induna," she said, in parting. "Now you are one of my people and must always remain loyal to me!"
I promised. I shall always remember her last words. She drew herself up to her full height and threw out her arms in an eloquent gesture.
"When you go, Mzaan Bakoor, all the sunshine goes out of my life!" she said, and then turned to enter her hut.
Sunrise next morning saw us trekking for Delagoa Bay. Oom Tuys brought Lomwazi with us, and it was understood that he would return to his kraal, far removed from Lebombo, as soon as it was safe for him to re-enter Swaziland.
Ten days later we reached Delagoa Bay, where we were lucky enough to find a steamer on which I engaged passage for our party to New York.
THE END
Transcriber's Note:
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