At first Mdingi stood silent. Then he confessed.
“While we were resting after playing games, I began to think about a song. Sometimes when I do that I forget about everything else. It was like that today. When I looked for the cows, they had wandered off. I ran to drive them back, but I could not find Nyawuza. I left Kangata with the others while I searched for her. I looked and whistled until we had to come home. But I could not find the cow.”
“It is my fault, too,” Kangata said, stoutly. “I fell asleep. Oh, this is the worst thing that could happen! When Tahle lost a calf once he was punished severely.”
Nomusa felt very sorry for her brothers, especially for Mdingi. Kangata might be scolded, but the cows were Mdingi’s responsibility. If Nyawuza were not found, he would certainly be punished for his carelessness.
It was especially bad because Nomusa knew that their father frowned on Mdingi more often than on any of his children. Zitu himself was very strong and brave, and a great warrior and hunter. He was often disappointed in Mdingi. It was no secret that Mdingi liked making up songs and telling stories more than anything else.
Nomusa’s heart filled with pity as she saw Mdingi’s misery. She began to think of what might be done.
“If we wait till morning, Nyawuza may be killed by some animal. That would be a disgrace for you always, Mdingi.”
“It is true,” Mdingi acknowledged dejectedly.
“She must be found,” Nomusa declared. “I shall go right away to look for her.”
“But, Nomusa, it is growing dark! You would not be safe. Some wild animal might attack you!”