Nomusa left Damasi and went to sit with the girls from neighboring kraals. Bored, she listened to stories about things that had been going on in their kraals since the last time they had seen each other: about new babies, accidents to brothers or sisters, what vegetables were growing in their mothers’ gardens, and such things. Body designs were compared and discussed, grass skirts felt, beads admired, and new teeth examined.
There was no special hour for eating. Children wandered in and out of the hut to get what they wanted. It was a never-ending feast.
EIGHT: Runaway Prize
Nomusa went into the warm hut for some pumpkin, but she came out quickly. She drew in a long breath of fresh air and wiped her perspiring brow.
“Oh, how good the night air feels!” she said to Intombi. “The moon is high, and the stars are sparkling already.”
The cry of a very young baby was heard. Nomusa looked at Intombi.
“My uncle’s wife has a new baby, born eight days ago. Should you like to see her?”
Nomusa was glad to accept the invitation. She loved babies, and she was glad to get away from the gossiping girls.
Together they walked over to the hut. In front of the entrance, Intombi turned to Nomusa. “Here are the ashes of the magic herb in which you must rub your feet before entering. You have come a long way, and you may have got something evil on them. With new babies we have to be very careful, you know.”