However, next day things went somewhat more smoothly. Three of the black cows were assigned to Mahlokoza’s hut for milking purposes, and a supply of corn was delivered in baskets every day.
Philip became a constant visitor, and now and then Songoza called in passing. One morning, about ten days after Mahlokoza’s arrival, Songoza and Philip arrived together. All the visitors were invited to partake of beer in old Dogolwana’s hut.
Kèlè’s widow, Mamiekwa, was a silent little woman with very bright eyes. She was continually hovering around Mahlokoza and the others, trying to hear what they talked about, but hitherto she had been unable to overhear anything.
On this occasion she announced her intention of spending the day in a neighbouring forest seeking for medicinal roots, so she handed over her baby to old Dogolwana’s wife, asking her to look after it until evening. She managed to whisper to old Dogolwana just before she left:
“Get them all in here again at sundown to drink beer.”
Mamiekwa gave a hurried glance around to make sure she was not being watched by any one, and then, instead of going to the forest, darted into the hut occupied by Mahlokoza and her family.
Huts of the larger class generally have four poles fixed in the ground and extending to the roof close to the wall on the side opposite the door. These poles are connected by horizontal pieces of wood, across which wattles are laid. Rude shelving, generally in two tiers, is thus formed, and upon the shelves are kept skins, mats, bundles of dried rushes, and other bulky articles. In the hut occupied by Mahlokoza the upper shelf was piled high with rolls of matting. Mamiekwa nimbly climbed up and lay down amongst these, which effectually concealed her. Here she lay perfectly still, and hardly venturing to breathe.
After some little time, Songoza, Mahlokoza, and Philip came in. Mahlokoza said to Philip:
“Sit at the door where you can see outside, so that no one can creep up to listen. That owl-face Mamiekwa is always sneaking near, and I am sure Dogolwana suspects.”
Philip went and sat right in the doorway, and every now and then looked out to either side.