Percy agreed to the proposal, and creeping in, sat down to wait the return of Denis.
“There’s nothing like putting a bold face upon the matter,” thought Denis; and seeing Umbulazi standing in front of his hut, he walked boldly up to him.
“Unigane!” he said, saluting him in the Kaffir fashion.
“Saka bona,” answered the chief, equivalent to good morning. “What is it you want, my friend?”
“My companions and I were made prisoners by your people, but I conclude that you do not wish to starve us, and we want some breakfast,” answered Denis.
“You should have remained inside the hut where you were placed, and it would have been brought to you,” said the chief, apparently just recollecting all about his captives. “How dare you come out?”
“To obtain some fresh air, and to see you review your magnificent army,” answered Denis.
“And you think that my soldiers are fine fellows?” said the chief, evidently well pleased. “They will be able to drive Cetchwayo and all his followers out of the country, so that none will be left to oppose me.”
“I have not seen Cetchwayo’s army, so that I cannot reply to that remark,” answered Denis. “What is in the future no man can tell.”
“Ah! but I have engaged a famous enchantress who knows all things that are going to happen. She is to come to me this morning, having spent the night in looking into the future, and will tell me what is to be my fate, whether I shall be defeated or gain the victory and become king of the Zulus.”