We Give a Sign

           Foralongwhile—twohours,Ishouldthink—wesatthereinsilence,beingtoomuchoverwhelmedbytherecollectionofthehorrorswehadseentotalk. Atlast,justaswewerethinkingofturningin-forthenightdrewnightodawn—weheardasoundofsteps. Thencamethechallengeofasentrypostedatthekraalgate,whichapparentlywasanswered,thoughnotinanaudibletone,forthestepsstilladvanced; andinanothersecondInfadooshadenteredthehut, followedbysomehalf-dozenstately-lookingchiefs. 

           "Mylords,"hesaid,"Ihavecomeaccordingtomyword.MylordsandIgnosi,rightfulkingoftheKukuanas,Ihavebroughtwithmethesemen," pointingtotherowofchiefs, "whoaregreatmenamongus, havingeachoneofthemthecommandofthreethousandsoldiers,thatlivebuttodotheirbidding,undertheking’s. IhavetoldthemofwhatIhaveseen,andwhatmyearshaveheard. Nowletthemalsobeholdthesacredsnakearoundthee,andhearthystory,Ignosi,thattheymaysaywhetherornotheywillmakecausewiththeeagainstTwalatheking." 

           BywayofanswerIgnosiagainstrippedoffhisgirdle,andexhibitedthesnaketattooedabouthim. Eachchiefinturndrewnearandexaminedthesignbythedimlightofthelamp,andwithoutsayingawordpassedontotheotherside. 

           ThenIgnosiresumedhismoocha,andaddressingthem,repeatedthehistoryhehaddetailedinthemorning.