“InanilldaydidIhearkentoyou，Baleka，“Isaid，“toyouandtotheMotheroftheHeavens，andsaveyourchildalive。Seenowwhathassprungfromthisseed！Deadareallmyhouse，deadistheMotheroftheHeavens——allaredead——andImyselfhavebeenputtothetormentbyfire，“andIheldoutmywitheredhandtowardsher。
“Ay，Mopo，mybrother，“sheanswered，“butfleshisnearesttoflesh，andIshouldthinklittleofitwerenotmysonUmslopogaasalsodead，asIhaveheardbutnow。“
“Youspeaklikeawoman，Baleka。Isit，then，nothingtoyouthatI，yourbrother，havelost——allIlove？“
“Freshseedcanyetberaiseduptoyou，mybrother，butformethereisnohope，forthekinglooksonmenomore。Igrieveforyou，butI
hadthisonealone，andfleshisnearesttoflesh。ThinkyouthatI
shallescape？Itellyounay。Iambutsparedforalittle，thenIgowheretheothershavegone。Chakahasmarkedmeforthegrave；foralittlewhileImaybeleft，thenIdie:hedoesbutplaywithmeasaleopardplayswithawoundedbuck。Icarenot，Iamweary，butI
grievefortheboy；therewasnosuchboyintheland。WouldthatI
mightdieswiftlyandgotoseekhim。“
“Andiftheboyisnotdead，Baleka，whatthen？“
“Whatisthatyousaid？“sheanswered，turningonmewithwildeyes。
“Oh，sayitagain——again，Mopo！IwouldgladlydieahundreddeathstoknowthatUmslopogaasstilllives。“
“Nay，Baleka，Iknownothing。ButlastnightIdreamedadream，“andI
toldherallmydream，andalsoofthatwhichhadgonebeforethedream。
Shelistenedasonelistenstothewordsofakingwhenhepassesjudgementforlifeorfordeath。
“Ithinkthatthereiswisdominyourdreams，Mopo，“shesaidatlength。“Youwereeverastrangeman，towhomthegatesofdistancearenobar。NowitisborneinuponmyheartthatUmslopogaasstilllives，andnowIshalldiehappy。Yes，gainsaymenot；Ishalldie，I
knowit。Ireaditintheking\'seyes。Butwhatisit？Itisnothing，ifonlytheprinceUmslopogaasyetlives。“
“Yourloveisgreat，woman，“Isaid；“andthisloveofyourshasbroughtmanywoesuponus，anditmaywellhappenthatintheenditshallallbefornothing，forthereisanevilfateuponus。Saynow，whatshallIdo？ShallIfly，orshallIabidehere，takingthechanceofthings？“
“Youmuststayhere，Mopo。See，now！Thisisintheking\'smind。Hefearsbecauseofthedeathofhismotherathisownhand——yes，evenhe；heisafraidlestthepeopleshouldturnuponhimwhokilledhisownmother。Thereforehewillgiveitoutthathedidnotkillher，butthatsheperishedinthefirewhichwascalleddownuponyourkraalsbywitchcraft；and，thoughallmenknowthelie，yetnoneshalldaretogainsayhim。Ashesaidtoyou，therewillbeasmellingout，butasmellingoutofanewsort，forheandyoushallbethewitch-
finders，andatthatsmellingouthewillgivetodeathallthosewhomhefears，allthosewhomheknowshatehimforhiswickednessandbecausewithhisownhandheslewhismother。Forthiscause，then，hewillsaveyoualive，Mopo——yes，andmakeyougreatintheland，forif，indeed，hismotherUnandidiedthroughwitchcraft，asheshallsay，areyounotalsowrongedbyhim，anddidnotyourwivesandchildrenalsoperishbywitchcraft？Therefore，donotfly；abidehereandbecomegreat——becomegreattothegreatendofvengeance，Mopo，mybrother。Youhavemuchwrongtowreak；soonyouwillhavemore，forI，too，shallbegone，andmybloodalsoshallcryforvengeancetoyou。
Hearken，Mopo。Aretherenototherprincesintheland？WhatofDingaan，whatofUmhlangana，whatofUmpanda，brotherstotheking？Donotthesealsodesiretobekings？Dotheynotdaybydayrisefromsleepfeelingtheirlimbstoknowiftheyyetlive，dotheynotnightbynightliedowntosleepnotknowingifitshallbetheirwivesthattheyshallkisseredawnortheredassegaioftheking？Drawneartothem，mybrother；creepintotheirheartsandlearntheircounselorteachthemyours；sointheendshallChakabebroughttothatgatethroughwhichyourwiveshavepassed，andwhereIalsoamabouttotread。“
ThusBalekaspokeandshewasgone，leavingmepondering，forherwordswereheavywithwisdom。Iknewwellthatthebrothersofthekingwentheavilyandinfearofdeath，forhisshadowwasonthem。
WithPanda，indeed，littlecouldbedone，forhelivedsoftly，speakingalwaysasonewhosewitsarefew。ButDingaanandUmhlanganawereofanotherwood，andfromthemmightbefashionedakerriethatshouldscatterthebrainsofChakatothebirds。Butthetimetospeakwasnotnow；notyetwasthecupofChakafull。
Then，havingfinishedmythought，Irose，and，goingtothekraalofmyfriend，Idoctoredmyburnthand，thatpainedme，andasIwasdoctoringittherecameamessengertomesummoningmebeforetheking。
Iwentinbeforetheking，andprostratedmyself，callinghimbyhisroyalnames；buthetookmebythehandandraisedmeup，speakingsoftly。
“Rise，Mopo，myservant！“hesaid。“Thouhastsufferedmuchwoebecauseofthewitchcraftofthineenemies。I，Ihavelostmymother，andthou，thouhastlostthywivesandchildren。Weep，mycouncillors，weep，becauseIhavelostmymother，andMopo，myservant，aslosthiswivesandchildren，bythewitchcraftofourfoes！“
Thenallthecouncillorsweptaloud，whileChakaglaredatthem。
“Hearken，Mopo！“saidtheking，whentheweepingwasdone。“Nonecangivemebackmymother；butIcangivetheemorewives，andthoushaltfindchildren。Goinamongthedamselswhoarereservedtotheking，andchoosetheesix；goinamongthecattleoftheking，andchoosetheetentimestenofthebest；callupontheservantsofthekingthattheybuildupthykraalgreaterandfairerthanitwasbefore！
ThesethingsIgivetheefreely；butthoushalthavemore，Mopo——yes！
thoushalthavevengeance！OnthefirstdayofthenewmoonIsummonagreatmeeting，abandhlaofalltheZulupeople:yes，thineowntribe，theLangeni，shallbetherealso。Thenwewillmourntogetheroverourwoes；then，too，wewilllearnwhobroughtthesewoesuponus。Gonow，Mopo，go！Andgoyealso，mycouncillors，leavingmetoweepalonebecausemymotherisdead！“
Thus，then，myfather，didthewordsofBalekacometrue，andthus，becauseofthecraftypolicyofChaka，IgrewgreaterinthelandthaneverIhadbeenbefore。Ichosethecattle，theywerefat；Ichosethewives，theywerefair；butItooknopleasureinthem，norwereanymorechildrenborntome。Formyheartwaslikeawitheredstick；thesapandstrengthhadgonefrommyheart——itwasdrawnoutinthefireofChaka\'shut，andlostinmysorrowforthosewhomIhadloved。
CHAPTERXII
THETALEOFGALAZITHEWOLF
Now，myfather，Iwillgobackalittle，formytaleislongandwindsinandoutlikeariverinaplain，andtellofthefateofUmslopogaaswhenthelionhadtakenhim，ashetoldittomeintheafteryears。
Thelionessboundedaway，andinhermouthwasUmslopogaas。Oncehestruggled，butshebithimhard，sohelayquietinhermouth，andlookingbackhesawthefaceofNadaassheranfromthefenceofthorns，crying“Savehim！“Hesawherface，heheardherwords，thenhesawandheardlittlemore，fortheworldgrewdarktohimandhepassed，asitwere，intoadeepsleep。PresentlyUmslopogaasawokeagain，feelingpaininhisthigh，wherethelionesshadbittenhim，andheardasoundofshouting。Helookedup；neartohimstoodthelionessthathadloosedhimfromherjaws。Shewassnortingwithrage，andinfrontofherwasaladlongandstrong，withagrimface，andawolf\'shide，blackandgrey，boundabouthisshouldersinsuchfashionthattheupperjarandteethofthewolfrestedonhishead。Hestoodbeforethelioness，shouting，andinonehandheheldalargewar-
shield，andintheotherhegraspedaheavyclubshodwithiron。
Nowthelionesscrouchedherselftospring，growlingterribly，buttheladwiththeclubdidnotwaitforheronset。Heraninuponherandstruckherontheheadwiththeclub。Hesmotehardandwell，butthisdidnotkillher，forsherearedherselfuponherhindlegsandstruckathimheavily。Hecaughttheblowuponhisshield，buttheshieldwasdrivenagainsthisbreastsostronglythathefellbackwardsbeneathit，andlaytherehowlinglikeawolfinpain。Thenthelionessspranguponhimandworriedhim。Still，becauseoftheshield，asyetshecouldnotcomeathimtoslayhim；butUmslopogaassawthatthismightnotendure，forpresentlytheshieldwouldbetornasideandthestrangermustbekilled。NowinthebreastofthelionessstillstoodthehalfofUmslopogaas\'sbrokenspear，anditsbladewasaspandeepinherbreast。ThenthisthoughtcameintothemindofUmslopogaas，thathewoulddrivethespearhomeordie。Soheroseswiftly，forstrengthcamebacktohiminhisneed，andrantowherethelionessworriedathimwholaybeneaththeshield。Shedidnotheedhim，soheflunghimselfuponhiskneesbeforeher，and，seizingthehaftofthebrokenspear，driveitdeepintoherandwrencheditround。NowshesawUmslopogaasandturnedroaring，andclawedathim，tearinghisbreastandarms。Then，ashelay，heheardamightyhowling，and，behold！greywolvesandblackleapeduponthelionessandrentandworriedhertillshefellandwastorntopiecesbythem。AfterthisthesensesofUmslopogaaslefthimagain，andthelightwentoutofhiseyessothathewasasonedead。
Atlengthhismindcamebacktohim，andwithithismemory，andherememberedthelionessandlookeduptofindher。Buthedidnotfindher，andhesawthathelayinacaveuponabedofgrass，whileallabouthimweretheskinsofbeasts，andathissidewasapotfilledwithwater。Heputouthishandand，takingthepot，drankofthewater，andthenhesawthathisarmwaswastedaswithsickness，andthathisbreastwasthickwithscarsscarcelyskinnedover。
Nowwhilehelayandwondered，themouthofthecavewasdarkened，andthroughitenteredthatsameladwhohaddonebattlewiththelionessandbeenoverthrownbyher，bearingadeadbuckuponhisshoulders。Heputdownthebuckupontheground，and，walkingtowhereUmslopogaaslay，lookedathim。
“Ou！“hesaid，“youreyesareopen——doyou，then，live，stranger？“
“Ilive，“answeredUmslopogaas，“andIamhungry。“
“Itistime，“saidtheother，“sincewithtoilIboreyouherethroughtheforest，fortwelvedaysyouhavelainwithoutsense，drinkingwateronly。SodeeplyhadthelionclawedyouthatIthoughtofyouasdead。TwiceIwasneartokillingyou，thatyoumightceasetosufferandItobetroubled；butIheldmyhand，becauseofawordwhichcametomefromonewhoisdead。Noweat，thatyourstrengthmayreturntoyou。Afterwards，wewilltalk。“
SoUmslopogaasate，andlittlebylittlehishealthreturnedtohim——
everydayalittle。Andafterwards，astheysatatnightbythefireinthecavetheyspoketogether。
“Howareyounamed？“askedUmslopogaasoftheother。
“IamnamedGalazitheWolf，“heanswered，“andIamofZulublood——
ay，ofthebloodofChakatheking；forthefatherofSenzangacona，thefatherofChaka，wasmygreat-grandfather。“
“Whencecameyou，Galazi？“
“IcamefromSwaziland——fromthetribeoftheHalakazi，whichIshouldrule。Thisisthestory:Siguyana，mygrandfather，wasayoungerbrotherofSenzangacona，thefatherofChaka。ButhequarrelledwithSenzangacona，andbecameawanderer。WithcertainofthepeopleoftheUmtetwahewanderedintoSwaziland，andsojournedwiththeHalakazitribeintheirgreatcaves；andtheendofitwasthathekilledthechiefofthetribeandtookhisplace。Afterhewasdead，myfatherruledinhisplace；buttherewasagreatpartyinthetribethathatedhisrulebecausehewasoftheZulurace，anditwouldhavesetupachiefoftheoldSwazibloodinhisplace。Still，theycouldnotdothis，formyfather\'shandwasheavyonthepeople。NowIwastheonlysonofmyfatherbyhisheadwife，andborntobechiefafterhim，andthereforethoseoftheSwaziparty，andtheyweremanyandgreat，hatedmealso。Somattersstoodtilllastyearinthewinter，andthenmyfathersethisheartonkillingtwentyoftheheadmen，withtheirwivesandchildren，becauseheknewthattheyplottedagainsthim。Buttheheadmenlearnedwhatwastocome，andtheyprevaileduponawifeofmyfather，awomanoftheirownblood，topoisonhim。Soshepoisonedhiminthenightandinthemorningitwastoldmethatmyfatherlaysickandsummonedme，andIwenttohim。InhishutIfoundhim，andhewaswrithingwithpain。
“\'Whatisit，myfather？\'Isaid。\'Whohasdonethisevil？\'
“\'Itisthis，myson，\'hegasped，\'thatIampoisoned，andshestandsyonderwhohasdonethedeed。\'Andhepointedtothewoman，whostoodatthesideofthehutnearthedoor，herchinuponherbreast，tremblingasshelookeduponthefruitofherwickedness。
“Nowthegirlwasyoungandfair，andwehadbeenfriends，yetIsaythatIdidnotpause，formyheartwasmadwithinme。Ididnotpause，but，seizingmyspear，Iranather，and，thoughshecriedformercy，Ikilledherwiththespear。
“\'Thatwaswelldone，Galazi！\'saidmyfather。\'ButwhenIamgone，looktoyourself，myson，fortheseSwazidogswilldriveyououtandrobyouofyourplace！Butiftheydriveyououtandyoustilllive，swearthistome——thatyouwillnotresttillyouhaveavengedme。\'
“\'Iswearit，myfather，\'Ianswered。\'IswearthatIwillstampoutthemenofthetribeofHalakazi，everyoneofthem，exceptthoseofmyownblood，andbringtheirwomentoslaveryandtheirchildrentobonds！\'
“\'Bigwordsforayoungmouth，\'saidmyfather。\'Yetshallyoulivetobringthesethingsabout，Galazi。ThisIknowofyounowinmyhourofdeath:youshallbeawandererforafewyearsofyourlife，childofSiguyana，andwanderinginanotherlandyoushalldieaman\'sdeath，andnotsuchadeathasyonderwitchhasgiventome。\'Then，havingspokenthus，helifteduphishead，lookedatme，andwithagreatgroanhedied。
“NowIpassedoutofthehutdraggingthebodyofthedeadgirlafterme。Infrontofthehutweregatheredmanyheadmenwaitingfortheend，andIsawthattheirlooksweresullen。
“\'Thechief，myfather，isdead！\'Icriedinaloudvoice，\'andI，Galazi，whoamthechief，haveslainherwhomurderedhim！\'AndI
rolledthebodyofthegirloverontoherbacksothattheymightlookuponherface。
“Nowthefatherofthegirlwasamongthosewhostoodbeforeme，hewhohadpersuadedhertothedeed，andhewasmaddenedatthesight。
“\'What，mybrothers？\'hecried。\'ShallwesufferthatthisyoungZuludog，thismurdererofagirl，bechiefoverus？Never！Theoldlionisdead，nowforthecub！\'Andheranatmewithspearaloft。
“\'Never！\'shoutedtheothers，andthey，too，rantowardsme，shakingtheirspears。
“Iwaited，Ididnothasten，forIknewwellthatIshouldnotdiethen，Iknewitfrommyfather\'slastwords。Iwaitedtillthemanwasnearme；hethrust，Isprangasideanddrovemyspearthroughhim，andonthedaughter\'sbodythefatherfelldead。ThenIshoutedaloudandrushedthroughthem。Nonetouchedme；nonecouldcatchme；themandoesnotlivewhocanovertakemewhenmyfeetareonthegroundandI
amaway。“
“YetImighttry，“saidUmslopogaas，smiling，forofallladsamongtheZulushewastheswiftestoffoot。
“Firstwalkagain，thenrun，“answeredGalazi。
“Takeupthetale，“quothUmslopogaas；“itisamerryone。“
“Somethingislefttotell，stranger。IfledfromthecountryoftheHalakazi，nordidIlingeratallinthelandoftheSwazis，butcameonswiftlyintotheZulu。Now，itwasinmymindtogotoChakaandtellhimofmywrongs，askingthathewouldsendanimpitomakeanendoftheHalakazi。ButwhileIjourneyed，findingfoodandshelterasImight，IcameonenighttothekraalofanoldmanwhoknewChaka，andhadknownSiguyana，mygrandfather，andtohim，whenIhadstayedtheretwodays，Itoldmytale。Buttheoldmancounselledmeagainstmyplan，sayingthatChaka，theking，didnotlovetowelcomenewshootssprungfromtheroyalstock，andwouldkillme；moreover，themanofferedmeaplaceinhiskraal。Now，Iheldthattherewaswisdominhiswords，andthoughtnomoreofstandingbeforethekingtocryforjustice，forhewhocriestokingsforjusticesometimesfindsdeath。Still，Iwouldnotstayinthekraaloftheoldman，forhehadsonstocomeafterhimwholookedonmewithnoliking；
moreover，Iwishedtobeachiefmyself，evenifIlivedalone。SoI
leftthekraalbynightandwalkedon，notknowingwhereIshouldgo。
“Now，onthethirdnight，Icametoalittlekraalthatstandsonthefarthersideoftheriveratthefootofthemountain。Infrontofthekraalsataveryoldwomanbaskingintheraysofthesettingsun。Shesawme，andspoketome，saying，\'Youngman，youaretallandstrongandswiftoffoot。Wouldyouearnafamousweapon，aclub，thatdestroysallwhostandbeforeit？\'
“IsaidthatIwishedtohavesuchaclub，andaskedwhatIshoulddotowinit。
“\'Youshalldothis，\'saidtheoldwoman:\'to-morrowmorning，atthefirstlight，youshallgouptoyondermountain，\'andshepointedtothemountainwhereyouarenow，stranger，onwhichthestoneWitchsitsforeverwaitingfortheworldtodie。\'Two-thirdsofthewayupthemountainyouwillcometoapaththatisdifficulttoclimb。Youshallclimbthepathandenteragloomyforest。Itisverydarkintheforest，butyoumustpushthroughittillyoucometoanopenplacewithawallofrockbehindit。Inthewallofrockisacave，andinthecaveyouwillfindthebonesofaman。Bringdownthebonesinabag，andIwillgiveyoutheclub！\'
“Whileshespokethuspeoplecameoutofthekraalandlistened。
“\'Donotheedher，youngman，\'theysaid，\'unlessyouarewearyoflife。Donotheedher:sheiscrazy。Themountainishaunted；itisaplaceofghosts。LookatthestoneWitchwhositsuponit！Evilspiritsliveinthatforest，andnomanhaswalkedthereformanyyears。Thiswoman\'ssonwasfoolish:hewenttowanderintheforest，sayingthathecarednothingforghosts，andtheAmatongo，theghost-
folk，killedhim。Thatwasmanyyearsago，andnonehavedaredtoseekhisbones。Evershesitshereandasksofthepassersbythattheyshouldbringhimtoher，offeringthegreatclubforareward；buttheydarenot！\'
“\'Theylie！\'saidtheoldwoman。\'Therearenoghoststhere。Theghostsliveonlyintheircowardlyhearts；therearebutwolves。I
knowthatthebonesofmysonlieinthecave，forIhaveseentheminadream；but，alas！myoldlimbsaretooweaktocarrymeupthemountainpath，andallthesearecowards；thereisnomanamongthemsincetheZuluskilledmyhusband，coveringhimwithwounds！\'
“Now，Ilistened，answeringnothing；butwhenallhaddone，IaskedtoseetheclubwhichshouldbegiventohimwhodaredtofacetheAmatongo，thespiritswholivedintheforestupontheGhostMountain。
Thentheoldwomanrose，andcreepingonherhandswentintothehut。
Presentlyshereturnedagain，draggingthegreatclubafterher。
“Lookatit，stranger！lookatit！Wasthereeversuchaclub？“AndGalazihelditupbeforetheeyesofUmslopogaas。
Intruth，myfather，thatwasaclub，forI，Mopo，sawitinafterdays。Itwasgreatandknotty，blackasironthathadbeensmokedinthefire，andshodwithmetalthatwaswornsmoothwithsmiting。
“Ilookedatit，“wentonGalazi，“andItellyou，stranger，agreatdesirecameintomyhearttopossessit。
“\'Howisthisclubnamed？\'Iaskedoftheoldwoman。
“\'ItisnamedWatcheroftheFords，\'sheanswered，\'andithasnotwatchedinvain。Fivemenhaveheldthatclubinwarandahundred-
and-seventy-threehavegivenuptheirlivesbeneathitsstrokes。Hewhohelditlastslewtwentybeforehewasslainhimself，forthisfortunegoeswiththeclub——thathewhoownsitshalldieholdingit，butinanoblefashion。ThereisbutoneotherweapontomatchwithitinZululand，andthatisthegreataxeofJikiza，thechiefofthePeopleoftheAxe，whodwellsinthekraalyonder；theancienthorn-
haftedImbubuzi，theGroan-Maker，thatbringsvictory。Wereaxe，Groan-Maker，andclub，WatcheroftheFords，sidebyside，therearenothirtymeninZululandwhocouldstandbeforethem。Ihavesaid。
Choose！\'Andtheagedwomanwatchedmecunninglythroughherhornyeyes。
“\'Shespeakstrulynow，\'saidoneofthosewhostoodnear。\'Lettheclubbe，youngman:hewhoownsitsmitesgreatblowsindeed，butintheendhediesbytheassegai。NonedareowntheWatcheroftheFords。\'
“\'Agooddeathandaswift！\'Ianswered。Andponderedatime，whilestilltheoldwomanwatchedmethroughherhornyeyes。Atlengthsherose，\'La！，la！\'shesaid，\'theWatcherisnotforthisone。Thisisbutachild，Imustseekmeaman，Imustseekmeaman！\'
“\'Notsofast，oldwife，\'Isaid。\'WillyoulendmethisclubtoholdinmyhandwhileIgotofindthebonesofyoursonandtosnatchthemfromthepeopleoftheghosts？\'
“\'LendyoutheWatcher，boy？Nay，nay！Ishouldseelittleofyouagainorofthegoodclubeither。\'
“\'Iamnothief，\'Ianswered。\'Iftheghostskillme，youwillseemenomore，ortheclubeither；butifIliveIwillbringyoubackthebones，or，ifIdonotfindthem，IwillrendertheWatcherintoyourhandsagain。AttheleastIsaythatifyouwillnotlendmetheclub，thenIwillnotgointothehauntedplace。\'
“\'Boy，youreyesarehonest，\'shesaid，stillpeeringatme。\'TaketheWatcher，goseekthebones。Ifyoudie，lettheclubbelostwithyou；
ifyoufail，bringitbacktome；butifyouwinthebones，thenitisyours，anditshallbringyougloryandyoushalldieaman\'sdeathatlastholdinghimaloftamongthedead。\'
“SoonthemorrowatdawnItooktheclubWatcherinmyhandandalittledancingshield，andmadereadytostart。Theoldwomanblessedmeandbademefarewell，buttheotherpeopleofthekraalmocked，saying:\'Alittlemanforsobigaclub！Beware，littleman，lesttheghostsusetheclubonyou！\'Sotheyspoke，butonegirlinthekraal——sheisagranddaughteroftheoldwoman——ledmeaside，prayingmenottogo，fortheforestontheGhostMountainhadanevilname:nonedaredwalkthere，sinceitwascertainlyfullofspirits，whohowledlikewolves。Ithankedthegirl，buttotheothersIsaidnothing，onlyIaskedofthepathtotheGhostMountain。
“Nowstranger，ifyouhavestrength，cometothemouthofthecaveandlookout，forthemoonisbright。“
SoUmslopogaasroseandcreptthroughthenarrowmouthofthecave。
There，abovehim，agreatgreypeaktoweredhighintotheair，shapedlikeaseatedwoman，herchinrestinguponherbreast，theplacewherethecavewasbeing，asitwere，onthelapofthewoman。Belowthisplacetherockslopedsharply，andwasclothedwithlittlebushes。
Lowerdownyetwasaforest，greatanddense，thatstretchedtothetopofacliff，andatthefootofthecliff，beyondthewatersoftheriver，laythewideplainsofZululand。
“Yonder，stranger，“saidGalazi，pointingwiththeclubWatcheroftheFordsfarawaytotheplainbeneath；“yonderisthekraalwheretheagedwomandwelt。Thereisacliffrisingfromtheplain，upwhichI
mustclimb；thereistheforestwheredwelltheAmatongo，thepeopleoftheghosts；there，onthehithersideoftheforest，runsthepathtothecave，andhereisthecaveitself。Seethisstonelyingatthemouthofthecave，itturnsthus，shuttinguptheentrancehole——itturnsgently；thoughitissolarge，achildmaymoveit，foritrestsuponasharppointofrock。Onlymarkthis，thestonemustbepushedtoofar；for，look！ifitcametohere，“andhepointedtoamarkinthemouthofthecave，“thenthatmanneedbestrongwhocandrawitbackagain，thoughIhavedoneitmyself，whoamnotamanfullgrown。
Butifitpassbeyondthismark，then，see，itwillrolldowntheneckofthecavelikeapebbledowntheneckofagourd，andIthinkthattwomen，onestrivingfromwithinandonedraggingfromwithout，scarcelycouldavailtopushitclear。Looknow，Iclosethestone，asismycustomofanight，so，“——andhegraspedtherockandswungitrounduponitspivot，onwhichitturnedasadoorturns。“ThusI
leaveit，andthough，exceptthosetowhomthesecretisknow，nonewouldguessthatacavewashere，yetitcanberolledbackagainwithapushofthehand。Butenoughofthestone。Enteragain，wanderer，andIwillgoforwardwithmytale，foritislongandstrange。
“Istartedfromthekraaloftheoldwoman，andthepeopleofthekraalfollowedmetothebrinkoftheriver。Itwasinflood，andfewhaddaredtocrossit。
“\'Ha！ha！\'theycried，\'nowyourjourneyisdone，littleman；watchbythefordyouwhowouldwintheWatcheroftheFord！Beatthewaterwiththeclub，perhapssoitshallgrowgentlethatyourfeetmaypassit！\'
“Ianswerednothingtotheirmocking，onlyIboundtheshielduponmyshoulderswithastring，andthebagthatIhadbroughtImadefastaboutmymiddle，andIheldthegreatclubinmyteethbythethong。
ThenIplungedintotheriverandswam。Twice，stranger，thecurrentboremeunder，andthoseonthebankshoutedthatIwaslost；butI
roseagain，andintheendIwonthefarthershore。
“Nowthoseonthebankmockednomore；theystoodstillwondering，andIwalkedontillIcametothefootofthecliff。Thatcliffishardtoclimb，stranger；whenyouarestronguponyourfeet，Iwillshowyouthepath。YetIfoundawayupit，andbymiddayIcametotheforest。Here，ontheedgeoftheforest，Irestedawhile，andatealittlefoodthatIhadbroughtwithmeinthebag，fornowImustgatherupmystrengthtomeettheghosts，ifghoststherewere。ThenI
roseandplungedintotheforest。Thetreesweregreatthatgrowthere，stranger，andtheirleavesaresothinkthatincertainplacesthelightisasthatofnightwhenthemoonisyoung。Still，Iwendedon，oftenlosingmypath。ButfromtimetotimebetweenthetopsofthetreesIsawthefigureofthegreystonewomanwhositsonthetopofGhostMountain，andshapedmycoursetowardsherknees。MyheartbeatasItravelledthroughtheforestindarkandlonelinesslikethatofthenight，andeverIlookedroundsearchingfortheeyesoftheAmatongo。ButIsawnospirits，thoughattimesgreatspottedsnakescreptfrombeforemyfeet，andperhapstheseweretheAmatongo。
Attimes，also，Icaughtglimpsesofsomegreywolfasheslunkfromtreetotreewatchingme，andalwayshighabovemyheadthewindsighedinthegreatboughswithasoundlikethesighingofwomen。
“Still，Iwenton，singingtomyselfasIwent，thatmyheartmightnotbefaintwithfear，andatlength，towardstheendofthesecondhour，thetreesgrewfewer，thegroundslopedupwards，andthelightpoureddownfromtheheavensagain。But，stranger，youareweary，andthenightwearson；sleepnow，andto-morrowIwillendthetale。Say，first，howareyounamed？“
“IamnamedUmslopogaas，sonofMopo，“heanswered，“andmytaleshallbetoldwhenyoursisdone；letussleep！“
NowwhenGalaziheardthisnamehestartedandwastroubled，butsaidnothing。Sotheylaidthemdowntosleep，andGalaziwrappedUmslopogaaswiththeskinsofbucks。
ButGalazitheWolfwassohardythathelayonthebaregroundandhadnocovering。Sotheyslept，andwithoutthedoorofthecavethewolveshowled，scentingthebloodofmen。
CHAPTERXIII
GALAZIBECOMESKINGOFTHEWOLVES
OnthemorrowUmslopogaasawoke，andknewthatstrengthwasgrowingonhimfast。Still，allthatdayherestedinthecave，whileGalaziwentouttohunt。Intheeveninghereturned，bearingabuckuponhisshoulders，andtheyskinnedthebuckandateofitastheysatbythefire。AndwhenthesunwasdownGalazitookuphistale。
“NowUmslopogaas，sonofMopo，hear！Ihadpassedtheforest，andhadcome，asitwere，tothelegsoftheoldstoneWitchwhositsupaloftthereforeverwaitingfortheworldtodie。Herethesunshonemerrily，herelizardsranandbirdsflewtoandfro，andthoughitgrewtowardstheevening——forIhadwanderedlongintheforest——Iwasafraidnomore。SoIclimbedupthesteeprock，wherelittlebushesgrowlikehaironthearmsofaman，tillatlastIcametothekneesofthestoneWitch，whicharethespacebeforethecave。Iliftedbyheadoverthebrinkoftherockandlooked，andItellyou，Umslopogaas，mybloodrancoldandmyheartturnedtowater，forthere，beforethecave，rolledwolves，manyandgreat。Somesleptandgrowledintheirsleep，somegnawedattheskullsofdeadgame，somesatuplikedogsandtheirtongueshungfromtheirgrinningjaws。I
looked，Isaw，andbeyondIdiscoveredthemouthofthecave，wherethebonesoftheboyshouldbe。ButIhadnowishtocomethere，beingafraidofthewolves，fornowIknewthattheseweretheghostswholiveuponthemountain。SoIbethoughtmethatIwouldfly，andturnedtogo。And，Umslopogaas，evenasIturned，thegreatclubWatcheroftheFordsswungroundandsmotemeonthebackwithsuchablowasamansmitesuponacoward。NowwhetherthiswasbychanceorwhethertheWatcherwouldshamehimwhoboreit，sayyou，forIdonotknow。
Attheleast，shameenteredintome。ShouldIgobacktobemockedbythepeopleofthekraalandbytheoldwoman？AndifIwishedtogo，shouldInotbekilledbytheghostsatnightintheforest？Nay，itwasbettertodieinthejawsofthewolves，andatonce。
“ThusIthoughtinmyheart；then，tarryingnot，lestfearshouldcomeuponmeagain，IswunguptheWatcher，andcryingaloudthewar-cryoftheHalakazi，Isprangoverthebrinkoftherockandrusheduponthewolves。They，too，sprangupandstoodhowling，withbristlinghidesandfieryeyes，andthesmellofthemcameintomynostrils。Yetwhentheysawitwasamanthatrusheduponthem，theywereseizedwithsuddenfearandfledthiswayandthat，leapingbygreatboundsfromtheplaceofrock，whichisthekneesofthestoneWitch，sothatpresentlyIstoodaloneinfrontofthecave。Now，havingconqueredthewolfghostsandnoblowstruck，myheartswelledwithinme，andI
walkedtothemouthofthecaveproudly，asacockwalksuponaroof，andlookedinthroughtheopening。Asitchanced，thesinkingsunshoneatthishourfullintothecave，sothatallitsdarknesswasmaderedwithlight。Then，oncemore，Umslopogaas，Igrewafraidindeed，forIcouldseetheendofthecave。
“Looknow！Thereisaholeinthewallofthecave，wherethefirelightfallsbelowtheshadowoftheroof，twicetheheightofamanfromthefloor。Itisanarrowholeandahigh，isitnot？——asthoughonehadcutitwithiron，andamanmightsitinit，hislegshangingtowardsthefloorofthecave。Ay，Umslopogaas，amanmightsitinit，mighthenot？Andthereamansat，orthatwhichhadbeenaman。Theresatthebonesofaman，andtheblackskinhadwitheredonhisbones，holdingthemtogether，andmakinghimawfultosee。Hishandswereopenbesidehim，heleaneduponthem，andintherighthandwasapieceofhidefromhismoocha。Itwashalfeaten，Umslopogaas；
hehadeatenitbeforehedied。Hiseyesalsowereboundroundwithabandofleather，asthoughtohidesomethingfromtheirgaze，onefootwasgone，onehungovertheedgeofthenichetowardsthefloor，andbeneathitonthefloor，redwithrust，laythebladeofabrokenspear。
“Nowcomehither，Umslopogaas，placeyourhanduponthewallofthecave，justhere；itissmooth，isitnot？——smoothasthestonesonwhichwomengrindtheircorn。\'Whatmadeitsosmooth？\'youask。I
willtellyou。
“WhenIpeeredthroughthedoorofthecaveIsawthis:onthefloorofthecavelayashe-wolfpanting，asthoughshehadgallopedmanyamile；shewasgreatandfierce。Neartoherwasanotherwolf——hewasadog——oldandblack，biggerthananyIhaveseen，averyfatherofwolves，andallhisheadandflankswerestreakedwithgrey。Butthiswolfwasonhisfeet。AsIwatchedhedrewbacknearlytothemouthofthecave，thenofasuddenheranforwardandboundedhighintotheairtowardsthewitheredfootofthatwhichhungfromthecleftoftherock。Hispadsstruckupontherockherewhereitissmooth，andthereforasecondheseemedtocling，whilehisgreatjawsclosedwithaclashbutaspear\'sbreadthbeneaththedeadman\'sfoot。Thenhefellbackwithahowlofrage，anddrewslowlydownthecave。Againheranandleaped，againthegreatjawsclosed，againhefelldownhowling。
Thentheshe-wolfrose，andtheysprangtogether，strivingtopulldownhimwhosatabove。Butitwasallinvain；theycouldnevercomenearerthanwithinaspear\'sbreadthofthedeadman\'sfoot。Andnow，Umslopogaas，youknowwhytherockissmoothandshines。Frommonthtomonthandyeartoyearthewolveshadravenedthere，seekingtodevourthebonesofhimwhosatabove。Nightuponnighttheyhadleapedthusagainstthewallofthecave，butnevermighttheirclashingjawscloseuponhisfoot。Onefoottheyhad，indeed，buttheothertheycouldnotcomeby。
“NowasIwatched，filledwithfearandwonder，theshe-wolf，hertonguelollingfromherjaws，madesomightyaboundthatshealmostreachedthehangingfoot，andyetnotquite。Shefellback，andthenI
sawthattheleapwasherlastforthattime，forshehadoversprungherself，andlaytherehowling，theblackbloodflowingfromhermouth。Thewolfsawalso:hedrewnear，sniffedather，then，knowingthatshewashurt，seizedherbythethroatandworriedher。Nowalltheplacewasfilledwithgroansandchokinghowls，asthewolvesrolledoverandoverbeneathhimwhosatabove，andintheblood-redlightofthedyingsunthesightandsoundsweresohorridthatI
trembledlikeachild。Theshe-wolfgrewfaint，forthefangsofhermatewereburiedinherthroat。ThenIsawthatnowwasthetimetosmitehim，lestwhenhehadkilledherheshouldkillmealso。SoI
liftedtheWatcherandsprangintothecave，havingitinmymindtoslaythewolfbeforehelifteduphishead。Butheheardmyfootsteps，orperhapsmyshadowfelluponhim。Loosinghisgrip，helookedup，thisfatherofwolves；then，makingnosound，hesprangstraightatmythroat。
“Isawhim，andwhirlingtheWatcheraloft，Ismotewithallmystrength。Theblowmethiminmid-air；itfellfullonhischestandstruckhimbackwardstotheearth。Buttherehewouldnotsay，for，risingbeforeIcouldsmiteagain，oncemorehesprangatme。ThistimeIleapedasideandstruckdownwards，andtheblowfelluponhisrightlegandbrokeit，sothathecouldspringnomore。Yetheranatmeonthreefeet，and，thoughtheclubfellonhisside，heseizedmewithhisteeth，bitingthroughthatleatherbag，whichwaswoundaboutmymiddle，intothefleshbehind。ThenIyelledwithpainandrage，andliftingtheWatcherendways，droveitdownwithbothhands，asamandrivesastakeintotheearth，andthatwithsogreatastrokethattheskullofthewolfwasshatteredlikeapot，andhefelldead，draggingmewithhim。PresentlyIsatupontheground，and，placingthehandleoftheWatcherbetweenhisjaws，Iforcedthemopen，freeingmyfleshfromthegripofhisteeth。ThenIlookedatmywounds；theywerenotdeep，fortheleatherbaghadsavedme，yetI
feelthemtothishour，forthereispoisoninthemouthofawolf。
PresentlyIglancedup，andsawthattheshe-wolfhadfoundherfeetagain，andstoodasthoughunhurt；forthisisthenatureoftheseghosts，Umslopogaas，that，thoughtheyfightcontinually，theycannotdestroyeachother。Theymaybekilledbymanalone，andthathardly。
Thereshestood，andyetshedidnotlookatmeoronherdeadmate，butathimwhosatabove。Isaw，andcreptsoftlybehindher，then，liftingtheWatcher，Idashedhimdownwithallmystrength。Theblowfellonherneckandbrokeit，sothatsherolledoverandatoncewasdead。
“NowIrestedawhile，thenwenttothemouthofthecaveandlookedout。Thesunwassinking:allthedepthoftheforestwasblack，butthelightstillshoneonthefaceofthestonewomanwhositsforeveronthemountain。Here，then，Imustbidethisnight，for，thoughthemoonshonewhiteandfullinthesky，Idarednotwendtowardstheplainsalonewiththewolvesandtheghosts。AndifIdarednotgoalone，howmuchlessshouldIdaretogobearingwithmehimwhosatinthecleftoftherock！Nay，hereImustbide，soIwentoutofthecavetothespringwhichflowsfromtherockontherightyonderandwashedmywoundsanddrank。ThenIcamebackandsatinthemouthofthecave，andwatchedthelightdieawayfromthefaceoftheworld。
Whileitwasdyingtherewassilence，butwhenitwasdeadtheforestawoke。Awindsprangupandtossedittillthegreenofitsboughswavedliketroubledwateronwhichthemoonshinesfaintly。Fromtheheartofit，too，camehowlingsofghostsandwolves，thatwereansweredbyhowlsfromtherocksabove——hearken，Umslopogaas，suchhowlingsaswehearto-night！
“Itwasawfulhereinthemouthofthecave，forIhadnotyetlearnedthesecretofthestone，andifIhadknownit，shouldIhavedaredtocloseit，leavingmyselfalonewiththedeadwolvesandhimwhomthewolveshadstruggledtoteardown？Iwalkedoutyonderontotheplatformandlookedup。ThemoonshonefulluponthefaceofthestoneWitchwhositsaloftforever。Sheseemedtogrinatme，and，oh！I
grewafraid，fornowIknewthatthiswasaplaceofdeadmen，aplacewherespiritsperchlikevulturesinatree，astheysweeproundandroundtheworld。Iwentbacktothecave，andfeelingthatImustdosomethinglestIshouldgomad，Idrewtomethecarcaseofthegreatdog-wolfwhichIhadkilled，and，takingmyknifeofiron，Ibegantoskinitbythelightofthemoon。ForanhourormoreIskinned，singingtomyselfasIworked，andstrivingtoforgethimwhosatinthecleftaboveandthehowlingswhichranaboutthemountains。Buteverthemoonlightshonemoreclearlyintothecave:nowbyitIcouldseehisshapeofboneandskin，ay，andeventhebandageabouthiseyes。Whyhadhetieditthere？Iwondered——perhapstohidethefacesofthefiercewolvesastheysprangupwardstogriphim。Andalwaysthehowlingsdrewnearer；nowIcouldseegreyformscreepingtoandfrointheshadowsoftherockyplacebeforeme。Ah！therebeforemeglaredtworedeyes:asharpsnoutsniffedatthecarcasewhichI
skinned。Withayell，IliftedtheWatcherandsmote。Therecameascreamofpain，andsomethinggallopedawayintotheshadows。
“Nowtheskinwasoff。Icastitbehindme，andseizingthecarcasedraggedittotheedgeoftherockandleftit。Presentlythesoundofhowlingsdrewnearagain，andIsawthegreyshapescreepuponebyone。Nowtheygatheredroundthecarcase，nowtheyfelluponitandrentit，fightinghorriblytillallwasfinished。Then，lickingtheirredchops，theyslunkbacktotheforest。
“DidIsleepordidIwake？Nay，Icannottell。ButIknowthis，thatofasuddenIseemedtolookupandsee。Isawalight——perchance，Umslopogaas，itwasthelightofthemoon，shininguponhimthatsataloftattheendofthecave。Itwasaredlight，andheglowedinitasglowsathingthatisrotten。Ilooked，orseemedtolook，andthenIthoughtthatthehangingjawmoved，andfromitcameavoicethatwasharshandhollowasofonewhospeaksfromanemptybelly，throughawitheredthroat。
“\'Hail，Galazi，childofSiguyana！\'saidthevoice，\'GalazitheWolf！
Say，whatdostthouhereintheGhostMountain，wherethestoneWitchsitsforever，waitingfortheworldtodie？\'
“Then，Umslopogaas，Ianswered，orseemedtoanswer，andmyvoice，too，soundedstrangeandhollow:——
“\'Hail，DeadOne，whosittestlikeavultureonarock！IdothisontheGhostMountain。Icometoseekthybonesandbearthemtothymotherforburial。\'
“\'ManyandmanyayearhaveIsataloft，Galazi，\'answeredthevoice，\'watchingtheghost-wolvesleapandleaptodragmedown，tilltherockgrewsmoothbeneaththewearingoftheirfeet。SoIsatsevendaysandnights，beingyetalive，thehungrywolvesbelow，andhungergnawingatmyheart。SoIhavesatmanyandmanyayear，beingdeadintheheartoftheoldstoneWitch，watchingthemoonandthesunandthestars，hearkeningtothehowlsoftheghost-wolvesastheyravenedbeneathme，andlearningthewisdomoftheoldwitchwhositsaboveineverlastingstone。YetmymotherwasyoungandfairwhenItrodthehauntedforestandclimbedthekneesofstone。Howseemsshenow，Galazi？\'
“\'Sheiswhiteandwrinkledandveryaged，\'Ianswered。\'Theycallhermad，yetatherbiddingIcametoseekthee，DeadOne，bearingtheWatcherthatwasthyfather\'sandshallbemine。\'
“\'Itshallbethine，Galazi，\'saidthevoice，\'forthoualonehastdaredtheghoststomesleepandburial。Hearken，thinealsoshallbethewisdomoftheoldwitchwhositsaloftforever，frozenintoeverlastingstone——thineandoneother\'s。Thesearenotwolvesthatthouhastseen，thatisnowolfwhichthouhastslain；nay，theyareghosts——evilghostsofmenwholivedinagesgone，andwhomustnowlivetilltheybeslainbymen。Andknowestthouhowtheylived，Galazi，andwhatwasthefoodtheyate？Whenthelightcomesagain，Galazi，climbtothebreastsofthestoneWitch，andlookinthecleftwhichisbetweenherbreasts。Thereshaltthouseehowthesemenlived。Andnowthisdoomisonthem:theymustwandergauntandhungryintheshapeofwolves，hauntingthatGhostMountainwheretheyoncefed，tilltheyareledforthtodieatthehandsofmen。Becauseoftheirdevouringhungertheyhaveleaptfromyeartoyear，strivingtoreachmybones；andhewhomthouhastslainwasthekingofthem，andsheathissidewastheirqueen。
“\'Now，GalazitheWolf，thisisthewisdomthatIgivethee:thoushaltbekingoftheghost-wolves，thouandanother，whomalionshallbringthee。Girdtheblackskinuponthyshoulders，andthewolvesshallfollowthee；allthethreehundredandsixtyandthreeofthemthatareleft，andlethimwhoshallbebroughttotheegirdontheskinofgrey。Whereyetwainleadthem，thereshalltheyraven，bringingyouvictorytillallaredead。Butknowthis，thatthereonlymaytheyravenwhereinlifetheyravened，seekingfortheirfood。
Yet，thatwasanillgiftthoutookestfrommymother——thegiftoftheWatcher，forthoughwithouttheWatcherthouhadstneverslainthekingoftheghost-wolves，yet，bearingtheWatcher，thoushaltthyselfbeslain。Now，onthemorrowcarrymebacktomymother，sothatImaysleepwheretheghost-wolvesleapnomore。Ihavespoken，Galazi。\'
“NowtheDeadOne\'svoiceseemedtogroweverfainterandmorehollowashespoke，tillatthelastIcouldscarcelyhearhiswords，yetI
answeredhim，askinghimthis:——
“\'Whoisit，then，thatthelionshallbringtometorulewithmeovertheghost-wolves，andhowishenamed？\'
“ThentheDeadOnespokeoncemoreveryfaintly，yetinthesilenceoftheplaceIheardhiswords:——
“\'HeisnamedUmslopogaastheSlaughterer，sonofChaka，LionoftheZulu。“
NowUmslopogaasstartedupfromhisplacebythefire。
“IamnamedUmslopogaas，“hesaid，“buttheSlaughtererIamnotnamed，andIamthesonofMopo，andnotthesonofChaka，LionoftheZulu；youhavedreamedadream，Galazi，or，ifitwasnodream，thentheDeadOneliedtoyou。“
“Perchancethiswasso，Umslopogaas，“answeredGalazitheWolf。
“PerhapsIdreamed，ofperhapstheDeadOnelied；nevertheless，ifheliedinthismatter，inothermattershedidnotlie，asyoushallhear。
“AfterIhadheardthesewords，orhaddreamedthatIheardthem，I
sleptindeed，andwhenIwoketheforestbeneathwaslikethecloudsofmist，butthegreylightglinteduponthefaceofherwhositsinstoneabove。NowIrememberedthedreamthatIhaddreamed，andI
wouldseeifitwerealladream。SoIrose，andleavingthecave，foundaplacewhereImightclimbuptothebreastsandheadofthestoneWitch。Iclimbed，andasIwenttheraysofthesunlituponherface，andIrejoicedtoseethem。But，whenIdrewnear，thelikenesstothefaceofawomanfadedaway，andIsawnothingbeforemebutruggedheapsofpiled-uprock。Forthis，Umslopogaas，isthewayofwitches，betheyofstoneorflesh——whenyoudrawneartothemtheychangetheirshape。
“NowIwasonthebreastofthemountain，andwanderedtoandforawhilebetweenthegreatheapsofstone。AtlengthIfound，asitwere，acrackinthestonethriceaswideasamancanjump，andinlengthhalfaspear\'sthrow，andnearthiscrackstoodgreatstonesblackenedbyfire，andbeneaththembrokenpotsandaknifeofflint。
Ilookeddownintothecrack——itwasverydeep，andgreenwithmoss，andtallfernsgrewaboutinit，forthedampgatheredthere。Therewasnothingelse。Ihaddreamedalyingdream。Iturnedtogo，thenfoundanothermind，andclimbeddownintothecleft，pushingasidetheferns。Beneaththefernswasmoss；IscrapeditawaywiththeWatcher。
Presentlytheironoftheclubstruckonsomethingthatwasyellowandroundlikeastone，andfromtheyellowthingcameahollowsound。I
liftedit，Umslopogaas；itwastheskullofachild。
“Idugdeeperandscrapedawaymoremoss，tillpresentlyIsaw。
Beneaththemosswasnothingbutthebonesofmen——oldbonesthathadlaintheremanyyears；thelittleoneshadrotted，thelargeronesremained——somewereyellow，someblack，andothersstillwhite。Theywerenotbroken，asarethosethathyenasandwolveshaveworried，yetonsomeofthemIcouldseethemarksofteeth。Then，Umslopogaas，I
wentbacktothecave，neverlookingbehindme。
“NowwhenIwascometothecaveIdidthis:Iskinnedtheshe-wolfalso。WhenIhadfinishedthesunwasup，andIknewthatitwastimetogo。ButIcouldnotgoalone——hewhosataloftinthecleftofthecavemustgowithme。Igreatlyfearedtotouchhim——thisDeadOne，whohadspokentomeinadream；yetImustdoit。SoIbroughtstonesandpiledthemuptillIcouldreachhim；thenIliftedhimdown，forhewasverylight，beingbutskinandbones。Whenhewasdown，Iboundthehidesofthewolvesaboutme，thenleavingtheleatherbag，intowhichhecouldnotenter，ItooktheDeadOneandplacedhimonmyshouldersasamanmightcarryachild，forhislegswerefixedsomewhatapart，andholdinghimbythefootwhichwasleftonhim，I
setoutforthekraal。DowntheslopeIwentasswiftlyasIcould，fornowIknewtheway，seeingandhearingnothing，exceptonce，whentherecamearushofwings，andagreateaglesweptdownatthatwhichsatuponmyshoulders。Ishouted，andtheeagleflewaway，thenI
enteredthedarkoftheforest。HereImustwalksoftly，lesttheheadofhimIcarriedshouldstrikeagainsttheboughsandbesmittenfromhim。
“ForawhileIwentonthus，tillIdrewneartotheheartoftheforest。ThenIheardawolfhowlonmyright，andfromtheleftcameansweringhowls，andthese，again，wereansweredbyothersinfrontofandbehindme。Iwalkedonboldly，forIdarednotstay，guidingmyselfbythesun，whichfromtimetotimeshonedownonmeredlythroughtheboughsofthegreattrees。NowIcouldseeformsgreyandblackslinkingnearmypath，sniffingattheairastheywent，andnowIcametoalittleopenplace，and，behold！allthewolvesintheworldweregatheredtogetherthere。Myheartmelted，mylegstrembledbeneathme。Oneverysidewerethebrutes，greatandhungry。AndI
stoodstill，withclubaloft，andslowlytheycreptup，mutteringandgrowlingastheycame，tilltheyformedadeepcircleroundme。Yettheydidnotspringonme，onlydrewnearerandevernearer。Presentlyonesprang，indeed，butnotatme；hesprangatthatwhichsatuponmyshoulders。Imovedaside，andhemissedhisaim，and，comingtothegroundagain，stoodtheregrowlingandwhininglikeabeastafraid。
ThenIrememberedthewordsofmydream，ifdreamitwere，howthattheDeadOnehadgivenmewisdomthatIshouldbekingoftheghost-
wolves——Iandanotherwhomalionshouldbeartome。Wasitnotso？Ifitwasnotso，howcameitthatthewolvesdidnotdevourme？
“ForamomentIstoodthinking，thenIliftedupmyvoiceandhowledlikeawolf，andlo！Umslopogaas，allthewolveshowledinanswerwithamightyhowling。Istretchedoutmyhandandcalledtothem。Theyrantome，gatheringroundmeasthoughtodevourme。Buttheydidnotharmme；theylickedmylegswiththeirredtongues，andfightingtocomenearme，pressedthemselvesagainstmeasdoesacat。One，indeed，snatchedathimwhosatonmyshoulder，butIstruckhimwiththeWatcherandheslunkbacklikeawhippedhound；moreover，theothersbithimsothatheyelled。NowIknewthatIhadnomoretofear，forIwaskingoftheghost-wolves，soIwalkedon，andwithmecameallthegreatpackofthem。Iwalkedonandon，andtheytrottedbesidemesilently，andthefallenleavescrackledbeneaththeirfeet，andthedustroseupaboutthem，tillatlengthIreachedtheedgeoftheforest。
“NowIrememberedthatImustnotbeseenthusbymen，lesttheyshouldthinkmeawizardandkillme。Therefore，attheedgeoftheforestIhaltedandmadesignstothewolvestogoback。Atthistheyhowledpiteously，asthoughingrief，butIcalledtothemthatI
wouldcomeagainandbetheirking，anditseemedasthoughtheirbruteheartsunderstoodmywords。Thentheyallwent，stillhowling，tillpresentlyIwasalone。
“Andnow，Umslopogaas，itistimetosleep；to-morrownightIwillendmytale。“
CHAPTERXIV
THEWOLF-BRETHREN
Now，myfather，onthemorrownight，onceagainUmslopogaasandGalazithewolfsatbythefireinthemouthoftheircave，aswesitto-
night，myfather，andGalazitookuphistale。
“IpassedontillIcametotheriver；itwasstillfull，butthewaterhadrundownalittle，sothatmyfeetfoundfoothold。Iwadedintotheriver，usingtheWatcherasastaff，andthestreamreachedtomyelbows，butnohigher。Nowoneonthefartherbankoftheriversawthatwhichsatuponmyshoulders，andsawalsothewolf\'sskinonmyhead，andrantothekraalcrying，\'Herecomesonewhowalksthewatersonthebackofawolf。\'
“SoitcameaboutthatwhenIdrewtowardsthekraalallthepeopleofthekraalweregatheredtogethertomeetme，excepttheoldwoman，whocouldnotwalksofar。Butwhentheysawmecominguptheslopeofthehill，andwhentheyknewwhatitwasthatsatuponmyshoulders，theyweresmittenwithfear。Yettheydidnotrun，becauseoftheirgreatwonder，onlytheywalkedbackwardbeforeme，clingingeachtoeachandsayingnothing。Itoocameonsilently，tillatlengthIreachedthekraal，andbeforeitsgatessattheoldwomanbaskinginthesunoftheafternoon。Presentlyshelookedupandcried:——
“\'Whatailsyou，peopleofmyhouse，thatyouwalkbackwardslikemenbewitched，andwhoisthattallanddeathlymanwhocomestowardyou？\'
“Butstilltheydrewonbackward，sayingnoword，thelittlechildrenclingingtothewomen，thewomenclingingtothemen，tilltheyhadpassedtheoldwifeandrangedthemselvesbehindherlikearegimentofsoldiers。Thentheyhaltedagainstthefenceofthekraal。ButI
cameontotheoldwoman，andliftedhimwhosatuponmyshoulders，andplacedhimonthegroundbeforeher，saying，\'Woman，hereisyourson；Ihavesnatchedhimwithmuchtoilfromthejawsoftheghosts——
andtheyaremanyupyonder——allsaveonefoot，whichIcouldnotfind。Takehimnowandburyhim，forIwearyofhisfellowship。\'
“Shelookeduponthatwhichsatbeforeher。Sheputoutherwitheredhandanddrewthebandagefromhissunkeneyes。Thenshescreamedaloudashrillscream，and，flingingherarmsabouttheneckoftheDeadOne，shecried:\'ItismysonwhomIbore——myveryson，whomfortwicetenyearsandhalfatenIhavenotlookedupon。Greeting，myson，greeting！Nowshaltthoufindburial，andIwiththree——ay，I
withthee！\'
“Andoncemoreshecriedaloud，standinguponherfeetwitharmsoutstretched。Thenofasuddenfoamburstfromherlips，andshefellforwarduponthebodyofherson，andwasdead。
“Nowsilencecameupontheplaceagain，forallwerefearful。Atlastonecried:\'Howisthismannamedwhohaswonthebodyfromtheghosts？\'
“\'IamnamedGalazi，\'Ianswered。
“\'Nay，\'saidhe。\'TheWolfyouarenamed。Lookatthewolf\'sredhideuponhishead！\'
“\'IamnamedGalazi，andtheWolfyouhavenamedme，\'Isaidagain。
\'Sobeit:IamnamedGalazitheWolf。\'
“\'Methinksheisawolf，\'saidhe。\'Look，now，athisteeth，howtheygrin！Thisisnoman，mybrothers，butawolf。\'
“\'Nowolfandnoman，\'saidanother，\'butawizard。Nonebutawizardcouldhavepassedtheforestandwonthelapofherwhositsinstoneforever。\'
“\'Yes，yes！heisawolf——heisawizard！\'theyscreamed。\'Killhim！
Killthewolf-wizardbeforehebringstheghostsuponus！\'Andtheyrantowardsmewithupliftedspears。
“\'Iamawolfindeed，\'Icried，\'andIamawizardindeed，andIwillbringwolvesandghostsuponyouereallisdone。\'AndIturnedandfledsoswiftlythatsoontheywereleftbehindme。NowasIranImetagirl；abasketofmealieswasonherhead，andsheboreadeadkidinherhand。Irushedatherhowlinglikeawolf，andIsnatchedthemealiesfromherheadandthekidfromherhand。ThenIfledon，andcomingtotheriver，Icrossedit，andforthatnightIhidmyselfintherocksbeyond，eatingthemealiesandthefleshofthekid。
“OnthemorrowatdawnIroseandshookthedewfromthewolf-hide。
ThenIwentonintotheforestandhowledlikeawolf。Theyknewmyvoice，theghost-wolves，andhowledinanswerfromfarandnear。ThenIheardthepatteringoftheirfeet，andtheycameroundmebytensandbytwenties，andfawneduponme。Icountedtheirnumber；theynumberedthreehundredandsixtyandthree。
“Afterwards，Iwentontothecave，andIhavelivedthereinthecave，Umslopogaas，fornighupontwelvemoons，andIhavebecomeawolf-man。ForwiththewolvesIhuntandraven，andtheyknowme，andwhatIbidthemthattheydo。Stay，Umslopogaas，nowyouarestrongagain，and，ifyourcouragedoesnotfailyou，youshallseethisverynight。Comenow，haveyoutheheart，Umslopogaas？“
ThenUmslopogaasroseandlaughedaloud。“Iamyounginyears，“hecried，“andscarcelycometothefullstrengthofmen；yethithertoI
havenotturnedmybackonlionorwitch，onwolforman。Nowletusseethisimpiofyours——thisimpiblackandgrey，thatrunsonfourlegswithfangsforspears！“
“Youmustfirstbindontheshe-wolf\'shide，Umslopogaas，“quothGalazi，“else，beforeamancouldcounthisfingerstwicetherewouldbelittleenoughleftofyou。Binditabouttheneckandbeneaththearms，andseethatthefasteningsdonotburst，lestitbetheworseforyou。“
SoUmslopogaastookthegreywolf\'shideandbounditonwiththongsofleather，anditsteethgleameduponhishead，andhetookaspearinhishand。Galazialsoboundonthehideofthekingofthewolves，andtheywentoutontothespacebeforethecave。Galazistoodthereawhile，andthemoonlightfelluponhim，andUmslopogaassawthathisfacegrewwildandbeastlike，thathiseyesshone，andhisteethgrinnedbeneathhiscurlinglips。Helifteduphisheadandhowledoutuponthenight。ThriceGalaziliftedhisheadandthricehehowledloudly，andyetmoreloud。Butbeforeevertheechoeshaddiedintheair，fromtheheightsoftherocksaboveandthedepthsoftheforestbeneath，therecamehowlingsinanswer。Nearertheygrewandnearer；
nowtherewasasoundoffeet，andawolf，greatandgrey，boundedtowardsthem，andafterhimmanyanother。TheycametoGalazi，theyspranguponhim，fawningroundhim，buthebeatthemdownwiththeWatcher。ThenofasuddentheysawUmslopogaas，andrushedathimopen-mouthed。
“Standanddonotmove！“criedGalazi。“Benotafraid！“
“Ihavealwaysfondleddogs，“answeredUmslopogaas，“shallIlearntofearthemnow？“
Yetthoughhespokeboldly，inhishearthewasafraid，forthiswasthemostterribleofallsights。Thewolvesrushedonhimopen-
mouthed，frombeforeandfrombehind，sothatinabreathhewaswell-
nighhiddenbytheirforms。Yetnofangpiercedhim，forastheyleapttheysmeltthesmelloftheskinuponhim。ThenUmslopogaassawthatthewolvesleaptathimnomore，buttheshe-wolvesgatheredroundhimwhoworetheshe-wolf\'sskin。Theyweregreatandgauntandhungry，allwerefull-grown，therewerenolittleones，andtheirnumberwassomanythathecouldnotcounttheminthemoonlight。Umslopogaas，lookingintotheirredeyes，felthisheartbecomeastheheartofawolf，andhe，too，lifteduphisheadandhowled，andtheshe-wolveshowledinanswer。
“Thepackisgathered；nowforthehunt！“criedGalazi。“Makeyourfeetswift，mybrother，forweshalljourneyfarto-night。Ho，Blackfang！ho，Greysnout！Ho，mypeopleblackandgrey，away！away！“
Hespokeandboundedforward，andwithhimwentUmslopogaas，andafterhimstreamedtheghost-wolves。Theyfleddownthemountainsides，leapingfrombouldertoboulderlikebucks。Presentlytheystoodbyakloofthatwasthickwithtrees。Galazistopped，holdinguptheWatcher，andthewolvesstoppedwithhim。
“Ismellaquarry，“hecried；“in，mypeople，in！“
Thenthewolvesplungedsilentlyintothegreatkloof，butGalaziandUmslopogaasdrewtothefootofitandwaited。Presentlytherecameasoundofbreakingboughs，andlo！beforethemstoodabuffalo，abullwholowedfiercelyandsniffedtheair。
“Thisonewillgiveusagoodchase，mybrother；see，heisgauntandthin！Ah！thatmeatistenderwhichmypeoplehavehuntedtothedeath！“
AsGalazispoke，thefirstofthewolvesdrewfromthecovertandsawthebuffalo；then，givingtongue，theysprangtowardsit。Thebullsawalso，anddasheddownthehill，andafterhimcameGalaziandUmslopogaas，andwiththemalltheircompany，andtherocksshookwiththemusicoftheirhunting。Theyrusheddownthemountainside，anditcameintotheheartofUmslopogaas，thathe，too，wasawolf。Theyrushedmadly，yethisfeetwereswiftastheswiftest；nowolfcouldoutstriphim，andinhimwasbutonedesire——thedesireofprey。Nowtheynearedthebordersoftheforest，andGalazishouted。HeshoutedtoGreysnoutandtoBlackfang，toBloodandtoDeathgrip，andthesefourleapedforwardfromthepack，runningsoswiftlythattheirbelliesseemedtotouchtheground。Theypassedaboutthebull，turninghimfromtheforestandsettinghisheaduptheslopeofthemountain。Thenthechasewheeled，thebullleapedandboundedupthemountainside，andononeflanklayGreysnoutandDeathgripandontheotherlayBloodandBlackfang，whilebehindcametheWolf-Brethren，andafterthemthewolveswithlollingtongues。Upthehilltheysped，butthefeetofUmslopogaasneverwearied，hisbreathdidnotfailhim。OncemoretheydrewnearthelapoftheGreyWitchwherethecavewas。Onrushedthebull，madwithfear。Heransoswiftlythatthewolveswereleftbehind，sincehereforaspacethegroundwasleveltohisfeet。GalazilookedonUmslopogaasathisside，andgrinned。
“Youdonotrunsoill，mybrother，whohavebeensickoflate。Seenowifyoucanoutrunme！Whoshalltouchthequarryfirst？“
Nowthebullwasaheadbytwospear-throws。UmslopogaaslookedandgrinnedbackatGalazi。“Good！“hecried，“away！“
Theyspedforwardwithabound，andforawhileitseemedtoUmslopogaasasthoughtheystoodsidebyside，onlythebullgrewnearerandnearer。Thenheputouthisstrengthandtheswiftnessofhisfeet，andlo！whenhelookedagainhewasalone，andthebullwasverynear。NeverwerefeetsoswiftasthoseofUmslopogaas。Nowhereachedthebullashelabouredon。Umslopogaasplacedhishandsuponthebackofthebullandleaped；hewasonhim，hesathimasyouwhitemensitahorse。Thenheliftedthespearinhishand，anddroveitdownbetweentheshoulderstothespine，andofasuddenthegreatbuffalostaggered，stopped，andfelldead。
Galazicameup。“Whonowistheswiftest，Galazi？“criedUmslopogaas，“I，oryou，oryourwolfhost？“
“Youaretheswiftest，Umslopogaas，“saidGalazi，gaspingforhisbreath。“Neverdidamanrunasyourun，norevershallagain。“
Nowthewolvesstreamedup，andwouldhavetornthecarcase，butGalazibeatthemback，andtheyrestedawhile。ThenGalazisaid，“Letuscutmeatfromthebullwithaspear。“
Sotheycutmeatfromthebull，andwhentheyhadfinishedGalazimotionedtothewolves，andtheyfelluponthecarcase，fightingfuriously。Inalittlewhilenothingwasleftexceptthelargerbones，andyeteachwolfhadbutalittle。
Thentheywentbacktothecaveandslept。
AfterwardsUmslopogaastoldGalaziallhistale，andGalaziaskedhimifhewouldabidewithhimandbehisbrother，andrulewithhimoverthewolf-kind，orseekhisfatherMopoatthekraalofChaka。
UmslopogaassaidthatitwasratherinhismindtoseekhissisterNada，forhewaswearyofthekraalofChaka，buthethoughtofNadadayandnight。
“Where，then，isNada，yoursister？“askedGalazi。
“Shesleepsinthecavesofyourpeople，Galazi；shetarrieswiththeHalakazi。“
“Stayawhile，Umslopogaas，“criedGalazi；“staytillwearemenindeed。ThenwewillseekthissisterofyoursandsnatchherfromthecavesoftheHalakazi。“
Nowthedesireofthiswolf-lifehadenteredintotheheartofUmslopogaas，andhesaidthatitshouldbeso，andonthemorrowtheymadethemblood-brethren，tobeonetilldeath，beforeallthecompanyofghost-wolves，andthewolveshowledwhentheysmeltthebloodofmen。Inallthingsthenceforththesetwowereequal，andtheghost-
wolveshearkenedtothevoiceofbothofthem。Andonmanyamoonlightnighttheyandthewolveshuntedtogether，winningtheirfood。Attimestheycrossedtheriver，huntingintheplains，forgamewasscarceonthemountain，andthepeopleofthekraalwouldcomeout，hearingthemightyhowling，andwatchthepacksweepacrosstheveldt，andwiththemamanormen。Thentheywouldsaythattheghostswereabroadandcreepintotheirhutsshiveringwithfear。ButasyettheWolf-Brethrenandtheirpackkillednomen，butgameonly，or，attimes，elephantsandlions。
NowwhenUmslopogaashadabodesomemoonsintheWatchMountain，onanighthedreamedofNada，andawakeningsoftatheart，bethoughthimselfthathewouldlearntidingsconcerningme，hisfather，Mopo，andwhathadbefallenmeandherwhomhedeemedhismother，andNada，hissister，andhisotherbrethren。Soheclothedhimself，hidinghisnakedness，and，leavingGalazi，descendedtothatkraalwheretheoldwomanhaddwelt，andtheregaveitoutthathewasayoungman，achief\'ssonfromafarplace，whosoughtawife。Thepeopleofthekraallistenedtohim，thoughtheyheldthathislookwasfierceandwild，andoneaskedifthiswereGalazitheWolf，GalazitheWizard。
ButanotheransweredthatthiswasnotGalazi，fortheireyeshadseenhim。UmslopogaassaidthatheknewnothingofGalazi，andlittleofwolves，andlo！whilehespoketherecameanimpioffiftymenandenteredthekraal。UmslopogaaslookedattheleadersoftheimpiandknewthemforcaptainsofChaka。Atfirsthewouldhavespokentothem，buthisEhlosebadehimholdhispeace。Sohesatinacornerofthebighutandlistened。Presentlytheheadmanofthekraal，whotrembledwithfear，forhebelievedthattheimpihadbeensenttodestroyhimandallthatwerehis，askedthecaptainwhatwashiswill。
“Alittlematter，andavain，“saidthecaptain。“Wearesentbythekingtosearchforacertainyouth，Umslopogaas，thesonofMopo，theking\'sdoctor。Mopogaveitoutthattheyouthwaskilledbyalionnearthesemountains，andChakawouldlearnifthisistrue。“
“Weknownothingoftheyouth，“saidtheheadman。“Butwhatwouldyewithhim？“
“Onlythis，“answeredthecaptain，“tokillhim。“
“Thatisyettodo，“thoughtUmslopogaas。
“WhoisthisMopo？“askedtheheadman。
“Anevildoer，whosehousethekinghaseatenup——man，woman，andchild，“answeredthecaptain。
CHAPTERXV
THEDEATHOFTHEKING\'SSLAYERS
WhenUmslopogaasheardthesewordshisheartwasheavy，andagreatangerburnedinhisbreast，forhethoughtthatI，Mopo，wasdeadwiththerestofhishouse，andhelovedme。Buthesaidnothing；only，watchingtillnonewerelooking，heslippedpastthebacksofthecaptainsandwonthedoorofthehut。Soonhewasclearofthekraal，and，runningswiftly，crossedtheriverandcametotheGhostMountain。Meanwhile，thecaptainaskedtheheadmanofthekraalifheknewanythingofsuchayouthashimforwhomtheysought。TheheadmantoldthecaptainofGalazitheWolf，butthecaptainsaidthatthiscouldnotbethelad，forGalazihaddweltmanymoonsupontheGhostMountain。
“Thereisanotheryouth，“saidtheheadman；“astranger，fierce，strongandtall，witheyesthatshinelikespears。Heisinthehutnow；hesitsyonderintheshadow。“
Thecaptainroseandlookedintotheshadow，butUmslopogaaswasgone。
“Nowthisyouthisfled，“saidtheheadman，“andyetnonesawhimfly！
Perhapshealsoisawizard！Indeed，IhaveheardthatnowtherearetwoofthemupontheGhostMountain，andthattheyhuntthereatnightwiththeghost-wolves，butIdonotknowifitistrue。“