That is the face of
the matter so far as it concerns Bulalio, but for me, O Mouth, it has
another face. Know that, long years ago, I swore to my father as he
lay dying by the poison of a witch of this people that I would not
rest till I had avenged him--ay, till I had stamped out the Halakazi,
and slain their men, and brought their women to the houses of
strangers, and their children to bonds! Year by year and month by
month, and night by night, as I have lain alone upon the Ghost
Mountain yonder, I have wondered how I might bring my oath to pass,
and found no way. Now it seems that there is a way, and I am glad. Yet
this is a great adventure, and perhaps before it is done with the
People of the Axe will be no more." And he ceased and took snuff,
watching our faces over the spoon.
"Galazi the Wolf," said Umslopogaas, "for me also the matter has
another face. You have lost your father at the hands of these Halakazi
dogs, and, though till last night I did not know it, I have lost my
mother by their spears, and with her one whom I loved above all in the
world, my sister Nada, who loved me also. Both are dead and the
Halakazi have killed them. This man, the mouth of Dingaan," and he
pointed to me, Mopo, "this man says that if I can stamp out the
Halakazi and make captive of the Lily maid, I shall win the heart of
Dingaan.
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