Now, in the name of our friendship, I pray you hand them over to me that I may lead them back to their duty." "I give you greeting, Bull-Head," answered Sigwe courteously, "and I thank you for your visit to my town; presently an ox shall be sent for you to eat.

As for this matter of the white lady and her companion it is one that we can inquire into at leisure.

I hear that she is the daughter of the big Boer whom the natives of the coast name Thick-Arm; also that you murdered the lady's husband and carried her off by force to be your wife instead of his.

Now here, as you know, I am chief paramount, for having of our blood in your veins, you understand our customs, and, therefore, I must see justice done, especially as I do not wish to bring a quarrel with the white people upon our heads.

So off-saddle a while, and to-morrow before I start upon a certain journey, I will summon my counsellors and we will try the case." Now by this time Swart Piet, who, as Sigwe had said, understood the customs of the Kaffirs, knew very well that the chief was making excuses, and would not surrender Suzanne to him.