But, Yellow Man, how comes it that you who, I have been told, are cunning, watch your master so ill ?" "I was asleep," stuttered Hans indignantly.
"Those who serve should never sleep," replied Umslopogaas sternly.

Then he turned and whistled, and behold! out of the long grass that grew at a little distance, emerged twelve great men, all of them bearing axes and wearing cloaks of hyena skins, who saluted me by raising their axes.
"Set a watch and skin me this beast by dawn.

It will make us a mat," said Umslopogaas, whereon again they saluted silently and melted away.
"Who are these ?" I asked.
"A few picked warriors whom I brought with me, Macumazahn.

There were one or two more, but they got lost on the way." Then we went to the waggon and spoke no more that night.
Next morning I told Umslopogaas of the visit I had received from the _Induna_ of the King who wished me to come to the royal kraal.

He nodded and said, "As it chances certain thieves attacked me on my journey, which is why one or two of my people remain behind who will never travel again.