As he appeared, wrapped in the kaross of tiger-skins and towering a head higher than any man there, all the multitude--and it was many as the game on the hills--cast themselves to earth, and from every lip sharp and sudden went up the royal salute of Bayete.

But Chaka took no note; his brow was cloudy as a mountain-top.

He cast one glance at the people and one at the slayers, and wherever his eye fell men turned grey with fear.

Then he stalked on, and sat himself upon a stool to the north of the great ring looking toward the open space.
For awhile there was silence; then from the gates of the women's quarters came a band of maidens arrayed in their beaded dancing-dresses, and carrying green branches in their hands.

As they came, they clapped their hands and sang softly:-- We are the heralds of the king's feast.