Perhaps they number three full regiments." "Nay, more," said the king; "what thinkest thou, Mopo, would this people of thine fill the rift behind us ?" and he nodded at the gulf of stone.
Now, my father, I trembled in all my flesh, seeing the purpose of Chaka; but I could find no words to say, for my tongue clave to the roof of my mouth.
"The people are many," said Chaka, "yet, Mopo, I bet thee fifty head of cattle that they will not fill the donga." "The king is pleased to jest," I said.
"Yea, Mopo, I jest; yet as a jest take thou the bet." "As the king wills," I murmured--who could not refuse.

Now the people of my tribe drew near: at their head was an old man, with white hair and beard, and, looking at him, I knew him for my father, Makedama.

When he came within earshot of the king, he gave him the royal salute of Bayete, and fell upon his hands and knees, crawling towards him, and konzaed to the king, praising him as he came.

All the thousands of the people also fell on their hands and knees, and praised the king aloud, and the sound of their praising was like the sound of a great thunder.
At length Makedama, my father, writhing on his breast like a snake, lay before the majesty of the king.

Chaka bade him rise, and greeted him kindly; but all the thousands of the people yet lay upon their breasts beating the dust with their heads.
"Rise, Makedama, my child, father of the people of the Langeni," said Chaka, "and tell me why art thou late in coming to my mourning ?" "The way was far, O King," answered Makedama, my father, who did not know me.