I looked and saw that this was that Masilo whom Chaka had charged with a message to him who was named Bulalio, or the Slaughterer, and who ruled over the People of the Axe.
It was Masilo indeed, but he was no longer fat, for much travel had made him thin; moreover, on his back were the marks of rods, as yet scarcely healed over.
"Who art thou ?" said Chaka.
"I am Masilo, of the People of the Axe, to whom command was given to run with a message to Bulalio the Slaughterer, their chief, and to return on the thirtieth day.

Behold, O King, I have returned, though in a sorry plight!" "It seems so!" said the king, laughing aloud.

"I remember now: speak on, Masilo the Thin, who wast Masilo the Fat; what of this Slaughterer?
Does he come with his people to lay the axe Groan-Maker in my hands ?" "Nay, O King, he comes not.

He met me with scorn, and with scorn he drove me from his kraal.

Moreover, as I went I was seized by the servants of Zinita, she whom I wooed, but who is now the wife of the Slaughterer, and laid on my face upon the ground and beaten cruelly while Zinita numbered the strokes." "Hah!" said the king.