The evil-doers, the child-slayers, the robbers of men, sent spies into the forest, and when Muata returned from his hunting there was wailing at the kraal, and the fire was dead on the hearth.

And the women cried, 'O chief, they have taken the lioness; they lured her out with tales of ill that had befallen Muata, even the young lion.

So she went forth between the gates, and they, the robbers, carried her away.' "Muata turned on his heel straightway.

He sought the trail of the man-thieves.

It was plain and level.