Sir Henry sprang up and swore a great oath, then, overpowered by the sense of silence, sat down again.
"The thrust was a good one," said the king; "take him away." Four men stepped out of the ranks, and lifting the body of the murdered man, carried it thence.
"Cover up the blood-stains, cover them up," piped out the thin voice that proceeded from the monkey-like figure; "the king's word is spoken, the king's doom is done!" Thereupon a girl came forward from behind the hut, bearing a jar filled with powdered lime, which she scattered over the red mark, blotting it from sight.
Sir Henry meanwhile was boiling with rage at what had happened; indeed, it was with difficulty that we could keep him still.
"Sit down, for heaven's sake," I whispered; "our lives depend on it." He yielded and remained quiet.
Twala sat silent until the traces of the tragedy had been removed, then he addressed us.
"White people," he said, "who come hither, whence I know not, and why I know not, greeting." "Greeting, Twala, King of the Kukuanas," I answered.
"White people, whence come ye, and what seek ye ?" "We come from the Stars, ask us not how.

We come to see this land." "Ye journey from far to see a little thing.

And that man with you," pointing to Umbopa, "does he also come from the Stars ?" "Even so; there are people of thy colour in the heavens above; but ask not of matters too high for thee, Twala the king." "Ye speak with a loud voice, people of the Stars," Twala answered in a tone which I scarcely liked.

"Remember that the Stars are far off, and ye are here.

How if I make you as him whom they bore away ?" I laughed out loud, though there was little laughter in my heart.
"O king," I said, "be careful, walk warily over hot stones, lest thou shouldst burn thy feet; hold the spear by the handle, lest thou should cut thy hands.