Sekeletu's leprosy brought troops of evils in its train.

Believing himself bewitched, he had suspected a number of his chief men, and had put some, with their families, to death; others had fled to distant tribes, and were living in exile.

The chief had shut himself up, and allowed no one to come into his presence but his uncle Mamire.

Ponwane, who had been as "head and eyes" to him, had just died; evidence, he thought, of the potent spells of those who hated all who loved the chief.

The country was suffering grievously, and Sebituane's grand empire was crumbling to pieces.