human
Greeting!
gpt
Greeting!
human
Why do you linger here among the dead, when on the other side there is plenty of beer and merriment? And what was the white man doing crawling around the rock?
gpt
And why have you left the feast to question me?
human
These questions are through my mouth, but they come from Umkomaas, the chief. He would have you near him, and he has sent a message.
gpt
Hu-em! said Sirayo, while his nostrils expanded;
human
Why, said Hume,
gpt
I know your message, said Sirayo in his deep voice.
human
I can see it in your eyes, that fear to look straight. You carry it under your blankets, and it has a sharp edge to it. Stop! he thundered, as there was a movement among the men.
gpt
I have a word to say to you. Let slip your blankets; the air is warm, and I know what you hold beneath them.
human
Soh! It is well. Look around on the dead and tell me who they are.
gpt
Amazulus!
human
Yebo--Amazulus; and they lie as still as the blades of grass beneath them. Look, and think how ye would have fared, had not Sirayo fought against them. Where to-day would have been your flocks and your women? Sirayo is a great chief; it is because he is great that Umkomaas has sent you each with a message--Umkomaas, who was drawn by these hands out of the hole. Do you think that men such as you can slay me?
gpt
It is the will of Umkomaas and the headmen in council, O chief.
human
Learn--Sirayo cannot be slain. See these wounds--the blood yet drips from them--these scars; they tell you that Sirayo cannot be slain unless he so wishes. He let his fierce gaze dwell on them, and his giant form seemed to tower above them.
gpt
Let this white man go, and to-night you may do the will of the chief; but if harm befalls my friend, my spirit will return; you will hear your cattle moan in the night, and in the morning they will be dead.
human
Never! said Hume, who had followed the strange speech without difficulty.
gpt
I will not take my life on such terms.
human
Hu-em! my day has passed and the night comes. Of what use is it that we should both die? Take the road to the forest while there is light, and the dread of me will keep these men quiet till I give them the sign.
gpt
And they will follow me up!
human
What say you? can the white man go? Remember my words: Sirayo living is not to be so feared as Sirayo dead.
gpt
Ay, he can go; the chief said nothing concerning him.
human
Go, my friend, and when you grow old, see that you have children about you. It is not well to be alone then.
gpt
I stay with you, chief,
human
Is that the last word?
gpt
Yes.
human
It is a fight, then;