called Hansi, was the other. Then you made a mock of Zikali by
determining not to visit me, Umhlopekazi, and not to go north to find
the great white Queen of whom he had told you, but to return to Natal.
Is that so?"

I said it was.

"Then the rain fell and the winds blew and the rivers rose in wrath so
that you could not return to Natal, and after all by chance, or by fate,
or by the will of Zikali, the wizard of wizards, you drifted here to the
kraal of me, Umhlopekazi, and told me this story."

"Just so," I answered.

"Well, White Man, how am I to know that all this is not but a trap for
my feet which already seem to feel cords between the toes of both of
them? What token do you bring, O Watcher-by-Night? How am I to know that
the Opener-of-Roads really sent me this message which has been delivered
so strangely by one who wished to travel on another path? The wandering
witch-doctor told me that he who came would bear some sign."

"I can't say," I answered, "at least in words. But," I added after
reflection, "as you ask for a token, perhaps I might be able to show you
something that would bring proof to your heart, if there were any secret
place----"

Umslopogaas walked to the gateway of the fence and saw that the sentry
was at his post. Then he walked round the hut casting an eye upon its
roof, and muttered to me as he returned.