They knew also that
it was she who had saved their general from the Makalanga, and those who
had heard her admired the wit and courage with which she had pleaded
and won her cause. Therefore, as they marched past in their companies,
singing a song of abuse and defiance of the Makalanga who peered at them
from the top of the wall, they lifted their great spears in salutation
to Benita standing upon the waggon-box.
Indeed, they were a wondrous and imposing spectacle, such a one as few
white women have ever seen.
At length all were gone except Maduna and a body-guard of two hundred
men. He walked to the front of the waggon and addressed Robert Seymour.
"Listen, you fox who set us to hoe granite," he said indignantly. "You
have outwitted us this time, but if ever I meet you again, then you die.
Now I have given you your life, but," he added, almost pleadingly, "if
you are really brave as white men are said to be, will you not come down
and fight me man to man for honour's sake?"
"I think not," answered Robert, when he understood this challenge, "for
what chance should I have against so brave a warrior? Also this lady--my
wife--needs my help on her journey home."
Maduna turned from him contemptuously to Benita.
"I go," he said, "and fear not; you will meet no Matabele on that
journey.
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