Have you more words for me, O Beautiful One, with a tongue of
oil and a wit that cuts like steel?"
"Yes," answered Benita. "You have dealt well with me, and in reward I
give you of my good luck. Bear this message to your king from the
White Witch of Bambatse, for I am she and no other. That he leave these
Makalanga, my servants, to dwell unharmed in their ancient home, and
that he lift no spear against the White Men, lest that evil which the
Molimo foretold to you, should fall upon him."
"Ah!" said Maduna, "now I understand how you flew from the mountain top
into this man's waggon. You are not a white woman, you are the ancient
Witch of Bambatse herself. You have said it, and with such it is not
well to war. Great lady of Magic, Spirit from of old, I salute you, and
I thank you for your gifts of life and fortune. Farewell."
Then he, too, stalked away at the head of his guard, so that presently,
save for the three Zulu servants and the herd of cattle, Robert and
Benita were left utterly alone.
Now, her part played and the victory won, Benita burst into tears and
fell upon her lover's breast.
Presently she remembered, and freed herself from his arms.
"I am a selfish wretch," she said. "How dare I be so happy when my
father is dead or dying? We must go at once.
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