Part 15 (2/2)

NIHIL

says the inscription, and Powder and Nothing is the ulti-s in the early days He helped break a few, so it was in obedience to the laws of compensation that he took his part in reconstructive work

He broke Esindini, Matabini, T'saki-to name three-and helped, in the very old days, and in another country, to break Lobengula, the Great Bull

King-maker he was beyond question-you could see Republicanisrin hich he s he made were little ones-that is the custo and put s in his place, because it is itude 0, is a land which is peculiar for the fact that it is British, French, Gere it by

At the time of which I write it was neither, but it was ruled by Mensikili He was the most powerful of monarchs, and, for the matter of that, the most cruel His dominion stretched ”from moonrise to sunset,” said the natives, and he held undisputed sway

He had a court, and sat upon an ivory throne, and wore over the leopard skins of his rank a old thread and scarlet thread, and he administered justice He had three hundred wives and forty thousand fighting an and ended with the co of a French Mission, who presented hian, and one hundred thousand francs in gold

This was Lis of the Southern lands spoke of him with bated breath; his name was uttered in a low voice, as of a God; he was the syht-the Isisi people, themselves a nation of some importance, and boastful likewise, referred to thei wasthe French Mission, Sanders went up as envoy to the Liood will

He was escorted into the territory by a great ar After two days' waiting he was informed that his Majesty would see him, and was led to the Presence

The Presence was an old e of character, who showed uner and contempt when the Commissioner displayed his presents

”And what are these, white”Toys for my women, or presents for my little chiefs?”

”These are for your Greatness,” said Sanders quietly, ”froe friendshi+p by the costliness of presents”

The king gave a little sniff

”Tell me, white reat a king as I?”

”Lord king,” said Sanders, frank to a fault ”I have seen greater”

The king frowned, and the crowd about his sacred personcal than I”

”Let the white ed councillor, and ainto the eyes of the old man who sat on the throne, ”I have seen Lo Ben”[2]

The king frowned again, and nodded

”Of hi and an eater-up of nations-who else?”

”King,” lied Sanders, ”also Ketcewayo”; and so like a hush fell upon the court, for the name of Ketceas one that travelled north

”But of white kings,” persisted the chief; ”is there a white king in the world whose hen it goes forth causes men to tremble?”