“O Macumazahn, we Zulus believe that what we saw on that night was not Nombe or another dressed up, but the spirit of the witch Mameena itself.  We believe it because we could see the light of Zikali’s fire through her, not always, but sometimes; also because all that she said has come true, though everything is not yet finished.”

I could get no more out of him about the matter, for when I tried to speak of it again, he turned the subject, telling me of his wonderful escapes during the war.  Presently he rose to go and said casually—­

“Surely I grow old in these times of trouble, Macumazahn, for thoughts slip through my head like water through the fingers.  Almost I had forgotten what I wished to say to you.  The other day I met Zikali, the Opener of Roads.  He told me that you were in Zululand and that I should meet you—­he did not say where, only that when I did meet you, I was to give you a message.  This was the message—­that when on your way to Natal you came to the kraal Jazi, you would find him there; also another whom you used to know, and must be sure not to go away without seeing him, since that was about to happen in which you must take your part.”

“Zikali!” I exclaimed.  “I have heard nothing of him since the war.  I thought that by now he was certainly dead.”

“Oh! no, Macumazahn, he is certainly not dead, but just the same as ever.  Indeed it is believed that he and no other has kept all this broth of trouble on the boil, some say for Cetewayo’s sake, and some say because he wishes to destroy Cetewayo.  But what do I know of such matters who only desire to live in peace under whatever chief the English Queen sends to us, as she has a right to do having conquered us in war?  When you meet the Opener of Roads at the kraal Jazi, ask him, Macumazahn.”

“Where the devil is the kraal Jazi?” I inquired with irritation.  “I never heard of such a place.”

“Nor did I, therefore I cannot tell you, Macumazahn.  For aught I can say it may be down beneath where dead men go.  But wherever it is there certainly you will meet the Opener of Roads.  Now farewell, Macumazahn.  If it should chance that we never look into each other’s eyes again, I am sure you will think of me sometimes, as I shall of you, and of all that we have seen together, especially on that night in the Vale of Bones when the ghost of the witch Mameena prophesied to us and kissed you before us all.  She must have been very beautiful, Macumazahn, as indeed I have heard from those who remember her, and I don’t wonder that you loved her so much.  Still for my part I had rather be kissed by a living woman than by one who is dead, though doubtless it is best to be kissed by none at all.  Again, farewell, and be sure to tell the Opener of Roads that I gave you his message, lest he should lay some evil charm upon me, who have seen enough evil of late.”

Thus talking Goza departed.  I never saw him again, and do not know if he is dead or alive.  Well, he was a kindly old fellow, if no hero.