Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1892-07-22

MP 10 the Great Place of Jikiza Now
when hs reached the gates OF the kraal
ho saw that many people wcro stream
ing through them and mingled with
the people Presently they came to the
open space in front Of the huts of Jikiza,
and there the headmen were gathered
together.
In tho center Of them, and before a
heap Of the skulls Of men which were
piled us against his doorsteps, sat Jikiza,
huge man, hairy and proud, who
glared about him. rolling his eyes.
Fastened 10 his arm by throng of
leather was the great AK Groanmaker,
aud each man as he came up saluted the
az, calling il "Inkosikaas," or chief
tainess. but he did not salute Jikiza.
Umslopogaas sat down with the people
In front Of the councillors, and few took
any notice OF him except Zinita, who
moved sullenly to and fro bearing pots
Of beer 20 the councillors. Near to Jikiza,
ON his right hand, sat a fat man with
small and twinkling eyes, who watched
the maid Zinita greedily.
lyon man." thought Umslopogaas,
ia Masilo. The better for blood letting
wilt thou be, Masiloi"
Presently Jikiza. spoke, rolling his
eyes, This is the matter before you,
councillors. have settled it in my
mind to give my daughter Zinita in mar
rage to MasAo. but the marriage gift is
not yet agreed on. demand hundred
head of cattle from Masilo, for the maid
Is fair and straight-a proper maid
and, moreover. my daughter, though
not 81 my blood. But Masilo offers fifty
head only; therefore l ask of you to set
tie IT,"
I'VE hear you, Lord of the Az" an
swersd one OF the councillors; ''but first,
q UnconQuered. you must on this day of
the year. according to ancient custom,
give public challenge to any man to
light You for the Groanmaker and for
your place rs chief of the People Of
tho Az"
This Ia n wearisome thing" grum-
bied Jikisa. "Can / never have done
with itl Fifty and three have slain in
my youth without a wound. and now
for many years have challenged, like
n cock on n dunghill. and none crow in
answer
"Ho. now! Is there any man who will
come forward and do battle with me,
Jikixa, for the great Ak Groanmaker?
To him who can win it, it shall be, and
with II the craftsmanship of the People
Of the Az"
Thus he spoke very fast, then turned
once more TO talk Of the cattle Of Masilo
and the maid Zinita. But suddenly
Umsiopogaas stood up. looking at him
over the top Of his war shield, and cry
ing, Here Is one, o Jikiza, who will do
battle with you for the Ak Groanmaker,
and for the chieftainship that is to him
who holds the AK.
Jilsiza glarcd Mt him.
Come forth from behind that big
shield Of yours" he said Come forth
and tell me your name and lineage, you
who would do battle with the Uncon-
quered for the ancient AK"
Then Umslopogaas came forward.
What In my name and lineage to
yoa. Jikiza," he said. "Let it be, and
hasten to 60 me battle, as you must by
the custom. When | have killed you l
will take name. who now have none. "
Jikizh grew mad and sprang up, gasp
ing
"Whatr he said. lyon dare to speak
thun 10 me. the Unconquered, the holder
Of the nx1 Never did think to live to
hear such talk. On to the cattle kraal,
People Of the AZ. that may hew this
bral.gai-t's head from his shoulders. !
tell you Nil that presently | will stand
upon his hesd, and then we will settle
the matter OF Masilo."
"Babble not 80 fast. man." quoth Um-
sloT'ogsas. "or II you must babble speak
those words which you would say, ere
you bid the sun farewell"
Now Jikixa choked with rage. Masilo
looked askance ut this stranger, and
Zinita looked at Masilo. and with no
love- 30 they all moved down to the
cattle kraal, and Galazi drew near and
mingled with the crowd
ITO b C,ntinusd1