As any maiden might have done, Nongkause went to fetch a pitcher of
water. Most maidens, when they filled the pitcher, would have seen the
shadow of a sweetheart in the eddies. Nongkause saw more. Strange beings,
such as were not then in Kaffraria, were about her, and strange sounds
fell upon her ears. The remote ancestors of the Kaffirs were revealing
themselves; their spirits were consulting on the affairs of men.
Nongkause hurried to tell her uncle Umhlakaza, and, he helped to proclaim
the visions. To him and to others they were, no doubt, expected, and
certainly they were welcome. For what was their message? Nongkause had it
from the council of spirits, sitting under the water, a corner of which
lifted to allow of communication.
Disease was making itself felt among the cattle that formed the main
wealth of the Kaffirs. However, the heroic chiefs who had long gone
hence, were only waiting to return with endless herds. These were of
vastly improved breed, nor could any earthly sickness harm them. From the
unknown, there would also arrive all manner of desirable things; no
Kaffir could even imagine them. Finally, those who were to bring the
lustrous Kaffraria would march before a giant army. By it, the white
would be driven into the sea, and Kaffir rule would direct a Kaffir land.
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