"Opener of Roads," he went on, "many of those who are present think like Macumazahn here, that you are but an old cheat, though whether or no I be one of these I will not say.

They demand a sign of you that none can dispute, and I demand it also before I speak the word of peace or war.

Give us then that sign or begone to whence you came and show your face no more at Ulundi." "What sign does the Council require, Son of Panda ?" asked Zikali quietly.

"Let them agree on one together and tell me now at once, for I who am old grow weary and would sleep.

Then if it can be given I will give it; and if I cannot give it, I will get me back to my own house and show my face no more at Ulundi, who do not desire to listen again to fools who babble like contending waters round a stone and yet never stir the stone because they run two ways at once." Now the Councillors stared at each other, for none knew what sign to ask.