THE VICTORY OF THE CROSS The sun rose suddenly over the edge of the cliffs, and while it was yet deep shadow in the valley, its red light struck upon the white cross of perished wood that towered above the Tree of Doom and on the black shape of Hokosa crucified to it living.

The camp of the king saw and understood, and from every throat of the thousands of men, women and children gathered there, went up a roar of rage and horror.

The king lifted his hand, and silence fell upon the place; then he mounted on the wall and cried aloud:-- "Do you yet live, Hokosa, or is it your body only that those traitors have fastened to the tree ?" Back came the answer through the clear still air:-- "I live, O King!" "Endure then a little while," called Nodwengo, "and we will storm the tree and save you." "Nay," answered Hokosa, "you cannot save me; yet before I die I shall see you saved." Then his words were lost in tumult, for the third day's fighting began.
Desperately the regiments of Hafela rushing across the open space, hurled themselves upon the fortifications, which, during the night, had been strengthened by the building of two inner walls.

Nor was this all, for suddenly a cry told those in front that the regiment which Hafela had despatched across the mountains had travelled up the eastern neck of the valley, and were attacking the position in their rear.

Well was it for Nodwengo now that he had listened to the counsel of Hokosa, and, wearied as his soldiers were, had commanded that here also a great wall should be built.
For two hours the fight raged, and then on either side the foe fell back, not beaten indeed, though their dead were many, but to rest and take counsel.