Moreover, Tabitha made no
request; as Dorcas knew, though she hid it from Thomas, she sent for the
headmen, and when they were seated on the ground before her after their
fashion, Menzi among them, issued an order, saying:
"What! Are my parents and I to live like dogs without a kennel or cattle
that lack a winter kraal, because you are idle? Inspan the wagons and
fetch the things or I shall be angry. _Hamba_--Go!"
Thereon they rose and went without argument, only lifting their
right hands above their heads and murmuring, "_Ikosikaas! Umame!_
(Chieftainess! Mother!) we hear you." Yes, they called Tabitha "Mother!"
It was all very wrong, thought Dorcas, but she supposed, being a pious
little person, that she must bear her burden and trust to Providence to
free her from it, and she closed her eyes to wipe away a tear.
When Dorcas opened them again something very strange seemed to have
happened. She felt wide awake, and yet knew that she must be dreaming
because the room had disappeared. There was nothing in sight except the
bare rock upon which the house stood. For instance, she could see the
gorge behind as it used to be before they made it into a garden, for she
recognised some of the very trees that they had cut down.
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