The two white men stood back and watched. 



Reaching the front oxen, he grasped the leading 

 reim and pulled them round until they stood level 

 for the straight pull out ; then down the other side 

 of the span he ran with cat-like tread and activity, 

 talking to each and straightening them up as he had 

 done with the others ; and when he reached the 

 waggon again, he turned sharply and overlooked the 

 span. One ox had swung round and stood out of 

 line ; there was a pause of seconds, and then the big 

 Zulu called to the ox by name not loudly but in a 

 deep low tone, husky with intensity and the animal 

 swung back into line again. 



Then out of the silence that followed came an 

 electrifying yell to the span : every bullock leaned to 

 its yoke, and the waggon went out with a rush. 



And he drove them at a half-trot all the way to the 

 store : without water ; without help ; without con- 

 sciousness ; the little dry twig still in his hand, and 

 only his masterful intensity and knowledge of his work 

 and span to see him through. 



" A mad troublesome savage," said Harry Williams, 

 " but one of the very best. Anyhow, we thought so ; 

 he saved us ! ' : 



There was something very familiar in this, and it was 

 with a queer feeling of pride and excitement that I 

 asked : 



" Did he ever say to you * My catchum lion 

 'live ' ? " 



" By gum ! You know him ? Jim : Jim Mako- 

 kel' ! " 



459 



