To this day no white man has penetrated the caves. I hope to do so the next time I visit Swaziland. I never had a chance on my subsequent visits, but I shall certainly find a way the next time. The thought is fascinating, but I suppose I shall be disappointed if I ever do explore this royal burial-place. Like most things in life, it will fail to come up to expectations. Not long after we reached our camp several indunas and a small band of warriors called on Tuys. They were part of the bodyguard of Labotsibeni and had come on a special errand. "Nkoos, White King," the chief induna began with much ceremony, "the great Queen Labotsibeni sends me to you with a message. Even now she, the mother of Buno, waits your answer." I was interested to see that he spoke of Buno as though that cruel ruler still lived. The thought came to me that his infamy would keep him alive for some time, at least in the memories of those who had witnessed any of his bloody pastimes. Tuys did not seem to understand what the induna was driving at, and he asked several questions. The chief said that the old queen had instructed him to ask Tuys if her "white brother" did not remember his promise. She was waiting for him to fulfil what he had said he would do. There was some more palaver, and then Tuys suddenly woke up. "Why, the old girl wants her gin!" he said, laughing. Then he got out four small cases of it and presented them to the induna. "I'd go along with him," Tuys said to me in Dutch, "if I was not afraid that I'd have to lie to the old queen. She wants the job of ruling Swaziland until the question of the new king is decided, and she expects me to get the British to acknowledge her as regent. I don't know what I'll be able to do, and if I promise that she will get the job, and she doesn't get it, I'll be in a fine pickle! I think I'll avoid her, and we'd better get going to-night and make a break for Rietvlei." [Illustration: SWAZI WARRIORS AND WOMEN DANCING The ceremonies were held when Dr. O'Neil and his companions were inducted into the royal impi] [Illustration: PRINCESSES OF ROYAL BIRTH The fourth from the left is a sister to Crown Prince Sebuza. They are all dressed up in gaudy colors--clothes which we had presented them] CHAPTER IX Sibijaan's sportiveness almost costs his life--How Tuys became the friend of Buno--Labotsibeni endorsed as regent of Swaziland--Umzulek plots to seize the throne--The Boers invade Swaziland--Tuys dictates peace between the queens--Umzulek gets his lesson.