“From whom?” asked Dingaan anxiously. “The white Amaboona?” “Nay, O King, from the queen of the Ghost-people to whom thou didst dispatch Noie, daughter of Seyapi, a while ago.” Hearing the name Noie, Rachel lifted her head, and for the first time her face grew human. “I remember,” said Dingaan. “Admit the embassy.” Then followed a long pause. At length the gate opened and through it appeared Noie herself, clad in a garb of spotless white, and somewhat travel-worn, but beautiful as ever. She was escorted by four gigantic men who were naked except for their moochas, but wore copper ornaments on their wrists and ankles, and great rings of copper in their ears. After her came three litters whereof the grass curtains were tightly drawn, carried by bearers of the same size and race, and after these a bodyguard of fifty soldiers of a like stature. This strange and barbarous-looking company advanced slowly, whilst the Council stared at them wondering, for never before had they seen people so huge, and arriving in front of the King set down the litters, staring back in answer with their great round eyes. As they came Rachel rose from her stool and turned slowly so that she and Noie, who walked in front of the embassy, stood face to face. For a moment they gazed at each other, then Noie, running forward, knelt before Rachel and kissed the hem of her robe, but Rachel bent down and lifted her up in her strong arms, embracing her as a mother embraces a child. “Where hast thou been, Sister?” she asked. “I have sought thee long.” “Surely on thy business, Zoola,” answered Noie, scanning her curiously. “Dost thou not remember?” “Nay, I remember naught, Noie, save that I have sought thee long. My Spirit wanders, Noie.” “Lady,” she said, “my people told me that it was so. They told me many terrible things, they who can see afar, they for whom distance has no gates, but I did not believe them. Now I see with my own eyes. Be at peace, Lady, my people will give thee back thy Spirit, though perchance thou must travel to find it, for in their land all spirits dwell. Be at peace and listen.” “With thee, Noie, I am at peace,” replied Rachel, and still holding her hand, she reseated herself upon the stool. “Where are the messengers?” asked Dingaan. “I see none.” “King,” answered Noie, “they shall appear.” Then she made signs to the escort of giants, some of whom came forward and drew the curtains of the litters, whilst others opened huge umbrellas of split cane which they carried in their hands. “Now what weapons are these?” asked Dingaan. “Daughter of Seyapi, you know that none may appear before the King armed.” “Weapons against the sun, O King, which my people hate.”