noon
Chaka went alone from his hut to the kraal , and , for my own reasons , I accompanied him , walking after him . As we went the king glanced back at me over his shoulder , and said in a low voice : -- `` Is all prepared , Mopo ? '' `` All is prepared , Black One , '' I answered . `` The regiment of the Slayers will be here by noon . '' `` Where are the princes , Mopo ? '' asked the king again . `` The princes sit with their wives in the houses of their women , O King , '' I answered ; `` they drink beer and sleep in the laps of their wives . ''