The people held their breath , for they thought : ` Surely the boy is bewitched and throws away his life , for the crocodiles will eat him ! ' Then suddenly the ground trembled , and the pool , heaving and swirling , became red with blood , and presently the boy rising to the surface swam on shore . But he was no longer just a boy ! He was stronger than any man and very tall and handsome , so that the people shouted with gladness when they saw him . ` Now , O my people ! ' he cried , waving his hand , ` you know my name -- I am Makoma , `` the Greater '' ; for have I not slain the crocodiles into the pool where none would venture ? ' Then he said to his mother : ` Rest gently , my mother , for I go to make a home for myself and become a hero . ' Then , entering his hut he took Nu-endo , his iron hammer , and throwing the sack over his shoulder , he went away . Makoma crossed the Zambesi , and for many moons he wandered towards the north and west until he came to a very hilly country where , one day , he met a huge giant making mountains . ` Greeting , ' shouted Makoma , ` you are you ? ' ' I am Chi-eswa-mapiri , who makes the mountains , ' answered the giant ; ` and who are you ? ' ' I am Makoma , which signifies `` greater , '' ' answered he . ` Greater than who ? ' asked the giant . ` Greater than you ! ' answered Makoma . The giant gave a roar and rushed upon him . Makoma said nothing , but swinging his great hammer , Nu-endo , he struck the giant upon the head . He struck him so hard a blow that the giant shrank into quite a little man , who fell upon his knees saying : ` You are indeed greater than I , O Makoma ; take me with you to be your slave ! ' So Makoma picked him up and dropped him into the sack that he carried upon his back .
He was greater than ever now , for all the giant 's strength had gone XXXXX him ; and he resumed his journey , carrying his burden with as little difficulty as an eagle might carry a hare .
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