“Wherearetheoxen？“Iasked。
　　“Oh！Baas。”heanswered，“theBasutoshavegotthem。WeheardfromanoldblackwomanthatSekukunihadanimpiout，sowewaitedonthetopofthathillaboutanhour’srideawaytoseeifitwastrue。ThensuddenlythedoctorBaasappearedriding，andIranoutandaskedhimifitweresafetogoon。Heknewmeagainandanswered——
　　“’Yes，quitesafe，forhaveInotjustriddenthisroadwithoutmeetingsomuchasablackchild。Goon，man；yourmasterswillbegladtohavetheiroxen，astheywishtotrek，orwillbynightfall。’Thenhelaughedandrodeaway。
　　“Sowewenton，drivingtheoxen。Butwhenwecametothebeltofthornsatthebottomofthehill，wefoundthatthedoctorBaashadeitherliedtousorhehadnotseen。Fortheresuddenlythetallgrassoneithersideofthepathgrewspears；
　　yes，everywherewerespears。Inaminutethetwovoorlooperswereassegaied。Asforme，Iranforward，notback，sincetheKaffirswerebehindme，acrossthepath，Baas，drivingofftheoxen。Theysprangatme，butIjumpedthiswayandthatwayandavoidedthem。Thentheythrewassegais——see，oneofthemcutmycheek，buttherestmissed。Theyhadgunsintheirhandsalso，butnoneshot。Ithinktheydidnotwishtomakeanoise。Onlyoneofthemshoutedafterme——
　　“’TellMacumazahnthatwearegoingtocallonhimtonightwhenhecannotseetoshoot。WehaveamessageforhimfromourbrotherswhomhekilledatthedriftoftheOliphant’sRiver。’
　　“ThenIranonherewithoutstopping，butIsawnomoreKaffirs。
　　Thatisall，Baas。”
　　NowIdidnotdelaytocross-examinethemanortosiftthetruefromthefalseinhisstory，sinceitwascleartomethathehadrunintoacompanyofBasutos，orratherbeenbeguiledtheretobyRodd，andlostourcattle，alsohiscompanions，whowereeitherkilledashesaid，orhadescapedsomeotherway。
　　“Listen，man。”Isaid。“Iamgoingtofetchsomehorses。DoyoustayhereandhelptheMissietopackthecartandmaketheharnessready。Ifyoudisobeymeorrunaway，thenIwillfindyouandyouwillneverrunagain。Doyouunderstand？“
　　Hevowedthathedidandwenttogetsomewater，whileI
　　explainedeverythingtoAnscombeandHeda，pointingoutthatalltheinformationwecouldgatherseemedtoshowthatnoattackwastobemadeuponthehousebeforenightfall，andthatthereforewehadthedaybeforeus。AsthiswassoIproposedtogotolookforthehorsesmyself，sinceotherwiseIwassureweshouldneverfindthem。MeanwhileHedamustpackandmakereadythecartwiththehelpofFootsack，Anscombesuperintendingeverything，ashecouldverywelldosincehewasnowabletowalkleaningonastick。
　　Ofcourseneitherofthemlikedmyleavingthem，butinviewofournecessitiestheyraisednoobjection。SooffIwent，takingtheboywithme。Hedidnotwanttogo，being，asIhavesaid，halfdazedwithgrieforfear，orboth，butwhenIhadpointedouttohimclearlythatIwasquitepreparedtoshoothimifheplayedtricks，hechangedhismind。Havingsaddledmymarethatwasnowfreshandfat，westarted，theboyguidingmetoacertainkloofatthefootofwhichtherewasasmallplainofgoodgrasswherehesaidthehorseswereaccustomedtograze。
　　Heresureenoughwefoundtwoofthem，andastheyhadbeenturnedoutwiththeirheadstallson，wereabletotiethemtotreeswiththeriemswhichwereattachedtotheheadstalls。Buttheotherswerenotthere，andastwohorsescouldnotdragaheavyCapecart，Iwasobligedtocontinuethesearch。Oh！whatahuntthosebeastsgaveme。Findingthemselvesfree，forasRodd’sobjectwasthattheyshouldstray，hehadorderedthestable-boynottokneel-halterthem，afterfillingthemselveswithgrasstheyhadstartedoffforthefarmwheretheywerebred，which，itseemed，wasaboutfiftymilesaway，grazingastheywent。OfcourseIdidnotknowthisatthetime，soforseveralhoursIrodeupanddowntheneighbouringkloofs，asthegroundwastoohardformetohopetofollowthembytheirspoor。
　　Itoccurredtometoasktheboywherethehorsescamefrom，aquestionthathehappenedtobeabletoanswer，ashehadbroughtthemhomewhentheywereboughttheyearbefore。HavinglearnedinwhatdirectiontheplacelayIrodeforitatanangle，orratherforthepaththatledtoit，makingtheboyrunalongside，holdingtomystirrupleather。Aboutthreeo’clockintheafternoonIstruckthispath，orrathertrack，atapointtenortwelvemilesawayfromtheTemple，andthere，justmountingarise，metthetwohorsesquietlywalkingtowardsme。HadIbeenaquarterofanhourlatertheywouldhavepassedandvanishedintoaseaofthorn-veld。Wecaughtthemwithouttroubleandoncemoreheadedhomewards，leadingthembytheirriems。
　　Reachingthegladewheretheothertwoweretiedup，wecollectedthemalsoandreturnedtothehouse，wherewearrivedatfiveo’clock。AseverythingseemedquietIputmymareintothestable，slippeditsbitandgaveitsomeforage。ThenIwentroundthehouse，andtomygreatjoyfoundAnscombeandHedawaitinganxiously，butwithnothingtoreport，andwiththemFootsack。VeryhastilyIswallowedsomefood，whileFootsackinspannedthehorses。Inaquarterofanhourallwasready。
　　Thensuddenly，inaninconsequentfemalefashion，Hedadevelopedadisliketoleavingherfatherunburied。
　　“Mydearyounglady。”Isaid，“itseemsthatyoumustchoosebetweenthatandourallstoppingtobeburiedwithhim。”
　　Shesawthepointandcompromiseduponpayinghimavisitoffarewell，whichIlefthertodoinAnscombe’scompany，whileI
　　fetchedmymare。TotellthetruthIfeltasthoughIhadseenenoughoftheunhappyMarnham，andnotfor#50wouldIhaveenteredthatroomagain。Aslpassedthedoorofthehospital，leadingmyhorse，IheardtheoldKaffirscreamingwithinandsenttheboywhowaswithmetofindoutwhatwasthematterwithhim。ThatwasthelastIsawofeitherofthem，orevershallseethissideofkingdomcome。Iwonderwhatbecameofthem？
　　WhenIgotbacktothefrontofthehouseIfoundthecartstandingreadyatthegate，FootsackattheheadofthehorsesandHedawithAnscombeatherside。IthadbeenneatlypackedduringthedaybyHedawithsuchofherandourbelongingsasitwouldhold，includingourarmsandammunition。Therest，ofcourse，wewereobligedtoabandon。Alsothereweretwobasketsfulloffood，somebottlesofbrandyandagoodsupplyofovercoatsandwraps。ItoldFootsacktotakethereins，asI
　　knewhimtobeagooddriver，andhelpedAnscombetoaseatathisside，whileHedaandthemaidKaatjegotinbehindinordertobalancethevehicle。Ideterminedtoride，atanyrateforthepresent。
　　“Whichway，Baas？“askedFootsack。
　　“DowntotheGraniteStreamwherethewagonstands。”Ianswered。
　　“ThatwillbethroughtheYellow-woodSwamp。Can’twetaketheotherroadtoPilgrim’sRestandLydenburg，ortoBarberton？“
　　askedAnscombeinavagueway，andasIthought，rathernervously。
　　“No。”Ianswered，“thatisunlessyouwishtomeetthoseBasutoswhostoletheoxenandDr。Roddreturning，ifhemeanstoreturn。”
　　“Oh！letusgothroughtheYellow-wood。”exclaimedHeda，who，I
　　think，wouldratherhavemetthedevilthanDr。Rodd。
　　“Ah！ifIhadbutknownthatwewereheadingstraightforthatperson，soonerwouldIhavefacedtheBasutostwiceover。ButI
　　didwhatseemedwisest，thinkingthathewouldbesuretoreturnwithanotherdoctororamagistratebytheshorterandeasierpathwhichhehadfollowedinthemorning。Itjustshowsoncemorehowuselessareallourcareandforesight，orhowstrongisFate，haveitwhichwayyouwill。
　　Sowestarteddowntheslope，andI，ridingbehind，notedpoorHedastaringatthemarblehouse，whichgrewevermorebeautifulasitrecededandtheroughnessofitsbuildingdisappeared，especiallyatthatpartofitwhichhidthebodyofheroldscampofafatherwhomstillsheloved。Wecamedowntotheglenandoncemoresawthebonesofthebluewildebeestethatwehadshot——oh！yearsandyearsago，orsoitseemed。ThenwestruckoutfortheGraniteStream。
　　BeforewereachedthepatchofYellow-woodforestwhereIknewthatthecartmusttravelveryslowlybecauseofthetreesandtheswampynatureoftheground，Ipushedonaheadtoreconnoitre，fearinglesttheremightbeBasutoshiddeninthiscover。RidingstraightthroughitIwentasfarasthedesertedwagonatasharpcanter，seeingnothingone。Onceindeed，towardstheendofthewoodwhereitwasmoredense，IthoughtthatIheardamancoughandpeeredaboutmethroughthegloom，forheretheraysofthesun，whichwasgettinglowintheheavens，scarcelypenetrated。AsIcouldperceivenooneIcametotheconclusionthatImusthavebeendeceivedbymyfancy。Orperhapsitwassomebaboonthatcoughed，thoughitwasstrangethatababoonshouldhavecometosuchalow-lyingspotwheretherewasnothingforittoeat。
　　Theplacewaseerie，somuchsothatIbethoughtmeoftalesoftheghostswherebyitwassupposedtobehaunted。Also，oddlyenough，ofAnscombe’spresentimentwhichhehadfulfilledbykillingaBasuto。Look！Therelayhisgrinningskullwithsomepatchesofhairstillonit，draggedawayfromtherestofthebonesbyahyena。Icanteredondowntheslopebeyondthewoodandthroughthescatteredthornstothestreamonthebanksofwhichthewagonshouldbe。Ithadgone，andbythefreshnessofthetrail，withinanhourortwo。Amoment’sreflectiontoldmewhathadhappened。HavingstolenouroxentheBasutosdrovethemtothewagon，inspannedthemanddepartedwiththeirloot。OnthewholeIwasgladtoseethis，sinceitsuggestedthattheyhadretiredtowardstheirowncountry，leavingourroadopen。
　　TurningmyhorseIrodebackagaintomeetthecart。AsI
　　reachedtheedgeofthewoodatthetopoftheslopeIheardawhistleblown，averyshrillwhistle，ofwhichthesoundwouldtravelforamileortwoonthatstillair。AlsoIheardthesoundofmen’svoicesinaltercationandcaughtwords，suchas——“Letgo，orbyHeaven——！“thenafuriouslaughandotherwordswhichseemedtobe——“InfiveminutestheKaffirswillbehere。Intenyouwillbedead。CanIhelpitiftheykillyouafterIhavewarnedyoutoturnback？“Thenawoman’sscream。
　　Rodd’svoice，Anscombe’svoiceandKaatje’sscream——notHeda’sbutKaatje’s！
　　ThenasIrodefuriouslyroundthelastpatchofinterveningtreesthesoundofapistolshot。Iwasoutofthemnowandsaweverything。Therewasthecartonthefurthersideofaswamp。
　　Thehorseswerestandingstillandsnorting。HoldingthereinofoneoftheleaderswasRodd，whosehorsealsostoodcloseby。HewasrockingonhisfeetandasIleaptfrommymareandranup，I
　　sawhisface。itwashorrible，fullofpainanddevilishrage。
　　WithhisdisengagedhandhepointedtoAnscombesittinginthecartandgraspingapistolthatstillsmoked。
　　“You’vekilledme。”hesaidinahoarse，chokingvoice，forhewasshotthroughthelung，“together。”andhewavedhishandtowardsHedawhowaspeeringathimbetweentheheadsofthetwomen。“Youareamurderer，asherfatherwas，andasDavidwasbeforeyou。Well，Ihopeyouwon’tkeepherlong。Ihopeyou’lldieasIdoandbreakherfalseheart，youdamnedthief。”
　　Allofthishesaidinaslowvoice，pausingbetweenthewordsandspeakingevermorethicklyasthebloodfromhiswoundchokedhim。Thenofasuddenitburstinastreamfromhislips，andstillpointingwithanaccusingfingeratAnscombe，hefellbackwardsintotheslimypoolbehindhimandtherevanishedwithoutastruggle。
　　Sohorriblewasthesightthatthedriver，Footsack，leaptfromthecart，utteringakindoflowhowl，rantoRodd’shorse，scrambledintothesaddleandgallopedoff，strikingitwithhisfist，wheretoIdonotknow。Anscombeputhishandbeforehiseyes，Hedasankdownontheseatinaheap，andthecolouredwoman，Kaatje，beatherbreastandsaidsomethinginDutchaboutbeingaccursedorbewitched。LuckilyIkeptmywitsandwenttothehorses’heads，fearinglesttheyshouldstartanddragthetrapintothepool。“Wakeup。”Isaid。“Thatfellowhasonlygotwhathedeserved，andyouwerequiterighttoshoothim。”
　　“Iamgladyouthinkso。”answeredAnscombeabsently。“Itwassolikemurder。Don’tyourememberItoldyouIshouldkillamaninthisplaceandaboutawoman？“
　　“Iremembernothing。”Iansweredboldly，“exceptthatifwestopheremuchlongerweshallhavethoseBasutosonus。Thatbrutewaswhistlingtothemandholdingthehorsestilltheycametokillus。Pullyourselftogether，takethereinsandfollowme。”
　　Heobeyed，beingaskilfulwhipenoughwho，asheinformedmeafterwards，hadbeenaccustomedtodriveafour-in-handathome。
　　Mountingmyhorse，whichstoodby，Iguidedthecartoutofthewoodanddowntheslopebeyond，tillatlengthwecametoouroldoutspanwhereIproposedtoturnontothewagontrackwhichrantoPilgrim’sRest。Isayproposed，forwhenIlookedupitI
　　perceivedaboutfivehundredyardsawayanumberofarmedBasutosrunningtowardsus，theredlightofthesunsetshiningontheirspears。EvidentlythescoutorspytowhomRoddwhistled，hadcalledthemoutoftheirambushwhichtheyhadsetforusonthePilgrim’sRestroadinorderthattheymightcatchusifwetriedtoescapethatway。
　　Nowtherewasonlyonethingtobedone。Atthisspotanativetrackranacrossthelittlestreamandupasteepishslopebeyond。OnthefirstoccasionofouroutspanninghereIhadthecuriositytomountthisslope，reflectingasIdidsothatalthoughroughitwouldbequitepracticableforawagon。AtthetopofitIfoundawideflatplain，almosthigh-veld，forthebusheswereveryfew，acrosswhichthetrackranon。OnsubsequentinquiryIdiscoveredthatitwasoneusedbytheSwazisandothernativeswhentheymadetheirraidsupontheBasutos，orwhenbodiesofthemwenttoworkinthemines。
　　“Followme。”Ishoutedandcrossedthestreamwhichwasshallowbetweenthelittlepools，thenledthewayupthestonyslope。
　　ThefourhorsesnegotiateditverywellandtheCapecart，beingsplendidlybuilt，tooknoharm。AtthetopIlookedbackandsawthattheBasutoswerefollowingus。
　　“Flogthehorses！“IcriedtoAnscombe，andoffwewentatahandgallopalongthenativetrack，thecartswayingandbumpingupontheroughveld。Thesunwassettingnow，inhalfanhouritwouldbequitedark。
　　Couldwekeepaheadofthemforthathalfhour？
　　CHAPTERIX
　　FLIGHT
　　Thesunsankinablazeofglory。LookingbackbythelightofitslastraysIsawasinglenativesilhouettedagainsttheredsky。Hewasstandingonamoundthatwehadpassedamileormorebehindus，doubtlesswaitingforhiscompanionswhomhehadoutrun。Sotheyhadnotgivenupthechase。Whatwastobedone？Onceitwascompletelydarkwecouldnotgoon。Weshouldloseourway；thehorseswouldgetintoant-bearholesandbreaktheirlegs。Perhapswemightbecomeboggedinsomehollow，thereforewemustwaittillthemoonrose，whichwouldnotbeforacoupleofhours。
　　MeanwhilethoseaccursedBasutoswouldbefollowinguseveninthedark。Thiswouldhamperthem，nodoubt，buttheywouldkeepthepath，withwhichtheywereprobablyfamiliar，beneaththeirfeet，andwhatismore，thegroundbeingsoftwithrecentrain，theycouldfeelthewheelspoorwiththeirfingers。Ilookedaboutme。Justhereanothertrackstartedoffinanor’-westerlydirectionfromthatwhichwewerefollowing。PerhapsitrantoLydenburg；Idonotknow。Toourleft，notmorethanahundredyardsorsoaway，thehigherveldcametoanendandslopedinaneasterlydirectiondowntobush-landbelow。
　　ShouldItakethewesterlyroadwhichranoveragreatplain？
　　No，forthenwemightbeseenformilesandcutoff。Moreover，evenifweescapedthenatives，wasitdesirableshouldplungeintocivilizationjustnowandtellallourstory，asinthatcasewemustdo。Rodd’sdeathwasquitejustified，butithadhappenedonTransvaalterritoryandwouldrequireadealofexplanation。Fortunatelytherewasnowitnessofit，exceptourselves。Yes，therewasthough——thedriverFootsack，ifhehadgotaway，which，beingmounted，wouldseemprobable，amanwho，formypart，Iwouldnottrustforamoment。ItwouldbeanuglythingtoseeAnscombeinthedockchargedwithmurderandpossiblymyself，withFootsackgivingevidenceagainstusbeforeaBoerjurywhomightbehardonEnglishmen。Alsotherewasthebodywithabulletinit。
　　SuddenlytherecameintomymindarecollectionoftheveryvividdreamofZikaliwhichhadvisitedme，andIreflectedthatinZululandtherewouldbelittleneedtotroubleaboutthedeathofRodd。ButZululandwasalongwayoff，andifweweretoavoidtheTransvaal，therewasonlyonewayofgoingthere，namelythroughSwaziland。Well，amongtheSwazisweshouldbequitesafefromtheBasutos，sincethetwopeopleswereatfierceenmity。MoreoverIknewtheSwazichiefsandkingverywell，havingtradedthere，andcouldexplainthatIcametocollectdebtsowingtome。
　　Therewasanotherdifficulty。IhadheardthatthetroublebetweentheEnglishGovernmentandCetewayo，theZuluking，wascomingtoahead，andthattheHighCommissioner，SirBartleFrere，talkedofpresentinghimwithanultimatum。Itwouldbeawkwardifthisarrivedwhilewewereinthecountry，thoughevenso，beingonsuchfriendlytermswiththeZulusofallclasses，I
　　didnotthinkthatI，oranywithme，wouldrungreatrisks。
　　AllthesethoughtsrushedthroughmybrainwhileIconsideredwhattodo。Atthemomentitwasuselesstoasktheopinionoftheotherswhowerebutchildreninnativematters。IandI
　　alonemusttaketheresponsibilityandact，prayingthatImightdosoaright。AnothermomentandIhadmadeupmymind。
　　SigningtoAnscombetofollowme，Irodeaboutahundredyardsormoredownthenor’-westerlypath。ThenIturnedsharplyalongaratherstonyridgeofground，thecartfollowingmeallthetime，andcamebackacrossourowntrack，ourmyobjectbeingofcoursetopuzzleanyKaffirswhomightspoorus。Nowwewereontheedgeofthegentleslopethatleddowntothebush-veld。OverthisIrodetowardsadesertedcattlekraalbuiltofstones，intherichsoilofwhichgrewsundrytrees；doubtlessoneofthosewhichhadbeenabandonedwhenMosilikatzesweptallthiscountryonhiswaynorthabouttheyear1838。Thewaytoitwaseasy，sincethesurroundingstoneshadbeencollectedtobuildthekraalgenerationsbefore。Aswepassedovertheedgeoftheslopeinthegatheringgloom，Hedacried——
　　“Look！“andpointedinthedirectionwhencewecame。Farawayasheetofflameshotupwards。
　　“Thehouseisburning。”sheexclaimed。
　　“Yes。”Isaid，“itcanbenothingelse；“addingtomyself，“agoodjobtoo，fornowtherewillbenopostmortemonoldMarnham。”
　　WhofiredtheplaceIneverlearnt。ItmayhavebeentheBasutos，orMarnham’sbody-servant，orFootsack，orasparkfromthekitchenfire。Atanyrateitblazedmerrilyenoughnotwithstandingthemarblewalls，asawood-linedandthatchedbuildingofcoursewoulddo。OnthewholeIsuspectedtheboy，whomayverywellhavefearedlestheshouldbeaccusedofhavinghadahandinhismaster’sdeath。Atleastitwasgone，andwatchingthedistantflamesIbethoughtmethatwithitwentallHeda’spast。Twenty-fourhoursbeforeherfatherwasalive，thebondservantofRoddandacriminal。NowhewasashesandRoddwasdead，whilesheandthemanshelovedwerefree，withalltheworldbeforethem。IwishedthatIcouldhaveaddedthattheyweresafe。Afterwardsshetoldmethatmuchthesameideaspassedthroughherownmind。
　　DismountingIledthehorsesintotheoldkraalthroughthegapinthewallwhichoncehadbeenthegateway。Itwasalargekraalthatprobablyinbygonedayshadheldthecattleofsomeforgottenheadchiefwhosetownwouldhavestoodonthebrowoftherise；solargethatnotwithstandingthetreesIhavementioned，therewasplentyofroomforthecartandhorsesinitscentre。Moreover，onsuchsoilthegrassgrewsorichlythatafterwehadslippedtheirbits，thehorseswereabletofillthemselveswithoutbeingunharnessed。Alsoalittlestreamfromaspringonthebrowranwithinafewyardswhence，withthehelpofKaatje，astrongwoman，Iwateredthemwiththebucketwhichhungunderneaththecart。Nextwedrankourselvesandatesomefoodinthedarknessthatwasnowcomplete。ThenleavingKaatjetostandattheheadofthehorsesincasetheyshouldattemptanysuddenmovement，Iclimbedintothecart，andwediscussedthingsinlowwhispers。
　　Itwasacuriousdebateinthatintensegloomwhich，closeasourfacesweretogether，preventedusfromseeinganythingofeachother，exceptoncewhenasuddenflareofsummerlightningrevealedthem，whiteandunnaturalasthoseofghosts。OnourpresentdangersIdidnotdwell，puttingthemasidelightly，thoughIknewtheywerenotlight。ButofthealternativeastowhetherweshouldtrytoescapetoLydenburgandcivilization，ortoZululandandsavagery，Ifeltittobemydutytospeak。
　　“Toputitplainly。”saidAnscombeinhisslowwaywhenIhadfinished，“youmeanthatintheTransvaalImightbetriedasamurdererandperhapsconvicted，whereasifwevanishintoZululandtheprobabilityisthatthiswouldnothappen。”
　　“Imean。”Iwhisperedback，“thatwemightbothbetriedand，ifFootsackshouldchancetoappearandgiveevidence，findourselvesinanawkwardposition。Alsothereisanotherwitness——Kaatje，andforthematterofthat，Hedaherself。Ofcourseherevidencewouldbeinourfavour，buttomakeitunderstoodbyajuryshewouldhavetoexplainagreatdealofwhichshemightprefernottospeak。Further，atthebest，thewholebusinesswouldgetintotheEnglishpapers，whichyouandyourrelativesmightthinkdisagreeable，especiallyinviewofthefactthat，asIunderstand，youandHedaintendtomarry。”
　　“StillIthinkthatIwouldratherfaceitout。”hesaidinhisoutspokenway，“evenifitshouldmeanthatIcouldneverreturntoEngland。Afterall，ofwhathaveItobeafraid？IshotthisscoundrelbecauseIwasobligedtodoso。”
　　“Yes，butitisofthisthatyoumayhavetoconvinceajurywhomightpossiblyfindamotiveinRodd’spast，andyourpresent，relationshiptothesamelady。Butwhathasshetosay？“
　　“Ihavetosay。”whisperedHeda，“thatformyselfIcarenothing，butthatIcouldneverbeartoseeallthesestoriesaboutmypoorfatherrakedup。AlsothereisMauricetobeconsidered。
　　Itwouldbeterribleiftheyputhiminprison——orworse。LetusgotoZululand，Mr。Quatermain，andafterwardsgetoutofAfrica。
　　Don’tyouagree，Maurice？“
　　“WhatdoesMr。Quatermainthinkhimself？“heanswered。“HeistheoldestandbyfarthewisestofusandIwillbeguidedbyhim。”
　　NowIconsideredandsaid——
　　“Thereissuchathingasflyingfrompresenttroublestoothersthatmaybeworse，the’illsweknownotof。’Zululandisdisturbed。Ifwarbrokeouttherewemightallbekilled。Ontheotherhandwemightnot，anditoughttobepossibleforyoutoworkuptoDelagoaBayandtheregetsomeshiphome，thatisifyouwishtokeepclearofBritishlaw。Icannotdoso，asI
　　muststayinAfrica。NorcanItaketheresponsibilityofsettlingwhatyouaretodo，sinceifthingswentwrong，itwouldbeonmyhead。However，ifyoudecidefortheTransvaalorNatalandweescape，ImusttellyouthatIshallgotothefirstmagistratewefindandmakeafulldepositionofallthathashappened。Itisnotpossibleformetolivewiththechargeofhavingbeenconcernedintheshootingofawhitemanhangingovermethatmightbebroughtupatanytime，perhapswhennoonewasleftinthecountrytogiveevidenceonmybehalf，forthen，evenifIwereacquittedmynamewouldalwaysbetarnished。InZululand，ontheotherhand，therearenomagistratesbeforewhomIcoulddepose，andifthisbusinessshouldcomeout，IcanalwayssaythatwewenttheretoescapefromtheBasutos。NowI
　　amgoingtogetdowntoseeifthehorsesareallright。Doyoutwotalkthethingoverandmakeupyourminds。Whateveryouagreeon，Ishallacceptanddomybesttocarrythrough。”Then，withoutwaitingforananswer，Islippedfromthecart。
　　Havingexaminedthehorses，whowerecroppingallthegrasswithinreachofthem，Icrepttothewallofthekraalsoastobequiteoutofearshot。Thenightwasnowpitchdark，darkasitonlyknowshowtobeinAfrica。More，athunderstormwascomingupofwhichthatflashofsheetlightninghadbeenapresage。Theairwaselectric。Fromthevastbush-cladvalleybeneathuscameawild，moaningsoundcaused，Isuppose，bywindamongthetrees，thoughhereIfeltnone；farawayasuddenspearoflightningstabbedthesky。Thebroodingtroubleofnaturespreadtomyownheart。Iwasafraid，andnotofourpresentdangers，thoughthesewererealenough，sorealthatinafewhourswemightallbedead。
　　TodangersIwasaccustomed；foryearstheyhadbeenmydailyfoodbydayandbynight，and，asIthinkIhavesaidelsewhere，Iamafatalist，onewhoknowsfullwellthatwhenGodwantsmeHewilltakeme；thatisifHecanwantsuchapoor，erringcreature。NothingthatIdidorleftundonecouldpostponeorhastenHissummonsforamoment，thoughofcourseIknewittobemydutytofightagainstdeathandtoavoiditforaslongasI
　　might，becausethatIshoulddosowasaportionofHisplan。
　　Forweareallpartofagreatpattern，andthecontinuanceorcessationofourlivesre-actsuponotherlives，andthereforelifeisatrust。
　　No，itwasofgreaterthingsthatIfeltafraid，thingsterribleandimminentwhichIcouldnotgraspandmuchlessunderstand。I
　　understandthemnow，butwhowouldhaveguessedthatontheissueofthatwhisperedcolloquyinthecartbehindme，dependedthefateofapeopleandmanythousandsoflives？AsIwastolearnindaystocome，ifAnscombeandHedahaddetermineduponheadingfortheTransvaal，therewould，asIbelieve，havebeennoZuluwar，whichinitsturnmeantthattherewouldhavebeennoBoerRebellionandthatthemysteriouscourseofhistorywouldhavebeenchanged。
　　Ishookmyselftogetherandreturnedtothecart。
　　“Well。”Iwhispered，buttherewasnoanswer。Amomentlatertherecameanotherflashoflightning。
　　“There。”saidHeda，“howmanydoyoumakeit？
　　“Ninety-eight。”heanswered。
　　“Icountedninety-nine。”shesaid，“butanywayitwaswithinthehundred。Mr。Quatermain，wewillgotoZululand，ifyouplease，ifyouwillshowusthewaythere。”
　　“Right。”Ianswered，“butmightIaskwhatthathastodowithyourbothcountingahundred？“
　　“Onlythis。”shesaid，“wecouldnotmakeupourminds。MauricewasfortheTransvaal，IwasforZululand。Soyouseeweagreedthatifanotherflashcamebeforewecountedahundred，wewouldgotoZululand，andifitdidn’t，toPretoria。Averygoodwayofsettling，wasn’tit？“
　　“Excellent！“Ireplied，“quiteexcellentforthosewhocouldthinkofsuchathing。”
　　AsamatteroffactIdon’tknowwhichofthemthoughtofitbecauseIneverinquired。ButIdidrememberafterwardshowAnscombehadtossedwithaluckypennywhenitwasaquestionwhetherweshouldorshouldnotrunforthewagonduringourdifficultybytheOliphant’sRiver；alsowhenIaskedhimthereasonforthisstrangeproceedingheansweredthatProvidencemightinhabitapennyaswellasanythingelse，andthathewishedtogiveit——ImeanProvidence——achance。Howmuchmorethen，hemayhaveargued，coulditinhabitaflashoflightningwhichhasalwaysbeenconsideredadivinemanifestationfromthetimeoftheRomanJove，andnodoubtfarbeforehim。
　　Fortyorfiftygenerationsago，whichisnotlong，ourancestorssetgreatstorebythebehaviouroflightningandthunder，anddoubtlesstheinstinctisstillinourblood，inthesamewaythatallourexistingsuperstitionsaboutthemooncomedowntousfromthetimewhenourforefathersworshippedher。Theydidthisfortensofhundredsorthousandsofyears，andcanweexpectafewcoatingsoftheveneerthatwepolitelycallcivilization，whichafterallisonlyoneofourconventionsthatvanishinanyhumanstresssuchaswar，tokilloutthehumanimpulseitseemstohide？Idonotknow，thoughIhavemyownopinion，andprobablytheseyoungpeopleneverreasonedthematterout。Theyjustactedonanintuitionasancientasthatwhichhadattractedthemtoeachother，namelyadesiretoconsulttherulingfatesbyomensorsymbols。OrperhapsAnscombethoughtthatashisexperiencewiththepennyhadprovedsosuccessful，hewouldgiveProvidenceanother“chance。”Ifsoittookitandnomistake。Confoundit！Idon’tknowwhathethought；IonlydwellonthematterbecauseofthegreatresultswhichfollowedthisconsultationoftheSybillinebooksofheaven。
　　Asithappenedmyspeculations，ifIreallyindulgedinanyatthattime，weresuddenlyextinguishedbytheburstingofthestorm。Itwasoftheusualcharacter，shortbutveryviolent。
　　Ofasuddentheskybecamealivewithlightningsandtheatmospherewiththeroarofwinds。Oneflashstruckatreequitenearthekraal，andIsawthattreeseemtomeltinitsfieryembrace，whileaboutwhereithadbeen，roseacolumnofdustfromthegroundbeneath。Thehorsesweresofrightenedthatluckilytheystoodquitequiet，asIhaveoftenknownanimalstodoinsuchcircumstances。Thencametherain，atorrentialrainasI，whowasoutinitholdingthehorses，becamepainfullyaware。Itthinnedafterawhile，however，asthestormrolledaway。
　　SuddenlyinasilencebetweenthetremendousechoesofthepassingthunderIthoughtthatIheardvoicessomewhereonthebrowoftheslope，andasthehorseswerenowquitecalm，IcreptthroughthetreestothatpartoftheenclosurewhichIjudgedtobenearesttothem。
　　Voicestheyweresureenough，andoftheBasutoswhowerepursuingus。Whatwasmore，theywerecomingdowntheslope。
　　Thetopoftheoldwallreachedalmosttomychin。TakingoffmyhatIthrustmyheadforwardbetweentwoloosestones，thatI
　　mighthearthebetter。
　　ThemenweretalkingtogetherinSisutu。One，whomItooktobetheircaptain，saidtotheothers——
　　“Thatwhite-headedoldjackal，Macumazahn，hasgivenustheslipagain。Hedoubledonhistracksanddrovethehorsesdownthehillsidetothelowerpathinthevalley。Icouldfeelwherethewheelswentovertheedge。”
　　“Itisso，Father。”answeredanothervoice，“butweshallcatchhimandtheothersatthebottomifwegettherebeforethemoonrises，sincetheycannothavemovedfarinthisrainanddarkness。LetmegofirstandguideyouwhoknoweverytreeandstoneuponthisslopewhereIusedtoherdcattlewhenIwasachild。”
　　“Doso。”saidthecaptain。“Icanseenothingnowthelightninghasgone，andwereitnotthatIhavesworntodipmyspearinthebloodofMacumazahnwhohasfooledusagain，Iwouldgiveupthehunt。”
　　“Ithinkitwouldbebettertogiveitupinanycase。”saidathirdvoice，“sinceitisknownthroughoutthelandthatnoluckhasevercometothosewhotriedtotraptheWatcher-by-Night。
　　Oh！heisaleopardwhospringsandisgoneagain。Howmanyarethethroatsinwhichhisfangshavemet。Leavehimalone，Isay，lestourfateshouldbethatofthewhitedoctorintheYellow-woodSwamp，hewhosetusonthishunt。Wehavehiswagonandhiscattle；letusbesatisfied。”
　　“Iwillleavehimalonewhenhesleepsforthelasttime，andnotbefore。”answeredthecaptain，“hewhoshotmybrotherinthedrifttheotherday。WhatwouldSekukunisayifwelethimescapetobringtheSwazisonus？Moreover，wewantthatwhitemaidenforahostageincasetheEnglishshouldattackusagain。
　　Come，youwhoknowtheroad，andleadus。”
　　Therewassomedisturbanceasthismanpassedtothefront。ThenIheardthelinemoveforward。Presentlytheyweregoingbythewallwithinafootortwoofme。Indeedbyill-luckjustaswewereoppositetoeachotherthecaptainstumbledandfellagainstthewall。
　　“Thereisanoldcattlekraalhere。”hesaid。“Whatifthosewhiteratshavehiddeninit？“
　　ItrembledasIheardthewords。Ifahorseshouldneighormakeanynoisethatcouldbeheardabovethehissoftherain！IdidnotdaretomoveforfearlestIshouldbetraymyself。ThereI
　　stoodsoclosetotheKaffirsthatIcouldsmellthemandheartherainpatteringontheirbodies。OnlyverystealthilyIdrewmyhuntingknifewithmyrighthand。Atthatmomentthelightning，whichIthoughthadquitegoneby，flashedagainforthelasttime，revealingthefatfaceoftheBasutocaptainwithinafootofmyown，forhewasturnedtowardsthewallonwhichoneofhishandsrested。Moreover，theblueandghastlylightrevealedminetohimthrustforwardbetweenthetwostones，myeyesglaringathim。
　　“Theheadofadeadmanissetuponthewall！“hecriedinterror。“Itistheghostof——“
　　Hegotnofurther，forasthelastwordpassedhislipsIdrovetheknifeathimwithallmystrengthdeepintohisthroat。Hefellbackintothearmsofhisfollowers，andnextinstantI
　　heardthesoundofmanyfeetrushinginterrordownthehill。
　　WhatbecameofhimIdonotknow，butifhestilllives，probablyheagreeswithhistribesmanthatMacumazahn——Watcher-by-Night，orhisghost“isaleopardwhospringsandkillsandisgoneagain“；also，thatthosewhotrytotraphimmeetwithnoluck。
　　Isay，orhisghost——becauseIamsurehethoughtthatIwasaspiritofthedead；doubtlessImusthavelookedlikeonewithmywhite，rain-drownedfaceappearingtherebetweenthestonesandmadeghastlyandlividbythelightning。
　　Well，theyhadgone，thewholebandofthem，notlessthanthirtyorfortymen，soIwentalso，backtothecartwhereIfoundtheothersverycomfortableindeedbeneaththerainprooftilt。
　　Sayingnothingofwhathadhappened，ofwhichtheywereasinnocentasbabes，Itookastifftotofbrandy，forIwaschilledthroughbythewet，andwhilewaitingforthemoontorise，busiedmyselfwithgettingthebitsbackintothehorses’
　　mouths——anawkwardjobinthedark。Atlengthitappearedinaclearsky，forthestormhadquitedepartedandtherainceased。
　　AssoonastherewaslightenoughItookthenearleaderbythebridleandledthecarttothebrowofthehill，whichwasnoteasyundertheconditions，makingKaatjefollowwithmyhorse。
　　Then，astherewerenosignsofanyBasutos，westartedonagain，Iridingaboutahundredyardsahead，keepingasharplook-outforapossibleambush。Fortunately，however，theveldwasbareandopen，consistingoflongwavesofground。OnestartIdidget，thinkingthatIsawmen’sheadsjustonthecrestofawave，whichturnedouttobeonlyaherdofspringbuckfeedingamongthetussocksofgrass。Iwasverygladtoseethem，sincetheirpresenceassuredmethatnohumanbeinghadrecentlypassedthatway。
　　Allnightlongwetrekked，followingtheKaffirpathforascouldseeit，andafterthatgoingbymycompass。IknewwhereaboutsthedriftoftheCrocodileRivershouldbe，asIhadcrossedittwicebeforeinmylife，andkeptmyeyesopenforacertaintallkoppiewhichstoodwithinhalfamileitontheSwazisideoftheriver。UltimatelytomyjoyIcaughtsightofthishillfaintlyoutlinedagainsttheskyandheadedforit。HalfamilefurtheronIstruckawagon-trackmadebyBoerstrekkingintoSwazi-Landtotradeorshoot。ThenIknewthatthedriftwasstraightaheadofus，andcalledtoAnscombetoflogupthewearyhorses。
　　Wereachedtheriverjustbeforethedawn。Tomyhorroritwasveryfull，sofullthatthedriftlookeddangerous，forithadbeenswollenbythethunder-rainofthepreviousnight。IndeedsomewanderingSwazisonthefurtherbankshoutedtousthatweshouldbedrownedifwetriedtocross。
　　“Whichmeansthattheonlythingtodoistostayuntilthewaterrunsdown。”IsaidtoAnscombe，forthetwowomen，tiredout，wereasleep。
　　“Isupposeso。”heanswered，“unlessthoseBasutos——“
　　Ilookedbackupthelongslopedownwhichwehadcomeandsawnoone。ThenIraisedmyselfinmystirrupsandlookedalonganothertrackthatjoinedtheroadjusthere，leadingfromthebush-veld，asoursledfromthehigh-veld。Thesunwasrisingnow，dispersingthemistthathungaboutthetreesafterthewet。
　　Searchingamongthesewithmyeyes，presentlyIperceivedthelightgleaminguponwhatIknewmustbethepointsofspearsprojectingabovethelevelofthegroundvapour。
　　“Thosedevilsareafterusbythelowerroad。”IsaidtoAnscombe，adding，“Iheardthempasstheoldcattlekraallastnight。Theyfollowedourspoorovertheedgeofthehill，butinthedarklostitamongthestones。”
　　Hewhistledandaskedwhatwastobedone。
　　“Thatisforyoutodecide。”Ianswered。“FormypartI’dratherrisktheriverthantheBasutos。”andIlookedattheslumberingHeda。
　　“Canweboltbackthewaywecame，Allan？“
　　“ThehorsesareveryspentandwemightmeetmoreBasutos。”andagainIlookedatHeda。
　　“Ahardchoice，Allan。Itiswonderfulhowwomencomplicateeverythinginlife，becausetheyarelife，Isuppose。”Hethoughtamomentandwenton，“Let’strytheriver。Ifwefail，itwillbesoonover，anditisbettertodrownthanbespeared。”
　　“Orbekeptalivebysavageswhohateus。”Iexclaimed，withmyeyesstillfixeduponHeda。
　　ThenIgottobusiness。Therewerehideriemsonthebridlesoftheleaders。Iundidtheseandknottedtheirlooseendsfirmlytogether。TothemImadefasttheriemofmyownmare，slippingaloopItiedinit，overmyrighthandandsaying——
　　“NowIwillgofirst，leadingthehorses。Doyoudriveaftermeforallyouareworth，eveniftheyaresweptofftheirfeet。I
　　cantrustmybeasttoswimstraight，andbeingamare，Ihopethatthehorseswillfollowherastheyhavedoneallnight。
　　WakeupHedaandKaatje。”
　　Henodded，andlookingverypale，said——
　　“Hedamydear，Iamsorrytodisturbyou，butwehavetogetoverariverwitharoughbottom，soyouandKaatjemusthangonandsittight。Don’tbefrightened，youareassafeasachurch。”
　　“Godforgivehimforthatlie。”thoughtItomyselfas，havingtightenedthegirths，Imountedmymare。ThengrippingtheriemIkickedthebeasttoacanter，Anscombeflogginguptheteamasweswungdownthebanktotheedgeofthefoamingtorrent，onthefurthersideofwhichtheSwazisshoutedandgesticulatedtoustogoback。
　　Wewereinitnow，for，asIhadhoped，thehorsesfollowedthemarewithouthesitation。Forthefirsttwentyyardsorsoallwentwell，Iheadingupthestream。ThensuddenlyIfeltthatthemarewasswimming。
　　“Flogthehorsesanddon’tletthemturn。”IshoutedtoAnscombe。
　　TenmoreyardsandIglancedovermyshoulder。Theteamwasswimmingalso，andbehindthemthecartrockedandbobbedlikeaboatswinginginaheavysea。Therecameastrainontheriem；
　　theleadersweretryingtoturn！Ipulledhardandencouragedthemwithmyvoice，whileAnscombe，whodrovesplendidly，kepttheirheadsasstraightashecould。Mercifullytheycameroundagainandstruckoutforthefurthershore，thewater-loggedcartfloatingafterthem。Woulditturnover？Thatwasthequestioninmymind。Fiveseconds；tensecondsanditwasstillupright。
　　Oh！itwasgoing。No，afiercebackeddycaughtitandsetitstraightagain。Mymaretouchedbottomandtherewashope。Itstruggledforward，beingsweptdownthestreamallthetime。Nowthehorsesinthecartalsofoundtheirfootingandweweresaved。
　　No，thewethadcausedtheknotofoneoftheriemstoslipbeneaththestrain，orperhapsitbroke——Idon’tknow。Feelingthepullslackentheleaderswhippedroundontothewheelers。
　　Theretheyallstoodinaheap，theirheadsandpartoftheirnecksabovewater，whilethecartfloatedbehindthemonitsside。KaatjescreamedandAnscombeflogged。Ileaptfrommymareandstruggledtotheleaders，thewateruptomychin。
　　GraspingtheirbitsImanagedtokeepthemfromturningfurther。
　　ButIcoulddonomoreanddeathcameveryneartous。HaditnotbeenforsomeofthosebraveSwazisonthebankitwouldhavefoundus，everyone。Buttheyplungedin，eightofthem，holdingeachother’shands，andhalf-swimming，half-wading，reachedus。
　　Theygotthehorsesbytheheadandstraightenedthemout，whileAnscombepliedhiswhip。Adashforwardandthewheelswereonthebottomagain。
　　Threeminuteslaterweweresafeonthefurtherbank，whichmymarehadalreadyreached，whereIlaygaspingonmyface，ejaculatingprayersofthankfulnessandspittingoutmuddywater。
　　CHAPTERX
　　NOMBE
　　TheSwazis，shivering，forallthesepeoplehatecold，andshakingthemselveslikeadogwhenhecomestoshore，gatheredround，examiningme。
　　“Why！“saidoneofthem，anelderlymanwhoseemedtobetheirleader，“thisisnoneotherthanMacumazahn，Watcher-by-Night，theoldfriendofallusblackpeople。SurelythespiritsofourfathershavebeenwithuswhomighthaveriskedourlivestosaveaBoerorahalf-breed。”TheSwazis，Imayexplain，didnotliketheBoersforreasonstheyconsideredsound。
　　“Yes。”Isaid，sittingup，“itisI，Macumazahn。”
　　“Thenwhy。”askedtheman，“didyou，whomallknowtobewise，showyourselftohavesuddenlybecomeafool？“andhepointedtotheragingriver。
　　“Andwhy。”Iasked，“doyoushowyourselfafoolbysupposingthatI，whomyouknowtobenone，amafool？Lookacrossthewaterforyouranswer。”
　　HelookedandsawtheBasutos，fiftyormoreofthem，arriving，justtoolate。
　　“Whoarethese？“heasked。
　　“TheyarethepeopleofSekukuniwhomyoushouldknowwellenough。Theyhavehuntedusallnight，yes，andbefore，seekingtomurderus；alsotheyhavestolenouroxen，thirty-twofineoxenwhichIgivetoyourkingifhecantakethemback。NowperhapsyouunderstandwhywedaredtheCrocodileRiverinitsrage。”
　　AtthenameofSekukunitheman，whoitseemedwasthecaptainofsomeborderguards，stiffenedalloverlikeaterrierwhichperceivesarat。“What！“heexclaimed，“dothesedirtyBasutodogsdaretocarryspearssonearourcountry？Havetheynotyetlearnedtheirlesson？“
　　Thenherushedintothewater，shakinganassegaihehadsnatchedup，andshouted，“Bideawhile，youfleasfromthekarossofSekukuni，tillIcancomeacrossandcrackyoubetweenmythumbandfinger。OrattheleastwaituntilMacumazahnhastimetogethisrifle。No，putdownthosegunsofyours；foreveryshotyoufireIswearthatI
　　willcuttenBasutothroatswhenwecometostormyourkoppies，asweshalldoerelong。”
　　“Besilent。”Isaid，“andletmespeak。”
　　ThenI，too，calledacrosstheriver，askingwherewasthatfatcaptainoftheirs，asIwouldtalkwithhim。Oneofthemenshoutedbackthathehadstoppedbehind，verysick，becauseofaghostthathehadseen。
　　“Ah！“Ianswered，“aghostwhoprickedhiminthethroat。Well，Iwasthatghost，andsucharethethingsthathappentothosewhowouldharmMacumazahnandhisfriends。Didyounotsaylastnightthatheisaleopardwholeapsoutinthedark，bitesandisgoneagain？“
　　“Yes。”themanshoutedback，“anditistrue，thoughhadweknown，OMacumazahn，thatyouweretheghosthidinginthosestones，youshouldneverhaveleaptagain。Oh！thatwhitemedicine-manwhoisdeadhassentusonamaderrand。”
　　“SoyouwillthinkwhenIcometovisityouamongyourkoppies。
　　GohomeandtakeamessagefromMacumazahntoSekukuni，whobelievesthattheEnglishhaverunawayfromhim。TellhimthattheywillreturnagainandtheseSwaziswiththem，andthatthenhewillceasetoliveandhistownwillbeburntandhistribewillnomorebeatribe。Awaynow，moreswiftlythanyoucame，sincethewaterbywhichyouthoughttotrapusisfalling，andaSwaziimpigatherstomakeanendofeveryoneofyou。”
　　Themanattemptednoanswer，nordidhispeoplesomuchasfireonus。Theyturnedtailandcreptofflikeapackoffrightenedjackals——pursuedbythemockingoftheSwazis。
　　Stillinawaytheyhadthelaughofus，seeingthattheygaveusaterriblefrightandstoleourwagonandthirty-twooxen。Well，ayearortwolaterIhelpedtopaythembackforthatfrightandevenrecoveredsomeoftheoxen。
　　WhentheyhadgonetheSwazisledustoakraalabouttwomilesfromtheriver，sendingonarunnerwithorderstomakehutsandfoodreadyforus。Itwasjustasmuchaswecoulddotoreachit，forwewereallutterlywornout，aswerethehorses。Stillwedidgetthereatlast，thehotsunwarmingusaswewent。
　　ArrivedatthekraalIhelpedHedaandKaatjefromthecart——theformercouldscarcelywalk，poordear——andintotheguesthutwhichseemedclean，wherefoodofasortandfurkarosseswerebroughttotheminwhichtowrapthemselveswhiletheirclothesdried。
　　Leavingtheminchargeoftwooldwomen，IwenttoseetoAnscombe，whoasyetcouldnotdomuchforhimself，alsototheoutspanningofthehorseswhichwereputintoacattlekraal，wheretheylaydownatoncewithoutattemptingtoeatthegreenforagewhichwasgiventothem。AfterthisIgaveourgoodsintothechargeofthekraal-head，aniceoldfellowwhomIhadnevermetbefore，andheledAnscombetoanotherhutclosetothatwherethewomenwere。Herewedranksomemaas，thatiscurdledmilk，atealittlemutton，thoughweweretoofatiguedtobeveryhungry，andstrippingoffourwetclothes，threwthemoutintothesuntodry。
　　“Thatwasacloseshave。”saidAnscombeashewrappedupinthekaross。
　　“Very。”Ianswered。“SoclosethatIthinkyoumusthavebeenstartedinlifewithanextrastrongguardianangelwellaccustomedtonativeways。”
　　“Yes。”hereplied，“and，oldfellow，IbelievethatonearthhegoesbythenameofAllanQuatermain。”
　　AfterthisIremembernomore，forIwenttosleep，andsoremainedforabouttwenty-fourhours。Thiswasnotwonderful，seeingthatfortwodaysandnightspracticallyIhadnotrested，duringwhichtimeIwentthroughmuchfatigueandmanyemotions。
　　WhenatlengthIdidwakeup，thefirstthingIsawwasAnscombealreadydressed，engagedincleaningmyclotheswithabrushfromhistoiletcase。Irememberthinkinghowsmartandincongruousthatdressing-bag，madeappropriatelyenoughofcrocodilehide，lookedinthisKaffirhutwithitssilver-toppedbottlesanditsivory-handledrazors。
　　“Timetogetup，Sir。Bathready，Sir。”hesaidinhisjolly，drawlingvoice，pointingtoacalabashfullofhotwater。“HopeyousleptaswellasIdid，Sir。”
　　“Youappeartohaverecoveredyourspirits。”IremarkedasIroseandbegantowashmyself。
　　“Yes，Sir，andwhynot？Hedaisquitewell，forIhaveseenher。
　　TheseSwazisareverygoodpeople，andasKaatjeunderstandstheirlanguage，bringusallwewant。Ourtroublesseemtobedonewith。OldMarnhamisdead，anddoubtlesscremated；Roddisdeadand，letushope，inheaven；theBasutoshavemeltedaway，themorningisfineandwarmandawholekidiscookingforbreakfast。”
　　“Iwishthereweretwo，forIamravenous。”Iremarked。
　　“Thehorsesaregettingrestedandfeedingwell，thoughsomeoftheirlegshavefilled，andthetrapislittletheworse，forI
　　havewalkedtolookatthem，orratherhopped，leaningontheshoulderofaverysniffySwaziboy。Doyouknow，oldfellow，I
　　believethereneverwereanyBasutos；alsothatthevenerableMarnhamandtheluridToddhadnorealexistence，thattheywerebutillusions，aprolongednightmare——nomore。Hereisyourshirt。IamsorrythatIhavenothadtimetowashit，butithascookedwellinthesun，which，beingflannel，isalmostasgood。”
　　“AtanyrateHedaremains。”Iremarked，cuttinghisnonsenseshort，“andIsupposesheisnotanightmareoradelusion。”
　　“Yes，thankGod！sheremains。”herepliedwithearnestness。“Oh！
　　Allan，Ithoughtshemustdrowninthatriver，andifIhadlosther，IthinkIshouldhavegonemad。Indeed，atthemomentI
　　feltmyselfgoingmadwhileIdraggedandfloggedatthosehorses。”
　　“Well，youdidn’tloseher，andifshehaddrowned，youwouldhavedrownedalso。Sodon’ttalkanymoreaboutit。Sheissafe，andnowwehavegottokeepherso，foryouarenotmarriedyet，myboy，andtherearegenerallymoretreesinawoodthanonecansee。Stillwearealiveandwell，whichismorethanwehadanyrighttoexpect，and，asyousay，letusthankGodforthat。”
　　ThenIputonmycoatandmybootswhichAnscombehadgreasedashehadnoblacking，andcreptfromthehut。
　　There，onlyafewyardsaway，engagedinsettingthebreakfastintheshadowofanotherhutonatannedhidethatservedforatableclothwhileKaatjesawtothecookingcloseby，IfoundHeda，stillalittlepaleandsorrowfulbutotherwisequitewellandrested。Moreover，shehadmanagedtodressherselfverynicely，Isupposebyhelpofspareclothesinthecart，andthereforelookedascharmingasshealwaysdid。Ithinkthatherperfectmannerswereoneofhergreatestattractions。ThusonthismorningherfirstthoughtwastothankmeverysweetlyforallshewasgoodenoughtosayIhaddoneforherandAnscombe，thereby，assheputit，savingtheirlivesseveraltimesover。
　　“Mydearyounglady。”IansweredasroughlyasIcould，“don’tflatteryourselfonthatpoint；itwasmyownlifeofwhichIwasthinking。”
　　Butsheonlysmiledand，shakingherheadinafascinatingwaythatwaspeculiartoher，remarkedthatIcouldnotdeceiveherasIdidtheKaffirs。AfterthisthesolidKaatjebroughtthefoodandwebreakfastedveryheartily，oratleastIdid。
　　NowIamnotgoingtosetoutallthedetailsofourjourneythroughSwazi-Land，forthoughinsomewaysitwasinterestingenough，alsoascomfortableasastayamongsavagescanbe，foreverywherewewerekindlyreceived，todosowouldbetoolong，andImustgetonwithmystory。Attheking’skraal，whichwedidnotreachforsomedaysastheabsenceofroadsandthefloodedstateoftherivers，alsotheneedofsparingourhorses，causedustotravelveryslowly，ImetaBoerwhoIthinkwasconcessionhunting。
　　HetoldmethatthingswerereallyseriousinZululand，soseriousthathethoughttherewasaprobabilityofimmediatewarbetweentheEnglishandtheZulus。HesaidalsothatCetewayo，theZuluking，hadsentmessengerstostiruptheBasutosandothertribesagainstthewhitemen，withtheresultthatSekukunihadalreadymadearaidtowardsPilgrim’sRestandLydenburg。
　　Iexpressedsurpriseandaskedinnocentlyifhehaddoneanyharm。TheBoerrepliedheunderstoodthattheyhadstolensomecattle，killedtwowhitemen，ifnotmore，andburnttheirhouse。
　　Headded，however，thathewasnotsurewhetherthewhitemenhadbeenkilledbytheKaffirsorbyotherwhitemenwithwhomtheyhadquarrelled。Therewasarumourtothiseffect，andheunderstoodthatthemagistrateofBarbertonhadgonewithsomemountedpoliceandarmednativestoinvestigatethematter。
　　Thenweparted，as，havinggothisconcessiontowhichthekingUmbandinehadputhismarkwhenhewasdrunkonbrandythattheBoerhimselfhadbroughtwithhimasapresent，hewasanxioustobegonebeforehegrewsoberandrevokedit。Indeed，hewasinsogreatahurrythatheneverstoppedtoinquirewhatIwasdoinginSwazi-Land，nordoIthinkherealizedthatIwasnotalone。CertainlyhewasquiteunawarethatIhadbeenmixedupintheseBasutotroubles。StillhisstoryastotheinvestigationconcerningthedeathsofMarnhamandRoddmademeuneasy，sinceIfearedlestheshouldhearsomethingonhisjourneyandputtwoandtwotogether，thoughasamatteroffactIdon’tthinkheeverdideitherofthesethings。
　　TheSwazistoldmemuchthesamestoryastothebrewingZulustorm。InfactanoldIndunaorcouncillor，whomIknew，informedmethatCetewayohadsentmessengerstothem，askingfortheirhelpifitshouldcometofightingwiththewhitemen，butthatthekingandcouncillorsansweredthattheyhadalwaysbeentheQueen’schildrenwhichwasnotstrictlytrue，astheywereneverunderEnglishruleanddidnotwishto“biteherfeetifsheshouldhavetofightwithherhands。”IrepliedthatIhopedtheywouldalwaysactuptothesefinewords，andchangedthesubject。
　　NowoncemorethequestionaroseastowhetherweshouldmakeforNatalorpressontoZululand。Therumourofcomingwarsuggestedthatthefirstwouldbeourbettercourse，whiletheBoer’sstoryastotheinvestigationofRodd’sdeathpointedtheotherway。ReallyIdidnotknowwhichtodo，andasusualAnscombeandHedaseemedinclinedtoleavethedecisiontome。I
　　thinkthatafterallNatalwouldhavegainedthedayhaditnotbeenforasingularcircumstance，notaflashoflightningthistime。Indeed，IhadalmostmadeupmymindtorisktroubleandinquiryastoRodd’sdeath，rememberingthatinNatalthesetwoyoungpeoplecouldgetmarried，which，beinginlocoparentis，I
　　thoughtitdesirabletheyshoulddoassoonaspossible，ifonlytoeasemeofmyresponsibilities。AlsothenceIcouldattendtothematterofHeda’sinheritanceandridmyselfofherfather’swillthatalreadyhadbeensomewhatdamagedintheCrocodileRiver，thoughnotasmuchasitmighthavebeensinceIhadtakentheprecautiontoencloseitinAnscombe’sspongebagbeforeweleftthehouse。
　　Thecircumstancewasthis：Onemergingfromthecartonemorning，whereIslepttokeepaneyeuponthevaluables，foritwillberememberedthatwehadaconsiderablesumingoldwithus，alsoHeda’sjewels，aSwaziinformedmethatamessengerwishedtoseeme。Iaskedwhatmessengerandwhencedidhecome。Herepliedthatthemessengerwasawitch-doctoressnamedNombe，andthatshecamefromZululandandsaidthatIknewherfather。
　　Ibadethemanbringhertome，wonderingwhoonearthshecouldbe，foritisnotusualfortheZulustosendwomenasmessengers，andfromwhomshecame。However，Iknewexactlywhatshewouldbelike，somehideousoldhagsmellinghorriblyofgreaseandotherabominations，withawornsnakeskinandsomehumanbonestiedabouther。
　　Presentlyshecame，escortedbytheSwaziwhowasgrinning，forI
　　thinkheguessedwhatIexpectedtosee。Istaredandrubbedmyeyes，thinkingthatImuststillbeasleep，forinsteadofafatoldIsanusithereappearedatallandgracefulyoungwoman，ratherlight-coloured，withdeepandquieteyesandabynomeansill-favouredface，remarkableforafixedandsomewhatmysterioussmile。Shewasawitch-doctoresssureenough，forsheworeinherhairtheregulationbladdersandaboutherneckthecircletofbaboon’steeth，alsoroundhermiddleagirdlefromwhichhunglittlebagsofmedicines。
　　ShecontemplatedmegravelyandIcontemplatedher，waitingtillsheshouldchoosetospeak。Atlength，havingexaminedmeinchbyinch，shesalutedbyraisingherroundedarmandtaperinghand，andremarkedinasoft，fullvoice——
　　“Allisasthepicturetold。IperceivebeforemethelordMacumazahn。”
　　Ithoughtthisastrangesaying，seeingthatIcouldnotrecollecthavinggivenmyphotographtoanyoneinZululand。
　　“Youneednomagictotellyouthat，doctoress。”Iremarked，“butwheredidyouseemypicture？“
　　“Inthedustfaraway。”shereplied。
　　“Andwhoshowedittoyou？“
　　“Onewhoknewyou，OMacumazahn，intheyearsbeforeIcameoutoftheDarkness，onenamedOpenerofRoads，andwithhimanotherwhoalsoknewyouinthoseyears，onewhohasgonedowntotheDarkness。”
　　NowforsomeoccultreasonIshrankfromaskingthenameofthis“onewhohadgonedowntotheDarkness，’althoughIwassurethatshewaswaitingforthequestion。SoImerelyremarked，withoutshowingsurprise——
　　“SoZikalistilllives，doeshe？Heshouldhavebeendeadlongago。”
　　“Youknowwellthathelives，Macumazahn，forhowcouldhedietillhisworkwasaccomplished？Moreover，youwillrememberthathespoketoyouwhenlastmoonwasbutjustpastherfull——inadream，Macumazahn。Ibroughtthatdream，althoughyoudidnotseeme。”
　　“Pish！“Iexclaimed。“Havedonewithyourtalkofdreams。Whothinksanythingofdreams？“
　　“Youdo。”sherepliedevenmoreplacidlythanbefore，“youwhomthatdreamhasbroughthither——withothers。”
　　“Youlie。”Isaidrudely。“TheBasutosbroughtmehere。”
　　“TheWatcher-by-NightispleasedtosaythatIlie，sodoubtlessIdolie。”sheanswered，herfixedsmiledeepeningalittle。
　　Thenshefoldedherarmsacrossherbreastandremainedsilent。
　　“Youareamessenger，Oseerofpicturesinthedustandbearerofthecupofdreams。”Isaidwithsarcasm。“Whosendsamessagebyyourlipsforme，andwhatarethewordsofthemessage？“
　　“MyLordstheSpiritsspokethemessagebythemouthofthemasterZikali。Hesendsitontoyoubythelipsofyourservant，thedoctoressNombe。”
　　“Areyouindeedadoctoress，beingsoyoung？“Iasked，forsomehowIwishedtopostponethehearingofthatmessage。
　　“OMacumazahn，Ihaveheardthecall，Ihavefeltthepaininmyback，Ihavedrunkoftheblackmedicineandofthewhitemedicine，yes，forawholeyear。IhavebeenvisitedbythemultitudeofSpiritsandseentheshadesofthosewholiveandofthosewhoaredead。Ihavedivedintotheriveranddrawnmysnakefromitsmud；see，itsskinisaboutmenow。”andopeningthemantlesheworesheshowedwhatlookedliketheskinofablackmamba，fastenedroundherslenderbody。“Ihavedweltinthewildernessaloneandlistenedtoitsvoices。Ihavesatatthefeetofmymaster，theOpenerofRoads，andlookeddowntheroadanddrunkofhiswisdom。Yes，Iamintruthadoctoress。”
　　“Well，afterallthis，youshouldbeaswiseasyouarepretty。”
　　“Oncebefore，Macumazahn，youtoldamaidofmypeoplethatshewasprettyandshecametonogoodend；thoughtoonethatwasgreat。ThereforedonotsaytomethatIampretty，thoughIamgladthatyoushouldthinksowhocancomparemewithsomanywhomyouhaveknown。”andshedroppedhereyes，lookingalittleshy。
　　ItwasthefirsthumantouchIhadseenabouther，andIwasgladtohavefoundaweakspotinherarmour。Moreover，fromthatmomentshewasalwaysmyfriend。
　　“Asyouwill，Nombe。Nowforyourmessage。”
　　“MyLordstheSpirits，speakingthroughZikaliasonewhomakesmusicspeakthroughapipeofreeds，say——“
　　“Nevermindwhatthespiritssay。TellmewhatZikalisays。”I
　　interrupted。
　　“Sobeit，Macumazahn。ThesearethewordsofZikali：’O
　　Watcher-by-Night，thetimedrawsonwhentheThing-who-should-never-have-been-bornwillbeasthoughheneverhadbeenborn，whereatherejoices。Butfirstthereismuchforhimtodo，andashetoldyounearlythreehundredmoonsago，inwhatmustbedoneyouwillhaveyourpart。Ofthathewillspeaktoyouafterwards。Macumazahn，youdreamedadream，didyounot，lyingasleepinthehousethatwasbuiltofwhitestonewhichnowisblackwithfire？I，Zikali，sentyouthatdreamthroughtheartsofachildofminewhoisnamedNombe，shetowhomIhavegivenaSpirittoguideherfeet。Youdidwelltofollowit，Macumazahn，forhadyoutriedtheotherpath，whichwouldhaveledyoubacktothetownsofthewhitemen，youandthosewithyoumusthavebeenkilled，howitdoesnotmatter。NowbythemouthofNombeIsaytoyou，donotfollowthethoughtthatisinyourmindasshespeakstoyouandgotoNatal，sinceifyoudoso，youandthosewithyouwillcometomuchshameandtroublethattoyouwouldbeworsethandeath，overthematterofthekillingofacertainwhitedoctorinaswampwheregrowyellow-woodtrees。ForthereinNatalyouwillbetaken，allofyou，andsentbacktotheTransvaaltobetriedbeforeamanwhowearsuponhisheadhorse’shairstainedwhite。ButifyoucometoZululandthisshadowshallpassawayfromyou，sincegreatthingsareabouttohappenwhichwillcausesosmallamattertobeforgot。Moreover，IZikali，whodonotlie，promisethis：
　　ThathowevergreatmaybetheirdangershereinZululand，thosehalf-fledgedoneswhomyou，theoldnight-hawk，coverwithyourwings，shallintheendsuffernoharm；thoseofwhomIspoketoyouinyourdream，thewhitelord，Mauriti，andthewhitelady，Heddana，whostretchouttheirarmsonetoanother。Iwaittowelcomeyou，hereattheBlackKloof，whithermydaughterNombewillguideyou。Cetewayo，theking，alsowillwelcomeyou，andsowillanotherwhosenameIdonotutter。Nowchoose。Ihavespoken。’“
　　HavingdeliveredhermessageNombestoodquitestill，smilingasbefore，andapparentlyindifferentastoitseffect。
　　“HowdoIknowthatyoucomefromZikali？“Iasked。“Youmaybebutthebaitsetuponatrap。”
　　Fromsomewherewithinherrobesheproducedaknifeandhandedittome，remarking——
　　“TheMastersaysyouwillrememberthis，andbyitknowthatthemessagecomesfromhim。HebademeaddthatwithitwascarvedacertainimagethatoncehegavetoyouatPanda’skraal，wrappedroundwithawoman’shair，whichimageyoustillhave。”
　　Ilookedattheknifeanddidrememberit，foritwasoneofthoseofSwedishmakewithawoodenhandle，thefirstthatIhadeverseeninAfrica。IhadmadeapresentofittoZikaliwhenI
　　returnedtoZululandbeforethewarbetweenthePrinces。Theimage，too，Istillpossessed。ItwasthatofthewomancalledMameenawhobroughtaboutthewar，andthewrappingwhichcovereditwasofthehairthatoncegrewuponherhead。
　　“ThewordsareZikali’s。”Isaid，returninghertheknife，“butwhydoyoucallyourselfthechildofonewhoistoooldtobeafather？“
　　“TheMastersaysthatmygreat-grandmotherwashisdaughterandthatthereforeIamhischild。Now，Macumazahn，Igotoeatwithmypeople，forIhaveservantswithme。ThenImustspeakwiththeSwaziking，forwhomIalsohaveamessage，whichIcannotdoatpresentbecauseheisstilldrunkwiththewhiteman’sliquor。
　　AfterthatIshallbereadytoreturnwithyoutoZululand。”
　　“IneversaidthatIwasgoingtoZululand，Nombe。”
　　“Yetyourhearthasgonetherealready，Macumazahn，andyoumustfollowyourheart。Doesnottheimagewhichwascarvedwiththeknifeyougave，holdawhiteheartinitshand，andalthoughitseemstobebutabitofUmzimbeetewood，isitnotaliveandbewitched，whichperhapsiswhyyoucouldnevermakeupyourmindtoburnit，Macumazahn？“
　　“IwishIhad。”Irepliedangrily；buthavingthrownthislastspear，withaflashofherunholyeyesNombehadturnedandgone。
　　Acleverwomanandthoroughlycoached，thoughtI。Well，Zikaliwasneveronetosufferfools，anddoubtlesssheisanotherofthepawnswhomheusesonhisboardofpolicy。Oh！she，orratherhewasright；myheartwasinZululand，thoughnotinthewayhethought，andIlongedtoseetheendofthatgreatgameplayedbyawizardagainstadespotandhishosts。
　　SowewenttoZululandbecauseaftertalkingitoverweallcametotheconclusionthatthiswasthebestthingtodo，especiallyasthereweseemedtobesureofawelcome。ForlaterinthedayNomberepeatedtoAnscombeandHedatheinvitationwhichshehaddeliveredtome，assuringthemalsothatinZululandtheywouldcometonoharm。
　　ItwascurioustowatchthemeetingbetweenHedaandNombe。Thedoctoressappearedjustaswehadrisenfrombreakfast，andHeda，turninground，camefacetofacewithher。
　　Isthisyourwitch，Mr。Quatermain？“sheaskedmeinhervivaciousway。“Why，sheisdifferentfromwhatIexpected，quitegood-lookingand，yes，impressive。Iamnotsurethatshedoesnotfrightenmealittle。”
　　“WhatdoestheInkosikaasii。e。，thechieftainesssayconcerningme，Macumazahn？“askedNombe。
　　“OnlywhatIsaid，thatyouareyoungwhoshethoughtwouldbeold，andprettywhoshethoughtwouldbeugly。”
　　“Togrowoldwemustfirstbeyoung，Macumazahn，andindueseasonallofuswillbecomeugly，eventheInkosikaasi。ButI
　　thoughtshesaidalsothatshefearedme。”
　　“DoyouknowEnglish，Nombe？“
　　“Nay，butIknowhowtoreadeyes，andtheInkosikaasihaseyesthattalk。Tellherthatshehasnoreasontofearmewhowouldbeherfriend，thoughIthinkthatshewillbringmelittleluck。”
　　Itwasscarcelynecessary，sofarasHedawasconcerned，butI
　　translated，leavingoutthelastsentence。
　　“SaytoherthatIamgratefulwhohavefewfriends，andthatI
　　willfearhernomore。”saidHeda。
　　AgainItranslated，whereonNombestretchedoutherhand，saying——
　　“Lethernotscorntotakeit，itisclean。Ithasbroughtnomantohisdeath——“HereshelookedatHedameaningly。
　　“Moreover，thoughsheiswhiteandIamblack，Ilikeherselfamofhighbloodandcomeofaraceofwarriorswhodidnothingsmall，andlastly，weareofanage，andifsheisbeautiful，I
　　amwiseandhavegiftsgreatasherown。”
　　OncemoreIinterpretedforthebenefitofAnscombe，forHedaunderstoodZuluwellenough，althoughshehadpretendednottodoso，afterwhichthetwoshookhands，toAnscombe’samusementandmywonder。ForIfeltthisscenetobestrainedandonethathid，orpresaged，somethingIdidnotcomprehend。
　　“ThisistheChiefsheloves？“saidNombetome，studyingAnscombewithhersteadyeyesafterHedahadgone。“Well，heisnocommonmanandbrave，ifidle；one，too，whomaygrowtallintheworld，shouldhelive，whenhehaslearnedtothink。But，Macumazahn，ifshemetyoubothatthesametimewhydidshenotchooseyou？“
　　“Justnowyousaidyouwerewise，Nombe。”Irepliedlaughing，“butnowIseethat，likemostofyourtrade，youarebutavainboaster。Isthereahatuponmyheadthatyoucannotseethecolourofmyhair，andisitnaturalthatyouthshouldturntoage？“
　　“Sometimesifthemindisold，Macumazahn，whichiswhyIlovetheSpiritsonlywhoaremoreancientthanthemountains，andwiththemZikalitheirservant，whowasyoungbeforetheZuluswereapeople，orsohesays，andstillyearbyyeargatherswisdomasthebeegathershoney。Inspanyourhorses，Macumazahn，forIhavedonemybusinessandamreadytostart。”
　　CHAPTERXI
　　ZIKALI
　　TendayshadgonebywhenoncemoreIfoundmyselfdrawingneartothemouthoftheBlackKloofwheredweltZikalitheWizard。
　　OurjourneyinZululandhadbeentediousanduneventful。Itseemedtomethatwemetextraordinarilyfewpeople；itwasasthoughtheplacehadsuddenlybecomedepopulated，andIevenpassedgreatkraalswheretherewasnoonetobeseen。IaskedNombewhatwasthemeaningofthis，forsheandthreesilentmenshehadwithherwereactingasourguides。Oncesheansweredthatthepeoplehadmovedbecauseoflackoffood，astheseasonhadbeenoneofgreatscarcityowingtodrought，andoncethattheyhadbeensummonedtoagatheringattheking’skraalnearUlundi。Atanyratetheywerenotthere，andthefewwhodidappearstaredatusstrangely。
　　Moreover，Inoticedthattheywerenotallowedtospeaktous。
　　AlsoHedawaskeptinthecartandNombeinsistedthattherearcanvascurtainshouldbeclosedandablanketfastenedbehindAnscombewhodrove，evidentlywiththeobjectthatsheshouldnotbeseen。Further，onthepleaofweariness，fromthetimethatweenteredZuluterritoryNombeaskedtobeallowedtorideinthecartwithKaatjeandHeda，herrealreason，asIwassure，beingthatshemightkeepawatchonthem。Lastlywetravelledbylittle-frequentedtracks，haltingatnightinout-of-the-wayplaces，where，however，wealwaysfoundfoodawaitingus，doubtlessbyarrangement。
　　WithonemanwhomIhadknowninpastdaysandwhorecognizedme，Ididmanagetohaveashorttalk。HeaskedmewhatIwasdoinginZululandatthattime。IrepliedthatIwasonavisittoZikali，whereonhesaidIshouldbesaferwithhimthanwithanyoneelse。
　　Ourconversationwentnofurther，forjustthenoneofNombe’sservantsappearedandmadesomeremarktothemanofwhichI
　　couldnotcatchthemeaning，whereonhepromptlyturnedanddeported，leavingmewonderinganduneasy。
　　Evidentlywewerebeingisolated，butwhenIremonstratedwithNombesheonlyansweredwithhermostunfathomablesmile——
　　“OMacumazahn，youmustaskZikaliofallthesethings。Iamnooneandknownothing，whoonlydowhattheMastertellsmeisforyourgood。”
　　“IammindedtoturnanddepartfromZululand。”Isaidangrily，“forinthislowveldwhitheryouhaveledusthereisfeverandthehorseswillcatchsicknessorbebittenbythetsetseflyandperish。”
　　“Icannotsay，Macumazahn，whoonlytravelbytheroadtheMasterpointedout。Yetifyouwillbeguidedbyme，youwillnottrytoleaveZululand。”
　　“YoumeanthatIaminatrap，Nombe。”
　　“Imeanthatthecountryisfullofsoldiersandthatallwhitemenhavefledfromit。Therefore，evenifyouwereallowedtopassbecausetheZulusloveyou，Macumazahn，itmightwellhappenthatthosewithyouwouldstaybehind，soundasleep，Macumazahn，forwhich，likeyou，Ishouldbesorry。”