United States or Afghanistan ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Scarcely had they landed when a large body of Zulus were seen on the height of the opposite side of the river, waving their assegais, and rushing down as if they fully expected in a few minutes to come up with the fugitives. "Come along, Mangaleesu. We must get into the house before those people out there see you," cried Rupert, taking the chief's hand.
According to his promise, he made a present of a good rifle and stock of ammunition to the young chief Mangaleesu, giving him authority to procure a further supply of powder and shot when that was exhausted. Lionel was soon perfectly at home with Mistress Jansen.
They then lay down to seek the rest the two young travellers at all events so greatly needed. The night passed quietly; and when they awoke, Percy declared that he was sufficiently strong to undertake a two days' march, and having breakfasted, they set off, followed by Raff, a short time before daybreak. Mangaleesu accompanied them some distance, to put them in the right way.
Tell Mangaleesu that he must disguise himself, and that he will not be recognised in a round hat and big necktie; and his wife too, she will prove useful. `We shall do finely, as Denis would say, and now I'll just look out and see if any enemy is at hand.
Hendricks, who of course understood all that was said, saw that it would be the height of folly to put himself in the power of Umbulazi and his followers, and therefore, thanking Mangaleesu, whom he now recognised, for his good intentions, replied to the prince's invitation, that his mission being accomplished, he and his party must take their departure.
He then went and sat down by the side of Mangaleesu, who still lay in the hammock under the waggon, not yet recovered from the exertions he had made on the previous night, and the loss of blood from his wounds. "I have recovered one of your people, and have brought him to the camp," said the trader. "Who is he?" asked Mangaleesu eagerly. "I thought that all had been killed."
He also despatched two others in different directions to ascertain if any of the Zulus were in the neighbourhood, apparently searching for Mangaleesu, as he intended in that case to keep the chief and his bride more carefully concealed until he had carried them safely across the border. The hunters were the first to return, loaded with the flesh of a couple of antelopes.
Biddy, Mangaleesu, and Kalinda quickly returned with muskets and ammunition. "Now go and rig yourselves out in the fashion I told Maud that you must all do; and be ready to come up here as soon as the Zulus reach the bank of the river, from which they can see us clearly."
Mangaleesu and Kalinda, with the two white lads, sat round the fire, eating their supper of venison, washed down with cold water, and talking over in low voices plans for that future which it was very possible none of them might live to see. Raff, who formed one of the circle, watched them with the greatest gravity, as if he fully understood all that was said.
"Had I found an opportunity, I would have spoken to Mangaleesu on the subject, and urged him to retreat while there was time."
Word Of The Day