ecame aware that
she was being followed, or rather kept up with, by one man. The path
was steep and rocky, and she could seldom ride out of a footspace; yet
at every turn this man would show himself, either in front or coming on
behind with long, swinging strides. Him, however, with an effort of
patience and a knowledge of native ways, she forbore to question, though
she strongly suspected him of being her visitant of the night before.

The sun was up by the time she reached her objective. The kraal lay
peaceful in the early morning; the great double ring fence, and from
some of the yellow, domed huts blue smoke was rising. Yet it seemed to
her that the place was deserted. It was the hour of milking, yet no
cattle were to be seen, and there were few people about. What did it
mean? What could it mean?

And now, for the first time, an instinct came upon her, an instinct as
of some harm pending. Had she done right to come? Was this part of
some sinister plan? and were those who distrusted Sapazani more
completely "in the know" than they two? She paused, irresolute. But it
was too late to turn back now. The man who had kept pace with her all
the way had grasped her bridle rein and was inviting her to dismount.

"Yonder. The chief," he said, when she had done so.

The space immediately surrounding the kraal was open save for a small
clump of spreading mimosas. In the shade of this Sapazani was seated,
with three or four other ringed men in attendance. That her arrival was
expected was obvious, for a wooden pillow, covered with a clean, new
rug, to serve as a seat, had been placed for her. Knowing their ways,
she greeted Sapazani in the usual pleasant and cordial style and sat
down to talk--outwardly as careless as when they last met, inwardly her
whole soul raging with eager impatience.

"And he who is lost?" she said at last. "He is found?"

"He is found."

Her joy and thankfulness knew no bounds, and she was hardly conscious of
the withdrawal of those around the chief.

"What is for two ears is not for eight," went on the latter. "I have a
word to you, Izibu."

"That is why I am here," she answered, with a smile. "And him of whom I
came to learn tidings?"

"Of him we will presently talk," answered Sapazani. "Talk we now of
myself. I am in need of a new _inkosikazi_ [principal wife], and her I
shall take from among the daughters of the white people."

Verna stared.

"That will not be easy