the double feat of snake-charming. To her, of
course, the parable needed no interpretation. This hateful fiend had
got Alaric into his power to compass his own object, and that object--
good Heavens!

"But you would not betray him, you who are our friend!" urged Verna,
clasping and unclasping her hands in an agony of appeal.

"The magistrate," went on Sapazani, "_our_ magistrate at Esifeni, will
be surprised, he who is never tired of saying Sapazani is not loyal. He
will be surprised when Sapazani the disloyal hands over to him one of
his own people who has broken the white man's sternest law, and says,
`Here, take him, I want not such among my people.' This is what will
happen if the child of U' Ben refuses to become my new _inkosikazi_."

Verna was beside herself. Here, then, was the missing link in the
chain. The deed had been actually witnessed. Nothing could save him.
The mention of her father inspired her with an idea.

"You would not dare do this thing," she said. "My father would kill
you, would never rest until he had done so. Every white man in Zululand
would combine to hunt you down, nor could you long escape."

"Why, for that, Izibu, there will be no white men left in Zululand to do
it before many days have passed. Well? Is it to be his life, or--?"

Verna saw no way out. She, of course, did not intend to accept the
dreadful alternative. She would kill herself. That afterwards; but now
she must save this precious life. Then another idea struck her. What
if Alaric were delivered over to the authorities, might it not be that
the evidence would not be strong enough? Was it not worthwhile risking
this? She knew what Alaric's answer would be. But Sapazani seemed to
have been reading her thoughts, for now he said--

"My mind is different in this matter. It is too far to Esifeni, and the
man might escape. Therefore I shall have him killed here--to-day--
killed by torture, and thou shalt see it done, child of U' Ben."

Verna's face was stony with despair.

"And if I agree?" she said slowly. "He will be placed beyond all reach
of danger?"

"That will he, Izibu. My word stands."

"Where is he now?"

"Here."

She turned to follow the sweep of his hand. From the direction of the
kraal a group was approaching, and her heart beat quicker as she
recognised the central figure. Alaric Denham stared in amazement. He
made a move to join Verna, but was prevented by the guard surrounding