Leonard
suffered them to depart, which they did at considerable speed, and
ordered the Settlement men to make ready to march. But now a fresh
difficulty arose. The interpreter had repeated all the bushmen's story
to his companions, among whom, it is needless to say, it produced no
small effect. Therefore when the bearers received their orders, instead
of striking the little tent in which Juanna slept, and preparing their
loads as usual, after a brief consultation they advanced upon Leonard in
a body.

"What is it, Peter?" he asked of the headman.

"This, Deliverer: we have travelled with you and the Shepherdess for
three full moons, enduring much hardship and passing many dangers.
Now we learn that there lies before us a land of cold and darkness,
inhabited by devils who worship a devil. Deliverer, we have been good
servants to you, and we are not cowards, as you know, but it is true
that we fear to enter this land."

"What do you wish to do then, Peter?" asked Leonard.

"We wish to return whence we came, Deliverer. Already we have nearly
earned the money that you gave to us before we started, and we will take
no more pay if we must win it by crossing yonder wall."

"The way back is far, Peter," answered Leonard, "and you know its
perils. How many, think you, will reach their homes alive if I am not
there to guide them? For know, Peter, I will not turn back now. Desert
me, if you wish, all of you, and still I will enter this country alone,
or with Otter only. Alone we took the slave camp and alone we will visit
the People of the Mist."

"Your words are true, Deliverer," said Peter, "the homeward way is far
and its perils are many; mayhap but very few of us will live to see
their huts again, for this is an ill-fated journey. But if we pass
yonder," and he pointed to the wall of rock, "then we shall all of us
certainly die, and be offered to a devil by devils."

Leonard pulled his beard thoughtfully and said: "It seems there is
nothing else to say, Peter, except good-bye."

The headman saluted and was turning away with an abashed countenance
when Juanna stopped him. Together with Otter and the others she had been
listening to the colloquy in silence, and now spoke for the first time.

"Peter," she said gently, "when you and your companions were in the
hands of the Yellow Devil and about to be sold as slaves, who was it
that rescued you?"

"The Deliverer, Shepherdess."

"Yes. And now do my ears betray me, or