our
repast? Such is not the way the Zulus behave towards their friends the
English."

"We knew not whether you were English or boers, and we found you hunting
in our territory," answered the chief.

"The English have never been prevented from hunting wherever they choose
throughout Zululand," answered Denis.

"That matters not at present," said the chief. "You are our prisoners;
you must accompany us to our king, and beware that you make no
resistance or attempt to escape."

Denis interpreted what the chief said to Percy, who was naturally
anxious to know the result of the conversation.

"We must put the best face we can on the matter," he added, "and I only
hope that they'll let us keep our guns."

This seemed very doubtful, for from their looks the Zulus certainly did
not regard their prisoners with any affectionate feeling. Lionel had
not hitherto spoken, and as they found that Percy was unacquainted with
their language, they supposed that he was so likewise.

"Don't speak to them, Lionel," said Denis. "I'll act as interpreter,
and then you may be able to find out why they have taken us prisoners,
and what they intend to do to us."

"It will be wise to do so," answered Lionel; "and if I am able to get
away, I will let Uncle Hendricks know what has happened, and he will
very soon be down upon these gentlemen, and rescue you."

"A good idea, and I hope that you may succeed," said Denis. "In the
meantime the best thing we can do is to pretend to be as much at our
ease as possible. I don't think the fellows intend to kill us, or to do
us any harm."

"They look fierce enough," said Percy. "I only hope, Lionel, that
you'll be able to carry out your plan; but you must run no unnecessary
risk. I should think that Hendricks is sure to search for us, when he
finds that we do not return; whereas, should they find you trying to run
away, they might, in very wantonness, send an assegai through you."

"If I try to run, it will be at night, when there will be very little
chance of being discovered," answered Lionel; "I hear the men saying
that they are about to carry us off. Should we be separated, we must
keep up our courage, remember that."

As he spoke, two Kaffirs seized each of the lads somewhat roughly by the
arms, to make them get up, and at the same time snatched their rifles
out of their hands. This done, the chiefs, squatting down, appropriated
the remainder of the venison, which they quickly ate