on a hunting expedition
to obtain some meat for our camp when your followers seized us and
brought us here. All we now ask is to be set at liberty, and to be
allowed to return to our friends who are anxiously waiting us."

"Such cannot be allowed," answered Umbulazi. "You will carry
information of what you have seen to Cetchwayo, who will then be induced
to attack us before we are ready for him."

"We promise to give no information which will in any way injure you,"
said Denis.

"I shall take very good care of that," answered Umbulazi. "Whether the
English intend to be friends to me or not, it matters little. I have
many followers, some of whom you see here, and many more will join me
ere long; so that we shall soon drive Cetchwayo out of the country, and
Umbulazi will some day be king of Zululand."

Denis had heard that a son of King Panda, Umbulazi, had been supplanted
by a younger son, Cetchwayo, and that, being destitute of talents and
ability, he was not likely to attempt to interfere in the affairs of
state, but to remain quietly at his kraal, attending to his herds, and
cultivating his mealy grounds. It was now evident that he was in open
rebellion, and it was very important not to offend him; for, like other
Zulu chiefs, he was utterly regardless of human life. Denis therefore
feared that should he say anything to excite his anger, he might order
his guards to cut him and his companions to pieces, or might give them
leave to amuse themselves by throwing their assegais at them. He
therefore assumed as humble a manner as he could, and replied, "When
Umbulazi is king, all Englishmen who come into this country will pay him
reverence, and abide by his laws, as I and my friends now wish to do.
Again I ask that we may have permission to proceed on our way, as our
leader, Hendricks, the great hunter, is waiting for us; and as we shall
in a short time pass the borders of Zululand, we cannot trouble Umbulazi
by our presence."

The prince said something not very complimentary to the speaker,
signifying that he was talking nonsense. He then ordered some of his
attendants to carry the three prisoners to a hut close by, and to place
a guard over them until he had determined how they should be disposed
of.

CHAPTER SEVEN.

IN THE HANDS OF THE ZULUS.

The three lads found themselves the sole occupants of a hut about seven
feet in diameter, and of a height scarcely sufficient to enable them to
stand uprig