that we came into the camp to act as spies. Now the
prince and the rest of the chiefs know perfectly well that we were
brought in prisoners, and I should think they will have wit enough to
see that she knows nothing about the matter."

From the remarks made by the chiefs, and the fierce glances they cast at
him and Percy, Denis however felt anything but sure that they would do
so.

"I'm very thankful that Lionel escaped," said Percy. "He will tell
Hendricks where we are, and if we do not return, he will know what has
become of us. Still I can scarcely fancy that these fellows will really
put us to death."

"I don't think they would if they were left to themselves," said Denis;
"but that dreadful old woman has so wonderful an influence on their
superstitious minds, that she can induce them to do anything she likes.
Now I suspect that she is in the interest of the other party, and she
thinks that if these fellows can be induced to kill us, they will make
our countrymen their enemies."

"If they are to die, the sooner they are put to death the better,"
exclaimed Umbulazi. "We will then, my brave warriors, set forth, sure
of victory, to fight our foes."

Just at this juncture a large band of warriors was seen approaching the
camp, led by a chief, who could be distinguished as such by the plumes
in his head-dress, his cloak, and kilt of skins, and the ornaments on
his oblong shield. He hastened on with his followers towards where
Umbulazi was standing. As he drew near, Denis exclaimed--

"I am much mistaken if that young chief is not Mangaleesu, who was for
so long living near Maritzburg. He was always a great friend of
Lionel's and mine, and I'm sure he would not see us massacred without
trying to save us." Denis however waited until the fresh arrivals had
paid their respects in the usual fashion to the prince. He then shouted
out in English, "Mangaleesu, Mangaleesu! come and save us. These people
accuse us of being spies, and threaten to kill us, although the prince
himself knows we were brought into the camp against our wills, and that
our only object is to get back to Hendricks, with whom we are
travelling."

Mangaleesu, on hearing his name called, came up to them, and at once
addressing their captors, inquired what crime they had committed.

No one could at first answer him, but at last one of them observed that
the great enchantress declared that they had come into the camp as
spies.

"But you al