upert? I am sure that
your father will protect them."

"No doubt about that," answered Rupert. "Pull away then; and if we can
get them concealed in the house before their pursuers see where they
have gone, it will save a great deal of trouble."

There was not much time to settle any further plans before they reached
the western bank. Immediately landing, they drew up the boat on shore,
at a spot where she was completely concealed by the bushes.

Scarcely had they landed when a large body of Zulus were seen on the
height of the opposite side of the river, waving their assegais, and
rushing down as if they fully expected in a few minutes to come up with
the fugitives.

"Come along, Mangaleesu. We must get into the house before those people
out there see you," cried Rupert, taking the chief's hand.

Unfortunately they had an open space to cross. As they did so they were
perceived by the Zulus, who broke into loud and savage shouts, which
even at the distance they were off could clearly be heard.

"Don't be afraid, Kalinda. They shan't hurt you," said Percy; "I am
sure my father will not let them take you away."

As they hurried on they saw the Zulus making signs to them to bring back
the boat. It was evident that the savages had perceived how the
fugitives had escaped them.

"You may beckon and shriek and howl as much as you like," cried Rupert.
"We are not going to allow you to murder these people if we can help
it."

Without paying further attention to the Zulus, they hurried on to the
house, where they found Captain Broderick.

Percy at once introduced Kalinda and Mangaleesu to his father, telling
him how much he and Denis were indebted to them.

"We come to crave your protection, O White Chief," said Mangaleesu.
"Our enemies are seeking our death, and if we are turned away I fear
that we shall be overtaken."

"I promise to afford it you, my friends," said Captain Broderick. "They
dare not drag you from my house by force, and I will not allow them to
enter."

"There is no time to be lost then, for they are very close to the bank,"
said Rupert. "I will go and see what they are about."

Captain Broderick led the chief and his wife into the house, while
Rupert hastened to where he could watch the Zulus. They were doing as
he feared they would; nearly half the band were already in the stream,
stemming the current, shouting and shrieking, to keep away the
crocodiles, while the other half were prep