ains of anything belonging to them, and he is of
opinion that they had some reason for going off. If they hadn't been in
a desperate hurry, they would, I am sure, have come to bid us good-bye."

"I have no doubt that Mangaleesu was summoned by a superior chief to
whom he owes allegiance for some special object--probably to take part
in an attack on another chief. We shall hear about it when we get into
Zululand," replied Hendricks. "You were speaking just now of young
Maloney. I am glad to hear so good an account of him; he appears to
have acted the part of a true friend to you."

"Indeed he has, and I am much obliged to him. It was fortunate for me
that he remained in Maritzburg so long, for he taught me a great many of
the things I know. Still he declares that he hates books, and would a
hundred times rather be shooting elephants and lions than studying.
Poor fellow! he has become very anxious about his father. Still he does
not give him up, though everybody else in the town thinks he is dead."

"I do not agree with them, though I confess that I am very anxious about
my old friend," answered Hendricks; "I still hope that he pushed, as I
know he intended doing, far away to the northward, and that though he
may probably have got into difficulties, he has escaped with his life.
I think it very likely, however, that he has lost his waggon and
servants, or he would have managed to communicate with me during my last
long trip. I made every possible inquiry, and sent out messengers in
all directions; but could hear nothing of him. It is strange that he
should have so totally disappeared, without leaving any trace to show
the direction he took. I am inclined to believe that he was entrapped
by some treacherous chief or by some rebel boers who have often vowed
that they would allow no Englishman to come near the territory they
claim."

While Hendricks was speaking, Denis Maloney, now a well-grown lad, rode
up. He had previously been forming one of a party of three following
the waggon at a little distance. All traces of sickness had
disappeared, his muscles were well knit, and his countenance bronzed by
the heat of the sun to which he had been exposed during a trading
expedition dispatched by his uncle into Zululand. He had gone in the
capacity of clerk or accountant to the leader of the expedition, his
duties being similar to those of a supercargo on board ship. He had
acquitted himself in the most satisfacto