upon the
many atrocities which they had heard to have been committed by Zooloo
Kaffirs on the white settlers of the Cape country,--deeds of unprovoked
violence performed much nearer the reach of retribution than these now
were. The savages into whose hands they had fallen were protected by
distance from any chance of being chastised from the south; and they had
no respect for the cowardly Portuguese of the north.

This was not all. The hunters had first done them an injury, and then
refused what had been demanded for compensation. In that resistance, a
chief had been outraged by a blow. Moreover, there was property which
the natives dearly prized; and the safest way to secure it would be to
render their captives incapable of ever afterwards claiming it, or
seeking redress for the spoliation.

The whole case wore a black look. Our adventurers began really to
believe that Congo was telling the truth, when he said, they _would have
to die_!

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT.

LED OUT TO DIE.

Another day passed over, and no change was made in the treatment of the
prisoners. In fact very little notice was taken of them, except by the
women and children. The chief with some others of the tribe spent the
day amusing themselves by firing the captured guns at a target, and
learning the use of the various articles they had taken from their
captives.

"What are they waiting for?" exclaimed Hendrik in an impatient tone.
"If they are going to put us to death, it would be almost better for us
than to endure this misery."

"True," rejoined Willem; "life is not worth much, suffering as we do;
still, where there's uncertainty, there is hope. Think of that,
Hendrik. We have seen nothing of Sindo to-day. How carefully the
ungrateful wretch keeps out of our sight!"

"If we were not in need of a friend," said Hendrik, "I dare say he would
acknowledge our acquaintance. But never mind. He's the last that will
ever prove ungrateful, since we're not likely ever again to have an
opportunity of befriending any one in distress."

Night came on, and amongst the tribe the captives observed an unusual
excitement. Several of the men were hurrying to and fro carrying
torches and evidently making preparations for some great event. The
horses were also being saddled.

"I tole you so," said Congo. "They take us away to die."

Willem and Hendrik remained silent spectators of what was going on. A
party of the natives then approached