s
remained upon the spot. The chief was absent nearly an hour, when he
returned seemingly in a great rage. By his angry talking, every one was
made aware of the fact. Congo listened attentively to what he said.

"He's talking about Sindo," said the Kaffir. "He swear he kill dat
nigga to-morrow."

"I hope he'll keep his oath," said Willem. "I suppose we have succeeded
in awaking his suspicions against the wretch he was harbouring; and he
will be punished for his ingratitude. He should have tried to save
us,--even at the risk of having again to make change of his tribe."

The march was again resumed, the chief leading the way with two of his
subjects, one on each side of him carrying torches.

After proceeding a little farther the prisoners recognised the spot
where they had been made prisoners. The chief then delivered an
harangue to his followers, which Congo interpreted to his
fellow-captives. The bearing of it was, that the white strangers had
wilfully and maliciously killed two of his horses,--the finest animals
in the world. They had refused to make such reparation as lay in their
power; and, when he had attempted to recompense himself for their loss,
he had been resisted, knocked down, and severely injured in the presence
of his own people. He stated, furthermore, that it was the unanimous
opinion of the oldest and wisest of his subjects, that for these crimes
the prisoners ought to be punished,--that the punishment should be
death; and that he had brought them to the spot where the first offence
had been committed as a proper spot for executing this just decree.

After Congo had translated the speech to his fellow-captives, they
directed him to inform the chief that he was welcome to the horses,
guns, and other property, if he would let them depart, and they would
promise never to return to his country or trouble him any more.
Moreover, they would send him a present, by way of ransom for their
liberty and lives.

In answer to this communication they were told, that, as they were white
men, their words could not be relied upon. Instead of presents, they
would be more likely to seek some revenge; and that, to guard against
this, he was determined they should die.

Against this decision they were not allowed to make any appeal. From
that moment no attention was paid to anything they said. Their guards
only shouted, when Congo attempted to put in a word; while those who
were around the chief began