as not rendered insensible by knowing that death
was awaiting him, and now near at hand.

"Baas Willem," he said, looking pityingly upon his young master, "you be
going to die. I bless that God your father and mother has told me
about. I never more go back to Graaf Reinet, to see them cry for you."

The arrangements for the execution were by this time completed; but the
cruel chief was not allowed to try his skill in the manner he had
designed.

Just as he was about to raise the roer to his shoulder and take aim at
one of the condemned captives, a large party of dark-skinned men made
their appearance upon the spot.

In the scene of confusion caused by their arrival, the would-be
murderers knew not whether they were friends or foes, until they heard a
war-cry that was strange to their ears, and saw themselves surrounded by
a body of stalwart warriors armed with bows, spears, and guns,--at least
two guns were seen, carried by two white men, whom the captives joyfully
recognised. It was Hans and Arend. Their companions were Macora and
his Makololo.

The reprieve was effected in an instant, and along with it the release
of the prisoners.

There was no occasion for the shedding of blood, for there was no
resistance made on the part of the intended executioners. Their
captives were at once delivered up along with their guns, horses, and
other property,--the principal part of which was restored before any
explanation could be given.

And now again was Groot Willem called upon to obey the dictates of a
humane heart, and intercede with Macora to obtain mercy for others. But
for him, the Makololo chief would have put to death every Zooloo upon
the ground, and then proceeded to their village to seek further
retaliation.

They all united in restraining him from violence; and the baffled
murderers were permitted to take their departure without the least
outrage being inflicted upon them.

"Your arrival was very fortunate," said Hendrik, addressing Hans and
Arend. "Just in the nick of time; but to me it is very mysterious. How
came you and your friends here to know of our dilemma?"

"There's no great mystery about it," answered Hans. "When we were told
this morning that you were captured and in danger of being killed, of
course we started immediately, and have been travelling all day in hot
haste to your rescue."

"But how was it possible for you to learn that we were in trouble?"

"From Sindo, the man Macora