t to resort in the evening
to bring back drinking-water for the use of her father's household.
The path between this spring and the kraal ran through a patch of bush,
where on a certain afternoon towards sundown Hadden took his seat under
a tree, having first seen Nanea go down to the little stream as was her
custom. A quarter of an hour later she reappeared carrying a large gourd
upon her head. She wore no garment now except her moocha, for she
had but one mantle and was afraid lest the water should splash it. He
watched her advancing along the path, her hands resting on her hips, her
splendid naked figure outlined against the westering sun, and wondered
what excuse he could make to talk with her. As it chanced fortune
favoured him, for when she was near him a snake glided across the path
in front of the girl's feet, causing her to spring backwards in alarm
and overset the gourd of water. He came forward, and picked it up.

"Wait here," he said laughing; "I will bring it to you full."

"Nay, _Inkoos_," she remonstrated, "that is a woman's work."

"Among my people," he said, "the men love to work for the women," and he
started for the spring, leaving her wondering.

Before he reached her again, he regretted his gallantry, for it was
necessary to carry the handleless gourd upon his shoulder, and the
contents of it spilling over the edge soaked him. Of this, however, he
said nothing to Nanea.

"There is your water, Nanea, shall I carry it for you to the kraal?"

"Nay, _Inkoos_, I thank you, but give it to me, you are weary with its
weight."

"Stay awhile, and I will accompany you. Ah! Nanea, I am still weak, and
had it not been for you I think that I should be dead."

"It was Nahoon who saved you--not I, _Inkoos_."

"Nahoon saved my body, but you, Nanea, you alone can save my heart."

"You talk darkly, _Inkoos_."

"Then I must make my meaning clear, Nanea. I love you."

She opened her brown eyes wide.

"You, a white lord, love me, a Zulu girl? How can that be?"

"I do not know, Nanea, but it is so, and were you not blind you would
have seen it. I love you, and I wish to take you to wife."

"Nay, _Inkoos_, it is impossible. I am already betrothed."

"Ay," he answered, "betrothed to the king."

"No, betrothed to Nahoon."

"But it is the king who will take you within a week; is it not so? And
would you not rather that I should take you than the king?"

"It seems to be so, _Inkoos_, and I would rather go