a small cage, capable of
containing two or three men, the occupants drawing themselves across by
small guide-ropes, whilst the cage moved easily along the hawser upon
wheeled blocks, the whole arrangement being entirely concealed from the
view of anyone, either above or below, by the trees on either side of
the chasm, which at this point blended and interlaced both their foliage
and their branches.

So far good, but as the cage now swung in mid-air over the very centre
of the chasm itself, and had, moreover, an occupant, it was difficult to
see what the next move was to be. It was, however, our friends
reflected, at all events consoling to know that a slash or two with a
sharp knife would effectually dispose of all possibility of their savage
foes attacking them in the rear.

Just at this moment a cautious whistle told Kenyon that danger was to be
apprehended from the direction of the veldt, but at that very instant
the man in the cage, evidently thinking that the signal had been given
for his benefit, commenced to haul upon the rope, and quickly gaining
their side of the chasm, leaped out right into the ready arms of the
pair, who very soon had him securely gagged and tied to a tree, at a
little distance from his fellow. Hurrying back as another low but
earnest whistle reached their ears, our friends found that the slavers
had been seen to surround the tent, and thoroughly explore it; then,
evidently disliking the look of things, they had set out at speed
towards the pass, which they must now be in the very act of climbing.

Carrying off the whole frightened crowd, with the exception of one man
who had shown himself a tolerable marksman and something removed from an
abject coward, Kenyon showed them how to cross the chasm safely and
quietly, and bade them get over at once with all the ammunition.
Persuasion and explanation was, however, of no use at all, and he had to
drive the first batch into the strange vehicle at the muzzle of his
revolver. Then, finding they were quite safe, the negroes promptly
commenced to chatter like so many monkeys, whereupon Kenyon threatened
to shoot them, if he heard another sound, and then returned with all
expedition to Leigh, who had posted himself so as to command the
zig-zag, and had cleverly rolled a big rock into the very mouth of the
channel by which the foe was approaching.

All was now in readiness, and a dead silence reigned. The hush of a
tranquil tropical midnight was