y is not as
it was. Think of the number of soldiers that will be sent against you;
of the police; of the settlers, who will turn out to a man--all armed
with the best breechloaders, mind. And what sort of weapons have you?
A few old muzzle loaders more dangerous to the shooter than to his mark.
What can you do with these and your assegais against people armed with
the best rifles in the world? I am indeed your friend, Ncanduku, and
the friend of your race. Let my warning sink deep in your mind, and
carry it to the chiefs. Let them be wise in time."

"The words of Ixeshane are always the words of wisdom," said the Kafir,
rising in obedience to the other's example. "But the young men are
turbulent. They will not listen to the counsels of their elders. The
cloud grows darker every day. I see no light," he added, courteously
holding the stirrup for Eustace to mount, "Go in peace, Ixeshane, and
remember my warning."

And gathering up his assegais the chief disappeared among the trees,
following the direction taken by the larger party.

CHAPTER ELEVEN.

"THE TAIL WAGS THE DOG."

Eustace had plenty to occupy his thoughts during his homeward ride. The
emphatic warning of the Gaika chief was not to be set aside lightly.
That Ncanduku knew more than he chose to say was evident. He had spoken
out very plainly for one of his race, who dearly love veiled hints and
beating around the bush. Still there was more behind.

Especially did the chief's perturbation when Eanswyth was referred to
strike him as ominous to the last degree. Even in war-time there are
few instances of Kafirs seriously maltreating white women, and Eanswyth
was well liked by such of her dusky neighbours as she had come in
contact with. Yet in the present case so thoroughly hated was her
husband that it was conceivable they might even strike at him through
her.

Why had Carhayes not fallen in with the armed party instead of himself,
thought Eustace bitterly. That would have cut the knot of the
difficulty in a trice. They would not have spared him so readily. They
were Gcalekas, Hlangani's tribesmen. Hlangani's wound would have been
avenged, and Eanswyth would by this time be free.

Very fair and peaceful was the aspect of the farm as the last rise
brought it full into the horseman's view. The bleating of sheep,
mellowed by distance, as the flocks streamed forth white upon the green
of the _veldt_, and the lowing of cattle, floated up