on the rich morning
air--together with the sound of voices and laughter from the picturesque
group of native huts where the farm servants dwelt. Doves cooed softly,
flitting among the sprays of mimosa fringing the mealie lands; and upon
the surface of the dam there was a shimmer of silver light. All seemed
peaceful--happy--prosperous; yet over all brooded the red cloud of war.

Eustace felt his pulses quicken and his heart stir as he strained his
eyes upon the house, to catch maybe the flutter of a light dress in the
veranda. Many a morning had he thus returned from a ride without so
much as a heartstirring. Yet now it was different. The ice had been
broken. A new light had been let in--a sweet new light, glowing around
his path like a ray of Paradise. They understood each other at last.

Yet did they? How would she receive him--how greet him after the
disclosure of last night? Would she have thought better of it? For the
first time in his life he felt his confidence fail him.

"Hallo, Eustace! Thought you had trekked off somewhere for the day,"
growled Carhayes, meeting him in the doorway. "Been looking up some of
your blanket friends?"

"Where are you off to yourself, Tom?" was the reply. For the other was
got up in riding boots and breeches, as if for a journey.

"To Komgha--I'm going over to lay an information against Nteya. I'll
have the old _schelm_ in the _tronk_ by to-night."

"Not much to be taken by that, is there? Just come this way a minute,
will you? I've heard something you may as well know."

With a mutter and a growl Carhayes joined him outside. In a few words
Eustace conveyed to him Ncanduku's warning. It was received
characteristically--with a shout of scornful laughter.

"Gammon, my dear chap. I never funked a nigger yet and I never will.
And, I say. You'd better take a ride round presently and look after the
sheep. I've been obliged to put on Josane's small boy in Goniwe's
place, and he may not be up to the mark. I daresay I'll be back before
dark."

"Well, the sheep will have to take their chance, Tom. I'm not going out
of call of the homestead while Eanswyth is left here alone."

"Bosh!" returned Carhayes. "She don't mind. Has she not been left
alone here scores of times? However, do as you like. I must be off."

They had been walking towards the stable during this conversation.
Carhayes led forth his horse, mounted, and rode away. Eustace put up
his, and hav