For some time the two had ridden
in silence, neither daring to trust herself to speak. Perhaps the same
thought was in both their minds; they must not break down and display
weakness before these savages. Certainly it was in that of Edala--who,
raised among them, fully recognised the advisability of keeping-up a
show of dignity towards an inferior race.

"They will not be harmed," she answered, with a confidence she was far
from feeling. There might be some among their escort who understood
English, and it would never do to let an impression get abroad that such
a thing as offering harm to such men as Thornhill and the magistrate,
could even come within the bounds of possibility. "Who would dare to
lift a hand against them? Why it would mean the hanging of every chief
concerned, and a good many of the people as well."

"Then you think they are safe--you who know these people so well?"

The question was put in a quick eager tone. Edala's brows wrinkled.

"Don't talk so loud, Evelyn," she said, speaking quickly and, of design
rather indistinctly. "There may be some here who understand. Better
not talk about it at all, perhaps, until we're alone. Oh, hang it--we
must keep up," she broke off roughly, as she felt her eyes brimming.
"Can't give away the show. D'you hear? We _must_ keep up."

The other murmured assent. The escort, stepping along at a quick walk
so as to keep pace with the horses, was somewhat puzzled at the
demeanour of the pair, and the warriors were talking among themselves in
rapid undertones, as is the way of natives when they wish to disguise
their conversation. Edala was adapting their method to English.

"I can't make it out, Evelyn," she said, purposely talking through
closed teeth so as to be the more unintelligible to outside listeners.
"None of these here are our people. In fact I hardly saw one, during
the dancing, that was. I believe these are from--beyond the border."

"What? Real Zulus?"

"Don't mention names. That's what I think they are," purposely avoiding
even the enunciation of the word `yes,' for reasons given above. "For
instance, look at those two ringed men. Their rings are differently
sewn on to those on this side. You wouldn't notice it but I do. That
looks as if this was going to be a big affair, and had been carefully
planned. Oh, you think I'm taking it all remarkably coolly, Evelyn--"
she broke off, in the gusty voice she used in moments of excitement