. Than this Prior asked nothing
better and said so with unfeigned satisfaction.

We last saw Edala and her companion poised on the dizzy altitude of what
the former called her `aerial throne,' surrounded by peril. Moreover
they had just been discovered. Manamandhla had seen them, as to that
there could be no doubt. Every moment they had sat there expecting the
return of those they had heard above--then death; and every such moment
was bitter with the bitterness of death. Yet, when they climbed up
nearly an hour later and stood, cramped and shivering, the summit of
Sipazi was clear. Sorely was Edala puzzled. Clearly the Zulu had not
betrayed their presence. What strange unfathomable motive could he have
had in sparing their lives--hers especially, thought Edala, whose father
had deliberately attempted to take his? Yet he had done so.

And in the result Prior was astounded to see at about mid-day, instead
of his chief returning--for he had taken for granted the latter was
spending the night at Thornhill's--two tired and haggard-eyed girls
walking up to the place; and more astounded still when he recognised
their identity, and learned the strange doings they had to tell of.

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN.

THE DEFENCE OF KWABULAZI.

All round the earthwork men were posted, many for the air was keen and
biting. The stars, not yet faded, shone frostily, but there was no
mist; and for this they were thankful. Each man had a gun of some sort,
from an up-to-date Mauser or Lee-Metford, down to a double-barrelled
shot-gun.

The first dull red streaks had begun to appear in the eastern sky, and
at the sight a thrill of excitement ran along the circle, for such is
almost invariably the time chosen by the wily savage for making his
murderous rush. These were all prepared to give him a most unhealthy
reception.

"Don't light that silly pipe, Jenkins," growled Hyland to his next door
neighbour. "D'you hear? What are you doing, man? D'you think we want
'em to know we're anxiously waiting to welcome them?"

The man addressed snarled.

"Who the 'ell are you?" he grunted. "I'm not taking orders from
anyone." Still he hardly dared disobey. Hyland Thornhill had a
reputation for being a terror with his fists, and he was as strong as an
elephant.

"I'll knock it out of your silly jaws if you attempt to light it," was
the uncompromising answer. "Hallo!" as he became aware of another
presence just behind him. "What a