were
still making a desperate effort to regain the day.

Wyvern, lying there, expecting immediate death, though now in a
different form, suddenly became aware that his bonds had been cut.
Stiff and bewildered he strove to rise, and found himself staring
stupidly into the face of Mtezani, who was bending over him.

"Take this, Kulisani," said the latter, in the excitement of the moment
levelling down into the use of his native _sobriquet_, and thrusting a
heavy, short-handled knob-kerrie into his hand. "Get away, quick, now--
into the bush--while there is time. I can do no more for you."

They were almost alone. The roll of battle had carried the contending
ranks, like a wave, beyond them. Amid the general confusion none had
any thought to spare for any consideration beyond that of repelling the
attack.

"But--what of U' Joe?" answered Wyvern. "Where is he? I cannot desert
him."

"U' Joe? He is gone," rejoined the young Zulu, impatiently. "Are you
tired of life, Kulisani? If not, go too--while there is time."

Wyvern hesitated no longer. Gripping his rude weapon he jumped up and
made for the nearest cover, just as, his escape being discovered,
several of his late tormentors sprang with shouts in his pursuit.

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT.

HUNTED.

On, on through the forest shades the hunted man sped, the voices of his
pursuers, like hounds upon a trail, sounding deep behind him. Though
strong and otherwise athletic, he was in no condition for running,
especially for keeping up a long chase, the chasers being wiry, untiring
savages.

The ground, too, became rough and stony, and this taxed his powers still
more. His aim was to reach the rocks and holes on the Lebombo slopes;
could he do so while yet at a fair distance from his enemies he stood
just a chance. They might look for him for ever there, or again they
might just hit upon the right place.

He set his teeth firm, and with elbows to his sides, kept on, husbanding
his wind like a trained sprinter. The while, bitter thoughts surged
through his mind; for it was bitter to die just then, tenfold so now
that Lalante was within his reach at last; now that a means of escape
had been afforded him. He thought of Joe Fleetwood too, and wondered if
he had managed to get clear away and if so in what direction. They had
been separated by some little distance what time the snake-torture had
begun, and if the other's liberation had been effected in the sa