it obedience which had before been shown by the men,
and which would appear unaccountable in those who did not know the
Matabili character, the men who were directed to watch the horses
actually gave them up to a stranger, the magic name of _the Chief_ being
sufficient to awe them. They, however, never dreamed of an enemy being
near them; and the thought of the Dutchmen who had been so easily
trapped in the morning putting so bold a scheme into practice, would
have seemed little short of impossible; and thus the horses were given
up without any suspicion.

One very low whistle had scarcely been given by Hans before Bernhard and
Victor, with Katrine and her sister, were by his side.

"Get on this horse, Katie," said Hans, "and your sister on that next me,
and we can now escape."

"No," said Katrine, "it will not do for us to ride. If any Matabili saw
us on a horse, they would know we were prisoners escaping, but if they
only saw the horses they might not suspect; but now, Hans, do you know
which way to go in the dark?"

"It is difficult to find the way," replied Hans, "for I can see but a
short distance; still I can tell by those three stars close together
that we are going north."

"Yes, we are; and I think I can find the path here. We shall have to
pass a kraal about half a mile farther on. What shall we do if any men
come out?"

"We must tell them we are going to take the horses to the chief,"
replied Hans, "that may satisfy them."

"It may; but this is not the way to the chief's kraal," replied Katrine.
"We shall be in danger there."

The party moved on over the soft ground rapidly and quietly; the horses,
seeming to recognise their masters, followed them without hesitation,
and scarcely required to be touched by the rear follower. As they
neared the kraal past which they had to walk, they heard sounds of loud
talking and occasional singing, so that the slight noise of the horses'
feet they trusted would not be heard. A Matabili at all times, however,
is watchful, and more particularly in time of war. Just as the three
men with their charge were opposite the kraal the singing and talking
suddenly ceased, and some half-dozen men came out of their huts, and
called out, "Who is there?"

"Taking the horses by the chief's orders," replied Hans, in Matabili.

Resting his hand on Katrine's arm, he whispered, "Not a move, Katrine,
we must escape by boldness; any hurry now, and we may fail."

Katrine was