ay
from them, and were apparently more amused than angry at it. Thus,
although Katrine and her sister were fully 200 yards in advance of their
pursuers, yet the Matabili knew that the maidens could not escape them;
for even if compelled to spoor them, these experienced hunters would
soon re-capture their prisoners.

The point at which Katrine entered the ravine was distant about 300
yards from where Hans was concealed; and thus, had he remained where he
then was, the Matabili would undoubtedly have captured the girls before
they could have reached him. Seeing this, he at once decided upon
running down the ravine and intercepting the pursuers. The suddenness
of a discharge of fire-arms, which he was now convinced must be done,
would so alarm the Matabili, ignorant as they were of the number of
their foes, that their retreat would be immediate, and he would thus be
left in undisturbed possession of Katrine and her sister.

Without any explanation of his reasons to his companions, who were men
that needed not that a plain fact should be made more plain by argument,
Hans said "Follow me," and the three ran down the pathway to meet
Katrine, who, to the delight of Hans, was soon visible, and safely held
for a moment in his arms.

"The Matabili are coming," exclaimed Katrine, "ten of them: can you
fight them?"

"Yes, double the number would be nothing, now you are with me, Katie."

"But, Hans, more are about. I fear so much for you. How can we escape
from these brutal murderers? Oh, it was fearful! My poor father was
butchered before my eyes, and I lived to see it; but where can these men
be? they were close behind us just now."

Hans was equally surprised at the disappearance of the Matabili, whom he
had expected to see immediately behind Katrine and her sister, but who,
it was evident, were not following her. Seeing this, Hans turned to his
companions and said, "To the horses, men! not a moment must be lost
now."

Hans, half carrying Katrine, who, however, was well able to move on at
speed, was followed by Victor and Bernhard, between whom was Katrine's
sister. The party walked and ran up the path towards where the horses
had been left, and soon reached the open grassy glade where they had
been allowed to graze. Instead, however, of finding their five horses
there ready saddled for mounting, and merely knee-haltered to prevent
their straying, the place was deserted, and no horses visible.

"Bernhard," exc