Part 23 (1/2)
Aaleesu hether he had seen the waggon, or could in any way calculate how far they were froaleesu replied that he had not seen it or fallen in with any tracks to show that it had passed in that direction On learning whence they had started, he led Denis to suspect that he and Percy had wandered much farther to the north-west than they had supposed, and that they were not likely for several days toit had moved on
”There is, however,” he observed, ”a white fa on the borders, the only one for many miles round, not more than two days' journey froth, if you start at daybreak, and walk on briskly, youof the second day Kalinda and I will accoo into Natal, and bid farewell for ever to Zululand”
On telling Percy of the account given by Mangaleesu, he exclaimed, ”Why that ht ere still a long way froet up and set off i enough”
Denis was as anxious as his friend to start; for Percy had often spoken to hiht that it would be very pleasant to spend a day or tith them Hendricks, if he had recovered the oxen, was very likely to be there, or would arrive shortly
Denis and Percy were thankful to be able to rest securely without the risk of being carried off by a lion or leopard, or trampled upon by an elephant or rhinoceros A hunter in Africa has no easy tiht or by day He has treacherous hue wild aniht had not colad to lie down by the side of his friend, so as to obtain a longer rest than he had enjoyed forPercy declared that he felt better, after he had had another meal off rhinoceros flesh and water Still Denis saw that he was not at all able to walk far, and certainly not fit to atte journey He persuaded him therefore to remain quiet, at all events for another day
”I wish that we had soaleesu
”You shall have it,” was the answer; ”but Iout, lest I fall in with any of my enemies If I am killed, I will trust you to look after my wife Let her accoood white chief will take care of her, as he is kind, I am told, to all the people round”
”I proer, it would be better not to go out,” said Denis ”We can rough it on the rhinocerosthat there would not be enoughout to find a deer or antelope
Having closed the ed his companions not to venture forth, he set out Denis and Percy passed their time mostly in sleep, to make up, as Denis said, ”for their want of rest for soelse to do A considerable part of the day had passed, and they began to grow anxious at Mangaleesu's not returning
Kalinda waited patiently, but she now frequently got up and went close to the mouth of the cavern, where she stood in the attitude of listening Poor creature, she had long been accustoun to hope that they would soon get across the border They had taken into the cave a supply of water, and had cooked the realeesu did not return, the pangs of hunger coh they kept so succeeded in obtaining any ga on when Kalinda, as standing at the entrance, started and said in a low voice to Denis--
”He is coaleesu appeared, carrying a small antelope on his back He looked tired and excited; and throwing the aniain closed the bushes, and sank exhausted to the ground
”We must speak low, lest any one outside may hear us,” he whispered ”I have been seen and pursued, but eluded my eneo off in an opposite direction As I ca friends, should escape as soon as you can If found with me, you may be killed; but if you are alone, should you be overtaken, and will explain where you are going, you will not be aleesu said ”I would advise you to set off before daylight to-,” he continued ”Make your way to the farive you, you will easily find it You may very likely be seen and pursued: be not alarmed; invite these who overtake you to escort you to the farm”
”But ill you and your wife do?” asked Denis
”We will reroeary of searching for us I atch theet across the border as fast as possible The country is thinly peopled, so that we shall have no difficulty in escaping notice”
Denis expressed his regret at having to go without his friends, but agreed that the plan would be the best to adopt
Mangaleesu, before it grew dark, showed the, and the direction they were to follow, and minutely described several points, so that they would run no risk of losing their way The antelope meat was cut up, and a portion cooked at a fire kindled in the cave, which, though it created more smoke than was pleasant, was easily borne in consideration of the advantage obtained
Mangaleesu and Kalinda, with the thite lads, sat round the fire, eating their supper of venison, washed doith cold water, and talking over in low voices plans for that future which it was very possible none of theht live to see Raff, who forravity, as if he fully understood all that was said They then lay down to seek the rest the two young travellers at all events so greatly needed
The night passed quietly; and when they awoke, Percy declared that he was sufficiently strong to undertake a two days'breakfasted, they set off, followed by Raff, a short tialeesu accoht way
They felt rather anxious about his getting back in safety to the cave
”No fear,” he answered: ”a Zulu can creep unseen where a white man would certainly be observed Even if my enemies were near, they would not discover me; but they are soood distance on your road before they find you, so that they will not guess whence you set out”