The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1879-12-26

AT iength the banks OF the Buffalo rose high
before them, and Cassatonga realized with
horror that he had no time to look for the
ford, and must only trust his nearly exhaust
ed companion and breathless horse to the
perils of plunge from those lofty banks
But it vas their last hope of safety they
must do it or die. At length they reached
the bank, which rose full six feet above the
stream. Cassatonga held the princess tight
ly in his arms, and the horses nostrils dila-
ted and his eyes shot fire as he gazed on the
torrent beneath. But not second did the
noble animal waver; obedient to bis master 8
hand, he bounded from the bank, and in
another minute tossed his noble head above
the waves as he bravely breasted the stream.
In few moments, however, his feet touched
the bottom the ford was found, and the
worst of the terrible strain was over. At
length they gained the opposite bank, up
which the weary horse toiled slowly ; and
soon, to his riders great astonishment, the
small English camp lay before them.
The pair now paused to consult about their
next move. The Zulus, they justly con-
jectured, would make no delay In crossing
the river, and their poor horse was far too
exhausted to carry them that night tc Help
maksar therefore they unhesitatingy felt
their wisest course would be to place them
selves under the protection of the English
commander. Tying a white handkerchief
to the end ofhis spear, ,Cassatonga approach
ed the camp and when within ear shot, he
called out in a loud voice to the sentries, in
forming them that they were Christian Zu.
lus flying for salty. They were Immediately
seized, and brought before the officer in
charge, who received them with much sus-
picion, as he had only just heard of the dis
aster at Isandula, and was in no mood to har-
Dor Zulus of any kind, Their tale was soon
told. But though the officer suppressed his
pity for the sufferings of the royal maid, he
gave orders to have them strictly watched,
at the same time commanding that their
wantsshould be supplied.
1t is needless to give description of the
night that followed. All the world knows
how through the darkness the tide of battle
surged up, wave after wave, against the
weak barriers of the little fort, and was
again and again repulsed. All the world
has rung with he names of Bromhead and
Chard, and all the other heroes who with
strong hands and stronger hearts held the
fort that night But among them all who
fought beneath the red-cross flag there was
no stronger arm, no braver heart, than his
the young Zulu chief, who had renounced
friends fortune, country, to enlist beneath
the banner of higher Gross, and strive
henceforth for more enduring victory. A,
the morning broke upon the scene, and dis
closed the dusky foe, disheartened and de
feated, vanishing like dark clouds behint
the distant hill, the gallant officer, begrimet
with powder seized the now scarcely dark
er hand of the noble Zulu, and thanked hin
as British soldier for his timely aid. Luol,
felt in that moment she was rewarded 10
all the terrors of the night
After some hours needful rest at the fort
the young travellers prepared to resume thei
journey. They were followed by the bene
dictions of all. Lucia had been untiring il
her assistance to the wounded, and the dy
ing we're cheered by her words of comfort
Thus, amidst many good wishes, they bad
farewell to their new friends, and accomp
anicd by the officers bearing dispatches, the
set out for Helpmaksar. The evening shad
ows were lengthening as they entered an
rode through the street of that town, an
soou they were received with warm welcom
beneath the roof of the good missionary.
Not long afterward, before these officer
returned to their posts, they were called up
on to witness the union of their Zulu CON
, rade with his royal bride. The ceremon
was performed by their friend Mr.. B--i
the words of the beautiful service of th
I English church. And here let us leay
o them. They have set themselves resolute
4 to the task of preparing for that labor
n love which they feel certain God will in Fl
A own good time open up for them-a vic
h field of missionary work in their dear n
tive land. Be it ours to pray for the succe
4 of all such noble hearts, and for the tin
v when the swords of all the world shall /
q beaten into pruning.hooks, and the nstiol
n study war no more.