The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1889-10-13

They paused at the entrance to each kloof
throuc "a which they had to pass, and the
Fingoes went cautiously ahead searching
through the bushes. 1t was not
until he heard their call on the
other side that Ronald gallopei after them.
az begin to hope that re shall get through
now,n Ronald said, after emerging from
one of these kloofs: I'VE have only Que
more bad place TO pass. but Of course, the
danger is greatest there, as from that the
Kafirs will be watching against any ad-
vance of the troops from the town"
The Fingoes were evidently of the same
opinion, for as they approached 1t Kreta
stopped to speak to Ronald.
"Katir sure to be here" he said, "but
me and my men can creep through; but we
must not call to you, incos; the Kaffirs
would hear us and be on the watch. Safest
plan for us to go through first, not go
along paths, but through bush; then for you
to gallop straight through; even if they
close to path, you get before they time to
stop YOU. l think that best way"
II think so too, Kreta. II they hear the
horses hoofs coming from behind they will
suppose it is mounted messenger from the
hills. Anyhow, 1 think that dash for it is
our best chance"
81 think so, incos. l think you get
through safe if go fast.
Glow long will you be getting through,
KretaF'
s'Ouarter of an hour" the chief said
utes"
Kreta stood thoughtfully for minute or
two.
"Me don't like it, incos. Me tell you what
we do We keep over to left, and then when
we get just through the bush we fire our
guns. Then the Kaffirs very much sur
prised and all run that way, and you ride
straight through"
"But they might overtake you, Kreta.n
"They no overtake," the chief said conf
IDENTIFY. We run fast and get good start
Williamstown only one hours walk; run
less than half hour. They no catch u.s."
When the Fingoes had been gone about
ten minutes, Ronald, assured that the Kafiirs
would be gathered at the far end of the
kloof, went forward at walk. Presently
he heard six shots fired in rapid succession.
This was followed by un outburst of yells
and cries in front, and he set spurs to his
horse and dashed forward at a gallop. He
was nearly through the kloof when a body
of Kaffirs, who were running through the
wood from the right burst suddenly from
the bushes into the path. So astonished
were they at seeing the white man within
few yards of them that for moment they
did not think of using their weapons, and
Ronald dashed through them, scattering
from the bushes. Ronald shot down two
men who sprang at the horses bride, and
he heard Mary Armstrong; pistol on the
other side. He had drawn his sword before
setting off at galIop. Hold tight, Mary"
he said, as he relaxed his hold of her and
cut down native who was springing upon
him IRON the bushes. Another fell from bull
let from the pistol, aud then he was through
them. "Stoop down, Mary" he said, press
her forward on the horses neck and bend
ing down over her. He felt his horse give
a sudden spring, and knew that it was hit
with an assegai; while almost at the same
instant he felt a sensation as of a hot iron
running from his belt to his shoulder, as a
spear ripped up cloth and flesh and then
glanced along over mis- shoulders.
A moment later and they were out of the
kloof, and riding at full speed across the
open. Looking over his shoulder he saw
that the Kaffirs gave up pursuit after fol
lowing for hundred yards. Over on the
left he heard dropping shots, and presently
caught glimpse in that direction of the
Fingoes running in a close body, pursued at
the distance OF hundred yards or so by a
large number Of Kafiirs. But others had
heard the sound of firing, for in minute
or two he saw q body of horsemen riding at
ton Of the firing He abonee checked the
speed of his horse. 'N
1--WE are safe now, Mary that is troop
of our corps. Are you hit"
"No, am not touched. Are you hurt,
Ronalda l thought felt you start"
81 have got bit of scratch on the back,
but it's nothing serious. | will get off in a
moment. Mary; the horse has an assegai in
his quarters, and l must get it out"
Take me down, too, please; feel giddy
now 1t is all over"
Ronald lifted her down, and then pulled
the assegai from the horses back.
II don't think much harm is done,n he
said; "a fortnight in the stable and he will
be all right again"
You are bleeding dreadfully," the girl
exclaimed, as she caught sight of his back.
tits terrible wound to look at"
Then it looks worse than it is" he
laughed. "The spear only glanced along
on the ribs. It's lucky was STOPPING SO
much. After going through what we have
we may think ourselves well off indeed that
we have escaped with such a scratch as this
between us"
Its not scratch at all" the girl said
Indignantly; 'it's very deep, bad cut"
Perhaps it is bad cut" Ronald smiled,
but cut is of no consequence one way or
the other. Now let US join t9e Others All.
here they come, with Kreta showing them
the way"
The troopers had chased the KafIirs back
to the bush, and, led by the Ffngo, were
now coming uD at a gallop to the spot
where Ronald and Mary Armstrong were
standing by the horse.
"Ah, 1T is you, sergeant" Lieut.. Daniels
said, for 1t was portion OF Ronald's old
troop that had ridden up. 81 never ex-
pected to see you again, for we heard the day
before yesterday from the levy officer who
came in with the ammunition wagons that
you had gone off to try to rescue three
ladies who had been carried off by the
Kaffirs. 1t was mad business, but you
have partly succeeded, l am glad to see"
and be lifted his cap to Mary Armstrong
Partly, SIR" Ronald said. "The
wretches killed the other two the day they
carried them off. This is Miss Armstrong
l think you stopped at her fathers house
one day when we were out on the Ka-
bousie."
"Yes, of course" the lieutenant said,
alighting. Excuse me for not recognizing
you, Miss Armstrong. but in fact"
I'm fact, l look very pale, and ragged,
and tattered."
II am not surprised at that, Miss Arm
strong. You must have gone through a
terrible time, and / heartily congratulate
Sergt. Blunt on the success of his gallant
sttempt to rescue you"
Have you heard from my father? How
is hsr'
"Your father, Miss Armstrong; have
heard nothing from him sincs heard from
Sergt. Blunt that you had all got safely
"a -