Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1896-10-18
CHAPTER XXI.
THE VICTORY OF THE CROSS

The sun rose suddenly over the edge OF
the cliffs, and while II was yet deep shadow
In the valley its red light struck upon the
white cross of persisted wood that lowered
above the tree OF doom. and on the black
shape OF Hokosa crucihed to 1t, living. The
camp OF the King saw and understood, and
from every throat of the thousands of men,
women and children gathered there went
up roar of rage and horror. The King
lifted up his hand and silence fell upon the
place. Then he mounted on the wall and
cried aloud:
do you yet live. Hokcsa, or is 1t your
body only that those traitors have fastened
to the tTee?"
Back came the answer through the clear
still air:
II live King"
Endure. then, little while" called Nod
wengo "and we will storm the tree and
save you" ....
Nay" answered Hokosa. you cannot
save me, yet before l die l shall see you
saved"
Then his words were lost in tumult, for
the third days fight began. Desperately the
regiments of Hafela, rushing across the
open space, hurled themselves upon the
ordinations which, during the night had
been strengthened by the addition OF two
inner walls. Nor was this ALL for suddenly
cry told those in front that the regiment
which Hafela despatched across the noun
tains had travelled up the eastern neck of
In the rear. Well was il far Nodwengo now
that he had listened to the counsel of
Hokosa and wearied as the soldiers were
had commanded that here also great wall
should be built.
For two hours the fight waged. and then on
either side the foe fell back not beaten. In.
deed, though their dead were many. but 10
rest and take counsel But now a new
trouble arose. From all of the camp OF
Nodwengo there went up moan of pain to
heaven, for since the evening of Yesterday
the spring had given out and they had found
no water wherewith to wet their lips Dur
ing the night they bore 1t, but now the sun
boating down on the black rocks with fear
tul force scorched them to the marrow till
they began to wither like fallen leaves. and
already wounded men and children died
while the warriors cut the Threats of oxen
and drank their blood.
Hokosa, hanging on his cross heard the
moaning and OWNED the cause of it.
BE OF good comfort, children of Nod
wengo." he cried "for | will pray that rain
De sent upon you,' and he lifted his head
and prayed.
his prayer was heard, who can say? AT
least II happened that Immediately there
atter clouds began to gather and to thiclen
IN the blue heaven, and within two hours
ram ioll In torrents, so that every one could
drink his fill, and the spring being repIen-
After the rain came a cold and mosnIng
wind, and after the wind a great gloom
and thunder
Now, taking advantage of the shadow.
me regiments of Hafela renewed their at
tack, and this time they carried the first
OF the three walls, for its defenders grew
feeble and few in number There thew
paused while, and save for the cries OF
the wounded and of frightened women, the
silence was great.
OF
the voice of Hokosa through the silence
for the sunlight shines upon the plain
OF tho Great Place yonder, and in IL / see
the sheen of spears. The impi travels to
your aid children of Nodwengo."
Now at this tidings the people of the
King shouted for Joy but Hafela called TO
MS regiments to make an end OF them
ma they hurled themselves upon the second
wall, lighting desperately. Again and again
lhey were beaten back, and again and again
we, ,y came on, III at length they carried
ms wall also, driving its defenders. or
those who remained alive of them, into the
third intrenchment, and paused to rest
while.
Pray for us, Prophet who are set
en- HIGH" cried a voice from the camp
FOR II succor do not reach us speedily we
are sped"
Before the echoes OF the voice had died
away fash OF lightning hared through
the gloom. and in the light OF Il Hokosa
saw that the Kings impi was rushing up
tho gorge.
Flight on! Fight on! he called In an
swer, 81 have prayed to heaven. and your
sucoor is at hand"
Then. with a howl OF rage Hafelas regI-
monts hurled themselves upon the third and
last entrenehmont. attacking 1t at once In
front and rear, Twice they nearly carried It
but each time the Wild scream OF Hokosa on
high was heard above the din, conjurIng IT.
defenders to fight on and fear not. for heaven
had cent them help. They fought as men