Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-03-05
CHAPTER XIV.
Rachel Comes Home.

AS Rachel had Travelled up from the
Tugela to the Great Place. so she travelled
back from the Great Place to the Tugela
in state and dignity such as became a
thing divine, perhaps the first white wonn-
an, moreover, who had ever entered Zulu
land. All day she rode alone, Tamboosa
leading the white OK before her and Rich
ard following behind. while In front and
to the rear marched the serried ranks OF
the fmpi. her escort. AT night: as before.
she slept alone in the empty kraals pro-
vided for her. attended by their best-born
maidens, Richard being lodged in some
hut without the fence.
So at length. about noon one day, they
reached the banks of the Tugela, not
and camped there. Now. after she had
eaten, Rachel sent for Richard. with
whom she had found but few opportuni-
ties to talk during that journey. He
do, and she addressed him In English
while the spies and captains watched him
sullenly. for they were angry at this
usage of a foreign tongue which they
and distant air, she asked him Of his
health. and how he had Jared.
"Well enough" he answered. And
now, what are your plans? The river is
in flood: you will find it difficult to cross
S si it cam be aeas whem tod
me, forded it this morning with COM
pany of armed men,"
Aware of the eyes that watched her,
with an effort Rachel showed no sur
prise.
How Is that?" she asked. Il thought
the man fed from Zululand many days
ago. Why then does he leave the country
with soldiers?"
II can't tell you. Rachel. There is
something queer about the business.
I
shoulders They say that the king knows
his own business. If I were you l would
ask no questions. for you will learn moth
ing. and If you do not ask they will think
that you know all.
II understand" she said. But, Rich
ard, 1 must cross the river today. You
and ! must cross 1t alone and reach Ra-
nah tonight. Richard, something weighs
upon my heart: am terribly afraid"
How will you manage it?' he asked.
ignoring the rest.
Il can't tell you yet. Richard, but keep
my horse and yours saddled there where
you are encamped.' and she nodded to-
ward a hut about fifty yards away. Il
think that shall come to you presently.
Now CO."
So he saluted her and went.
Presently Rachel sent for Tamboosa and
the captains. and asked the state of the
mile from them: They replied that 1t
was very angry; none could think of
attempting it's passage, as much water
was coming down.
rs it So" she said indifferently. "Well,
l must look and with slow steps she
walked to where she knew the horses
were. followed by Tamboosa and the cap
tains.
Reaching II, she saw them standing sad
died on its further side, and by them
Richard, seated on the ground smoking.
AS she came he rose and saluted her, but
taking no heed Of him, she went to her
gray mare, and. placing her foot In the
stirrup, sprang to the saddle. motioning to
him to do likewise.
WHITTIER goest thou, Inkosazana?"
asked Tamboosa anxiously.
ITO throw a charm on the waters" she
answered, 80 that they may run down
Dario. and come. Tamboosa. but let the
rest stay behind. since common eyes must
not look upon my magic. and who dares
to look shall be struck with blindness
The captains hesitated, and turning on
them f1ercely, she commanded them to
obey her word lest some evil should be-
fall them.
Then they fell back and she rode
toward the Tugela. followed by Richaro
Arrived at that spot upon the bank where
she had received the sa utation OF the
regiment when she entered Zululand.
Rachel saw at once that although the
great river was full it could easily be
forded on horseback. Calling Richard to
her. she said:
I'VE must go, and now, while there is
no one to stop us but Tamboosa- Do
not hurt him unless he tries to spear you,
for he has been kind to me-
Then she addressed Tamboosa, saying:
IN tina waters and fleV