The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-03-04
CHAPTER XI.
1shmae1 Visits the Inkosazana

i CHAPTER XII
 Ishmael Visits the Inkosazana | When at last they were in the hu closed. Rachel took Noie in her arm! and kissed her. But Noie did not kiss | her in return, she only pressed hel hand against her forehead 1 "Why do you not kiss me, Noie?' asked Rachel
 | How can I kiss you, 1nkosazana,' replied the girl humbly. tI who an but the dog at your feet, the doe | whom twice it has pleased you to save | from death?"
 Tn kosazana,' exclaimed Rachel, q weary of that name. I am but a wo- man like yourself, and I hate this part I which I must play.'' Yet it is a high part and you play i. very well. While I listened to you | tonight. Zoola, twice and thrice ] wondered if you are not something more than you deem yourself to be. That beautiful body of yours is but a cup like those of other women, but l say, who fills the cup with the wine of wisdom? Why do kings and coun- ! nothing? Why did dead Seyapi talk to me of you in dreams? What strange chance gave you that name of yours and made you holy in these mems eyes? What power teaches you the truth and gives you wit and strength to speak it? Why are you different from the rest of maidens, white or black?''
 ''I do not know, Noie. Something tells me what to do and say. Also I understand these Zulus, and you have taught me much. You told me all the hidden tale of wonder Mopo year gone by more, as you have told me many of the darkest secrets of this people that you had from your father who knew them all. At the pinch I remembered it, no more, and played upon them by my knowledge
 What was it you said to Mopo un- der your cloak, Lady?''
 Rachel smiled she answered.:
 "I only asked him if it were not in his mind. having killed one king. to kill another also, and that spear went home."
 "Ah!" exclaimed Noie in admiration, cat least I never told you that.''
 -tNo. I read it in his eyes; for a mo- ment all his heart was open to me. yes. and the heart of Dingaan also. He fears Mopo. and Mopo hates him, and one day hate and fear will come to- gether."
 "Ah,'' said Noie again, you know much.''
 Yes" answered Rachel with sudden passion, more than I wish to know. Noie. you are right. I am not alto gether as others are. there is power should not be seen and heard; at times fears fill me, or joys me up, and l think that I draw near to another world than ours- No. it is folly. am overswrought. Who would not be that must endure so much and be set upon this throne. a goddess among bar barians with life and death upon my lips? Ohi when the King asked me his riddle I knew not what to answer wko feared lest ten thousand lives might pay the price of a girls incau- tious words. Then that meteor broke: there have been several this night. but
 
 and you know the rest Let them guess it's meaning. which they cannot. for it has none."
 Why did you not speak more plain ly. Zoola?"
 "Oh, because I dared not. Who am to meddle with such matters. who came here but to save you? l warned them rot to make war upon the BoerS; what more could I do? Moreover. it is is useless, for fight they must and will and pay the price. Of that I am sure- I feel it here.'' and she pressed her hand upon her heart. ''Yes, and other nearer thingsl Oh! Noie. I would that I were back at home Say. can we start tomorrow at dawn?
 Noie shook her head
 CT do not think that they will let you go; they will keep you to be their great doctoress You should not have come sent you word-what did my life matter?'
 StamDlng- her 1OOC. Iney udTe not. here at least am the Inkosazana, and I will be Obeyed-
 Noie made no answer, only she said:
 'Ishmael is here. I have seen him. He wished to have me killed at once because he is afraid of me. But when he was sure that you were coming, Dingaan would not break his word which he had sent to you.
 RacheIs face fell.
 ssTShnoa e1 '' Sho exclaimed dis may, then recovered herself and add ed: "Well, I am not afraid of Ish- mael, for here his life is in my hand. OhI I am worn out, I cannot talk of the man tonight I must sleep, Nole, I must sleep. Come, lie at my side and let us sleep"
 Nay answered the girl "my place is at the door, But drink this milk and lay you down without fear for l will watch
 Rachel obeyed, and Noie sat by her holding her hand till presently her eyes shut and she slept. But Noie there watching and listening, till at length the dawn came and she lay down also by the door and rested.
 The sun was high in the heavens when Rachel woke.
 Good morrow to you, Zoola,'' said the sweet voice of Noie. "You have slept well. Now you must rise, bathe yourself and eat, for already mesSen- gers rom the King nave been to the outer gate, saying that they wait to escort you to a better house that has made ready for you.''
 ''I hoped that they waited to escort me out of Zululand," answered Rach- e1.
 ''I asked them of that, Zoola. but they declared it must not be, as the council of the doctors had been sum- moned to consider your sayings and two days will pass before it can meet. Also they declare that your horse is sick and not fit to travel, meaning that they will not let you go.''
 But I have the right to go, Noie."