Evening star., 1909-02-20

they had spoken with Mole who i'm the
end called her and gave her message.
This was the message: Say to the Inko-
saZana that the Zulus have caught me
and are taking me to Dingaan the king
Say that they declare that IL she is
pleased to come and speak the word
shall be set free. unharmed that is if
she comes at once. But if she does not
come. then I shall be killed. Say to her
that / do not ask that she should come
who am ready to die, and that though
believe that no harm will happen to her
In Zululand. l think that she had better
not come. Say that. living or dead love
her"
Then the maid described how the en-
bassy went on with Noie leaving her in
the charge of the man Tamboosa. who at
the first break of dawn brought her back
to Ramah. and made her hide in the
bush.
Now Rachel had no more doubts Clear
ly the tale was true. and the question
was-what must be done? She thought a
while. then bade Tamboosa and the child
the stoop she found her father and
mother sitting in the sun. and drinking
coffee after the South African fashion
What is it?' asked Mrs. Dove, looking
at the man anXOusly.
Rachel ordered him to repeat his story,
and this he did. addressing Rachel alone
for of her father and mother he would
take no notice. When he had done the
child told her tale also.
Go. now. and wait without said
Rachel. when it was finished.
"Inkosazana. 1 co. answered the man
but If it pleases you to save your serv-
ant. know that you must come swiftly.
If you are not across the TuSeld by sun
set this night. word will be passed to the
king and she dies at once. Know also
that you must come alone with me- for if
any, white or black, accompany you
they will be killed"
Now" said Rachel when the three
of them were left alone, now what is to
be done?'
Mrs. Dove shook her head heipessly.
and looked at her husband who broke
into a TRADE against the Zulus. their
superstitions. cruelties. customs. and
everything that was theirs, and ended by
declaring that it was. of course utterly
impossible that Rachel should go upon
such mad errand. and thus place her
self In the power of savages.
But. father" she said. when he had
done. do you understand that YOU are
prOnounc'ng Noie's death sentence? II
you were in my place, would you not go?'
''O course | would. In fact. | propose
to do so as it is. No doubt Dngaan will
listen to me-.
"You mean that Dngaan will Kill you.
Did you not hear what that man Tam
boosa said? Father. you must not go"
mo. john" broke In Mrs. Dove "Ra-
chel is right: you must not go. for you
can you be so cruel as to think of leaving
me here alone?''
Then 1 suppose that We must abandon
that poor girl to her fate exclaimed
Mr. Dove.
How can you suppose anything so
merciless. father. when IT is In my power
to save herr" asked Rachel IF l let
those horrible Zulus kill her l shall never
be happy again all my life.
And what if the horrible Zulus kill
you?"
They will not kill me, father: mother
knows they will not and so do I. But
as they have got this madness into their
heads. | am sure that IL I do not 20
they will send an impi here to kill every
body else, and take me prisoner. The
kidnapping of Mole is only first move.
IT is one of two things: either | must
visit Zululand. save Noie. and play my
part there best 1 can. or we must de-
sert Noie. and all leave this pla"e at
once. tomorrow if possible. But then. as
told you. ! shall never forgive myself
especially as am not in the least afraid
>f the Zulus.
(To be continued tomorrow