The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-03-08
THE LADY OF THE HEAVENS.
R
(Continued,l

(Continued.A
 Depart then.'' said Rachel "an, come back as swiftly you may Tamboosa shall lead you" So Noie went.
 Two hours after sundown. while Ra
 chel was eating her evening meal il
 her Great Hut. attended by the maid
 ems. the door-bOard was drawn aside
 and Noie entered saluted. and sa
 down. Rachel signed to the women tt
 clear away the food and depart. whel
 they had gone she asked what tn,
 Kings business was. eagerly enough
 for she hoped that 1t had to do witI
 her leaving Zululand.
 It is a long story. Zoola," answered
 Noie. but here is the heart of it.
 told you when first we met that I an not of this people. although my mother was Zulu. I told you that I am o1 the Dream-people, the Ghost-people the little Grey-people. who live away to the north beneath their trees. and
 worship their trees"
 "Yes." answered Rachel, "and thai is why you care nothing for men as other women do. but dream dreams and talk with spirits. But what of it?
 That is why I dream dreams and talk with spirits. as one day I hope that I shall teach you to do. you whose soul is sister to my soul" re- piled Noie. her large. eyes shining strangely in her delicate face. And this of it-the Ghost-people are divin- CTS. they can read the future and see the hearts of men: there are no and peoples who dwell far away send to them with great gifts. and pray them come read their fate, but they will seldom listen or obey. Now Din gaan and his councillors are, troubled about this matter of the Boers. and the meaning of the words you spoke as to their waRing war on them, and of the omen of the falling star. The coun- of these things nor dare they ask you to do so. since you bade them speak no more to you of that matter. and they know that if they did. either you would not answer. or. worse still. say words that would displease them."
 They are right there" said Rachel. gro have to play the dark oracle once is enough for me. If I speak again. it shall be plainly
 Therefore they have bethought them of the Dealers in Dreams and desire to bring you face to face with their prophets. the Ghost-Kings. that these may see your greatness and tell them the meaning of your words. and of the omen that you caused to travel the skies"
 Do you mean that they wish me to visit these Ghost-Kings. Noie?"
 Not so. Zoola. for then they must part with your presence. They wish that the priests of the Ghost-Kings should visit you. bearing with them the word of the Mother of the Trees"
 Visit me! How can they? Who will bring them here?"
 "They wish that should bring them, For as they know, I am of their blood. and I alone can talk their language, which my father taught me from a child"
 we must be separated" said Rachel In alarm.
 "Yes, it would mean that, still I think 1t best that you should humour them and let me go, for otherwise do not know how you will ever es- cape from Zululand. SNOW told the nit 1t on one condition only-that after you had been brought face to lace with the priests of the Ghost Kings. and they had interpreted your you came, and he answered that 1t ,hould be so, and that meanwhile you could abide here in honour, peace and ,afety. Moreover, he promised that a should be sent to Raman 10 explain the reason of your delay"
 "But how long will you be on the Journey, Noie, and what if these prophets of yours refuse to visit Din yaan? ?"
 q cannot tell you who have never 'ast, and If tire, swift runners shall pear me- in a litter. To those who nave the secret of it's gate that coun- ny is not so very far away. Also, he Old Mother of the Trees is my 'ather's aunt, and I think that the prophets will come at my prayer, or 1t least send the answer to the Ques- ion. Indeed. am sure of it-ask me lot why"
 Stin for a long time Rachel reason "a against this separation, which she ireaded, while Noie reasoned for it. She pointed out that here at least none 'ould harm her, as they had seen In he treatment meted out to Ishmael, lpon as their friend. Also she said with conviction that these mysterious were very powerful, and could free her from the clutches of he Zulus, and protect her from them as they would do when hey came to know her case.
 The end of it was that Rachel gave way, not because Noie's arguments convinced her, but because she was ure that she had other reasons which he did not choose to advance.
 From that day when each of them ossed up a hair from her head at notwithstanding the differ ,nce of their race and circumstances, hese two had been as sisters. Rachel in Noie more, perhaps. than n any other living being, and thus llso did Noie believe in Rachel. They thew that their destinies were inter wined, and were sure that not riv- ITS or mountains or the will and vio ence of men, could keep them separ- lte.
 "I see." said Rachel, at length, that you believe that my fate hangs ipon this embassy of yours.'
 "I do believe it,'' answered Noie 
 'Then go, but come back as swift y as you may, for, my sister, I know lot how without you I shall live on in his lonely greatness" and she took Ter in her arms and kissed her lips.
 Afterwards, as they were laying themselves down to sleep, Rachel ask d her if she had heard anything bout Ishmael. She answered that he learned at the Great Kraal that le had been brought before the King hat afternoon, and then taken back o his hut, where he was under guard. One of her escort told her, too, that ince he saw the King, Ibubesi had