The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-03-10

 THE LADY OF THE HEAVENS.


oS and and & if you don't: believe it. go and ask
 Then she told him of her vision by the pool and all that happened after it When she had. finished Richard could only shake his head and say:
 Still don't understand but no wonder these Zulus have made a god dess of you. Well. Rachel, what is to happen now? If you are to stop here they mayn't care for me as a high priest"
 T am not. I am going home, and you must take me. I told them that you were coming to do so. You have your horse. have you not. the black horse with the white forefoot? We'll, we VIII start at once-no. you must eat nrst, and there are things to arrange. NOW stand at a distance from me and look as respectful as you can. for I fill a strange position here"
 Then Rachel clapped her hands and the women came running in.
 Bring food for the Inkoos Darrien," she said. and send hither the captain of the gate.''
 Presently the man arrived crouched up In token of respect. and shouting her titles.
 Go to the King" said Rachel, "and tell him the Inkosazana commands that the horse. on which she came be Zululand for while: also that an im- pi be assembled within an hour to escort her and this white chief, her servant. to the Tugela. Say that the which make it needful that she should travel hence speedily if the Zulus, her people. are to be saved from great misfortune, and say. too, that he : 3s with her. If the King or his ind4 as would see the Inkosazana. or the Chief Darrien: let him or the indunas meet them on their road. since they have no time to visit the Great Place. Let Tamboosa be in command of the impi, and say also that if it is not here at once. the .Inkosazana will be angry and summon an impi of her own. Go now, for the lives of many hang upon your speed: yes. the lives of the greatest in the land.''
 The man saluted and shot away like
 win they obey you?' asked Rich ard.
 "I think so. because they are afraid of me. especially. since saw you com ing. At any rate we must act at once, it is our best chance-before they have time to think. Here is some food-eat Woman. go. tell the guard that the 1nkosi's horse must be fed at the gate, for he will need it presently. and his servant alSo.'
 'I have no servant, Inkosazana," broke in Richard. 'I left Quabi at kraal fifty miles away. laid up with cut foot. As soon as he is better he will slip back across the Buffalo Riv- er.''
 Then while Richard ate. which he did heartily enough. for joy had made him very hungry they talked, who had much to tell. He asked her why she thought it necessary to leave Zululand at once. She answered. for two req sons. first because of her desperate anxiety. about her father and mother as to whom her heart foreboded i'll. and secondly for his own sake She explained that the Zulus who had set her up as an image or a token of the guiding Spirit of their nation were ous that if he remained here long she was by no means certain that even her power could protect him when they came to understand that he was much to her: It was impossible that she could see him often. and much more so that he could remain in her kraal. Therefore if they were detain- ed he would be obliged to live at some distance from her where an assegai might find him at night or poison be put in his food. At present they were impressed by her fofeknowledge of his arrival. and that was why he had been admitted to her at once. But this would wear off-and then who could say, especially if Ishmael returned?
 He asked who Ishmae1 was and wilat he had to do with her. Rachel told him briefly, and though she suppress ed much, he looked very grave at that story.
 While she was finishing it a woman called without for leave to cutter, and. es before, Rachel bade him stand in a respectful attitude, and at distance from her. Richard obeyed, and the woman came in to say that certains of the Kings indainas craved audience with her. They were admitted and Sa1uted her in their usual humble fash lon, but of Richard, beyond cycling him curiously and, as she thought, hostile "
 Are all things ready for my jour- ney, as I commandedI2'' asked Rachel at once.
 "Inkosazana," answered their spokes- man, they are ready, for how canst thou be disobeyed? Tamboosa and the impi wait without. Yet, Inkosa- zana. the heart of the Black One and the hearts of his councillors, and of all the Zulu people are cut in two because thou wouldst go and leave them Their hearts are sore also with this white man Dario, who has come to lead thee hence, so sore, that were he not thy servant" the induna added grimly, Che at least should stay in Zululand.'
 He is my servant" answered Rachel haUghtily, whom I sent for. Let that suffice. Remember my words, all of you,s and let them be told again in the ears of the King, that if any harm comes to this white chief who is my guest and yours, then there will be blood between me and the people of the Zulus that shall be terribly aveng- ed in blood" -.~v
 The indunas seemed to cover at this declaration, but made no answer. Only the chief of them said:
 'The King would know if the Inlpoos thy servant, brings thee any ttdings of the. Amaboona. the white folk with whom he has been journeying''
 "He brings tidingS that they seek peace with the Zulus, to whom they will do no hurt if no hurt is done to them. Shall tell them that the ZuIus also seek peace?''