Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-15
CHAPTER vi.
The Casting of the Lots.


They reached the crest of the last rise,
and there. facing them on the slope of
the opposite wave of land. stood the
wagon, surrounded by the thorn fence,
within which the cattle and horses were
still inclosed doubtless for fear of the
Zulus Nothing could be more peaceful
than the aspect of that camp To look at
ii no one would have believed that within
few hundred yards a hideous massacre
had just taken place. Presently, however
voices began to shout. and heads to bob
up over the fence. Then it occurred to
Rachel that they must think she was d
prisoner in the charge of Zulu, and she
told Mole to lower the shield which she
still held in front of her. The next in
slant some thorns were torn out. and her
father a gun I'm his hand appeared strid-
ing toward them
Thank God that you are safe, ne
said, as they met. Il have suffered grea'
anxiety, although l hoped that the white
man Israel-no. lshmael had rescued
YOU. He came here to warn us, ne
added, in explanation. very early this
morning then galloped off to find you
Indeed, his after rider. whose horse he
took is still here. Where on earth have
you been Rachel, and'-suddenly becom.
d
a towel and shield. and stabbing spear
presented a curious, if an impressive
pectacle-"who is this young person.?
She is a native girl | saved from the
massacre replied Rachel, answering the
last question first 1t is long story
but l shot the man who was going to Kill
her. and we hid in pool Are you al
safe and where is MOTHER?
shot the man. Shed human blood. Hid
in a pool" CALCULATED Mr.. Dove, over
oo11x rhn1 70 a
trying daughter. Why should you go out
before daybreak and do such thing?''
Il don't know. l am sure, father; pre-
destination. l suppose-to save her lie
you know
Again he contemplated the beautiful
Mole; then, murmuring something about
a blanket ran back to the camp. BY this
time Mrs Dove had climbed out of the
wagon and arrived with the kaffirs.
Il knew you would be safe. Rachel
she said in her gentle voice, because
nothing can hurt you. Still you do upse,
your poor father dreadfully, and-wha1
are yoh going to do with that naked
young woman
Give her something to eat. dear, an
swered Rachel. Don't ask me any more
questions now. We have been sitting VI
to our necks in water for hours. and are
starved and frozen, to say nothing OF
worse things.
At this moment Mr. Dove arrived with
took it from him and threw it around hel
body Then they went into the camp
where Rachel changed her damp clothes
while Mole sat by her in corner of the
tent. Presently, too, food was brought
and Rachel ate hungrily. forcing Mole &c
do the same. Then she went out. leaving
the girl to rest in the tent, and with GER
tain omissions. such as the conduct OF
Mole when she found her dead father
told all the story, which. wild as were
Z nd ctr
that happened in them, they found Won
derful enough.
When she had done Mr.. Dove knelt
down and offered up thanks for his
daughters preservation through great
danger and with them prayers that she
might be forgiven for having shot the
Zulu. deed that except for the physical
horror of it, did not weigh upon Rachefs
mind.
You know, father. you would have
done the same yourself she explained
land so would mother there, If she could
hold gun, so what is the good of pre-
tending that it is d sin? Also. no one saw
it except that white man and the croco-
diles which buried the body, so the less
we say about the matter the better it will
be for all of us.
Il admit. answered Mr.. Dove, that
the circumstances justified the deed
though | fear that the truth will out
since blood calls for blood. But what are
to seek her and kill us all
They will not seek. father, because
they think that she is dead. and viii
never know otherwise unless that white
man tells them, which he will scarcely
do, as the ZuluS would think that he shot
the soldier. not l.. She has been sent tC
us. and it is our duty to keep her.
Il suppose So said her father, doubt
fully Poor thing, Truly. she has cause
for gratitude to Providence all her rela-
tions killed by those bloodthrsty say
ages, and she saved
eff all of you were killed and | We're
saved | do not know that | should fee
particularly grateful" answered Rachel
But it is no use arguing about sucl
things. so let us be thankful that we ar
not killed. too. Now. | am tired out AND
going to lie down, for of course we cant
leave this place at present. unless We
trek back to Durham.
Such was the finding of Mole.
When Rachel aWOke from the sleep into
which she had fallen. sunset was near al
hand. She left the tent where Mole still
lay slumbering or lost in stupor. to fine
that only her mother and Ishmael's after
rider remained in the camp. her father
having gone out with the kaffirs. i'm or.
der to bury many of the dead as pos
sible before night came. and with it the
jackals and hyenas. Rachel made up the
fire and set to work with her mothers
help to cook their evening meal Whilst
they were thus engaged her quick ears
caught the sound of horses hoofs. and
she looked up to perceive the white man