Evening star., 1909-02-28
GuA9oMM5

weary Kaffir. walked up to them. His
back was toward her so that she could
not see his face, but now she was able To
hear all that was said although the
voices seemed thin and far away.
What is it. nephew" asked the Oldest
of the bearded men. speaking in Dutch
why are you in such a hurry?
This, uncle. he answered. in the same
language and in a pleasant voice that
sounded familiar to Rachefs ears. That
spy, Quabi, whom we sent out a long
time ago and who was reported dead
reached Dinsaan's kraal, and has come
back with strange story
"Amighty!" grunted the old man. al
these spies have strange stories. but let
him tell it. Speak on, swartzel' tblack
fellow.
Then the tired spy began to talk. tell
ing long tale He described how he had
got into Zululand. and reached Cmgu-
gundhlovo and lodged there with a rela-
tive of his, and done his best to collect
information as to the attitude Of the
king and ndunas toward the Beers. While
he was there the news came that the
white spirit. who was called 1nkosazana-
yZooa. was approaching the kraal from
Natol, where she dwelt with her par
entS
"Almighty." Interrupted the old man
again. What rubbish is this? How can
spirit. white or black. have parents"
The Wearylookins spy answered that he
did not know it was not for him to an
SWer riddles. All he knew was that there
was great excitement about the coming
of this Queen of the Heavens. and he.
being desrouS of obtaining firSt-hand in
formation. slipped out of the town with
his relative and walked more than days
journey on the path that ran to
the Tugela till they came to a
place where they hid themselves to
see her pass. This place he de-
scribed with minuteness-so minutely. in
deed. that in her dream Rachel recognized
II we'll 1t was the spot where the witch
doctreSs had died. He went on with his
story. He told of her appearance rid
ing on the white horse and surrounded by
an impi He described her beauty, her
white cloak. her hair hanging down her
back. the rod of horn she carried in her
hand the color of her eyes. the shape of
only native can. Then he told of the il1-
cdent of the cattle rushing across her
path, OF the death OF the bull that charged
her Of the appearance of the furious
witch-1C ctress who seized the rein OF the
horse. cf the pointing of the wand and
The instant execution of the woman.
He told of how he had followed the
mpi to the Great Place. of the story of
Noie as he had heard it, and the reports
that had reached him concerning the in
terview between the king and this white
InkosaZana who 1t was said, advised
him not to fight the Beers.
And where is she now?" asked the old
Dutchman.
There. at Tmgugundhovo. he an
Swered railing the land as its head lsa-
nuZi though il is said that she desires 10
escape only the Zulus will not let her
GO
II think that we should find out more
about this woman. especially as she seems
to be a friend of people. said the
cd Boer. Nov who dares to go and
learn the truth:'
Il will CO." said the young man who
had brought in the spy. and as he spoke
nc turned. and To- his face was the face
Of Richard Darrien bearded and grown
to manhood. but without doubt Richard
Darrien and none other.
WHY do Won offer TO undertake so
dangerous a mission asked the Roer.
looking at the Young man kindly. "Is it
because YOU wish 10 see this beautiful
white witch of whom yonder Quabi tells
Us such lies. nephew?
The shadow OF Richard nodded and his
face Redeemed. for the Beers around were
laughing at him.
That is right. uncle. he answered.
boldly. You think me fCol but | am
not. Many years ago | knew a little
maid who was the daughter OF a teacher,
ard who. if she lives. must have grown
scribes We |, | joined you Beers las;
wear in order 10 look for that maid. and
am going 10 BEGIN TO look for her
across the river yonder.'
(To be continued tomorrow