following us. But if we had got safe across the Gariep, they would have
come no further. It can't be helped, Lavie," addressing the surgeon,
who seemed inclined to remonstrate. "I would ask them to let you go,
and take me only with them, and it is possible, though not likely, that
they would consent But they would certainly seize your guns and
ammunition, and without these, and without a guide, you would hardly
reach Cape Town. No, we must go to Chuma's kraal now, and try what may
be done with him. I don't think he will venture to hurt us--anyhow, he
won't hurt you. There is the annoyance of the detention, but that will
be all."

"I have no doubt you are right," said Lavie. "They have taken us by
surprise; and without arms we could do nothing against their superior
numbers. The less we say or do the better, until we reach their
village. Is it far off, do you suppose?"

"I can't quite tell where we are. But I should think five or six days'
journey. Well, since you agree with me in the matter, I will tell them
we are ready to start."

The Kaffir, who seemed the chief of the party, received this intimation
with evident satisfaction. It was plain that, although he was
determined, if he could, to take the missionary with him, and considered
that the presence of the rest of the party would be acceptable to the
chief, he was more than half afraid of the Englishmen, and would have
been very unwilling to employ force. He gave orders to his companions
to set out without loss of time, and in another quarter of an hour they
were on their way. Kamo, as the leader was called, walked first, and
carried De Walden's rifle, the prisoners, all five together, following,
and the rest of the blacks, seven in number, occupying their flank and
rear.

De Walden's calculations proved to be very nearly correct. On the
evening of the sixth day, the travellers could perceive from the
demeanour of their conductors, that they were approaching their
destination. A halt was made about an hour before sunset, and two of
the Kaffirs set forward, carrying the rifles and other articles taken
from the English. In rather more than half an hour afterwards they
returned, accompanied by a considerable number of their countrymen,
carrying clubs, bows, and assegais, and evidently designed as a guard of
honour. They formed themselves into a sort of procession, five Kaffirs
in front with clubs and shields; then the whites in Indian file, with