s she will try to save the Shepherdess, for she loves her as a
lioness loves her young. But I am afraid for you, Baas, for you she
hates."

"Never mind about me, Otter," answered Leonard. "Listen: they are going
to hide us in the dungeons of the temple; if by any chance you escape,
seek out Olfan and try to rescue us. If not, farewell, and may we meet
again in another place."

"Oh! Baas, Baas," said Otter with a deep sob, "for myself I care
nothing, nor whether I live or die, but it is sad to think that you will
perish alone, and I not with you. Oh! why did Baas Tom dream that evil
dream? Had it not been for him, we might have been transport-riding in
Natal to-day. I would that I had been a better servant to you, Baas, but
it is too late now." And as he spoke Leonard felt a great tear fall upon
his hand.

"Never mind the servant, Otter," he answered; "you are the best friend,
black or white, that ever I had, and Heaven reward you for it. If you
can help the Baas yonder at the last, do so. At the least see that he
swallows the medicine in time, for he is weak and gentle and not fitted
to die such a death," and he turned away.

By this time Soa had arrayed Francisco in the black robe of Aca. The
white dress worn in the temple ceremonies he did not put on, for it
remained upon Juanna, completely hidden from sight, however, by the
priest's gown.

"Who would know them apart now?" asked Soa triumphantly, then added,
handing Leonard the great ruby which she had taken from Juanna's
forehead, "Here, Deliverer, this belongs to you; do not lose the stone,
for you have gone through much to win it."

Leonard took the gem and at first was minded to dash it into the
old woman's sneering face, but remembering the uselessness of such a
performance, he thrust it into his pocket together with the rosary.

"Come, let us be going," said Soa. "You must carry the Shepherdess,
Deliverer; I will say that it is Bald-pate who has fainted with fear.
Farewell, Bald-pate; after all you are a brave man, and I honour you for
this deed. Keep the hood well about your face, and if you would preserve
the Shepherdess alive, be silent, answering no word whoever addresses
you, and uttering no cry however great your fear."

Francisco went to the bed where Juanna lay, and holding out his hand
above her as though in blessing, he muttered some words of prayer or
farewell. Then turning, he clasped Leonard in his arms, kissed him and
blessed him also.