up, while their
followers stood holding their prisoners at a little distance. The
chiefs then rising, ordered the men who had charge of the horses to
bring them up, and mounting, rode forward, while the rest of the party,
holding fast the young Englishmen, followed behind.

They first ascended the hill, down which Denis and his companions had
come, but they soon altered their course, and proceeded first to the
south, and then turning due west continued their march.

"I can't say that I quite like the way they are treating us," said
Denis. "It shows that they are not animated by any friendly spirit, or
they would not have ridden our horses while they make us walk. It
puzzles me to say to what party they can belong. I am nearly certain
that King Panda and his son Cetchwayo would not treat us in this
fashion, as they have always shown a tolerably friendly feeling towards
the English."

"I have been trying to listen to what the men have been saying, but I
cannot make out what they intend to do with us," observed Lionel.

"At all events, it is a comfort that we are allowed to keep together,"
said Percy. "It strikes me that perhaps their object is to hold us as
hostages for some purpose or other, but what purpose that is I can't
even guess."

Poor Gozo looked very crestfallen, as he was led along at some distance
from his young masters; he, apparently, fully expecting to be put to
death.

They proceeded for some way at a rapid rate, which, active as the three
friends were, they found it very difficult to keep up with.
Occasionally the chiefs looked back to see that they were coming, and
Denis thought he saw them laughing and casting scornful looks at him and
his companions. They went on without stopping to rest or take any food;
sometimes up hill, sometimes down, across valleys, and over rocky
ground, until, as evening was approaching, the hum of human voices was
heard. Some little distance ahead a kraal was seen on the side of a
hill, while in the valley below were assembled a large concourse of men
employed in various ways; some formed into regiments were marching here
and there, others collected round fires were engaged in cooking, while a
considerable number were employed in putting up huts.

"Who can they be?" asked Percy.

"I suppose that they must be Cetchwayo's followers, and if so we shall
find him there. He, at all events, is not likely to do us any harm, if,
as is generally supposed, he wishes to