be asleep in a short time, like that fellow who is acting as doorkeeper
to us. If I can manage to reach our camp, Hendricks will soon come and
set you free."

"But suppose you were to meet a lion or leopard, as you have no rifle,
how would you defend yourself?"

"I would keep out of his way, and shout and shriek at the top of my
voice, you may depend upon that," he answered.

Percy was at last induced, though not very willingly, to consent to
Lionel's making the attempt he proposed.

They all three sat down on the ground to talk over the matter, and
agreed that it would not be wise to commence operations until later on
in the night.

Fortunately Percy had a match-box, for the Zulus had not rifled their
pockets, and striking a light, he ascertained that it was about eleven
o'clock.

"We cannot have a better time," said Denis, "so we'll set to work
immediately; but I say, we must keep talking, lest that black guard of
ours should open his ears and suspect something."

They accordingly all three began talking as if holding some exciting
discussion, Denis every now and then giving way to a hearty laugh.

Percy tried to imitate him, but did not succeed very well, for he was
exceedingly anxious about Lionel's undertaking, which he thought more
dangerous than it really was. Having no tools except their knives, the
operation was a long one. They cut through the lower part of the twigs,
and had to scrape away the earth with their hands. Only two could work
at a time, and they took it by turns, the third sitting near the door to
hide his companions or give notice, should the guard awake and look in.

"We shall be through in another minute!" exclaimed Lionel. "Hurrah, it
is done now!" he cried out soon afterwards. "I can be through in a
moment. What is the old fellow at the door about?"

"He is still snoring away," answered Percy.

"Well, then, do you and Denis keep talking and laughing, and I'll slip
out."

"But do come back if you find any difficulty in making your way to the
horses," said Percy. "It would be far better that we should submit to
whatever the prince intends than that you should run the risk of being
killed."

"No fear," answered Lionel, as he shook hands with his companions.
"Depend upon it, I shall be safe with Hendricks before the morning.
Good-bye!" and he began to crawl through the opening. He stopped,
however, before he was quite through, and backing in said, "Remember to
close the