n in triumph with
the spoils of the chase. They were scarcely out of the wood, when
suddenly, from behind the bushes and tall grass, a hundred Kaffirs, with
assegais in hand, which they shook as if about to hurl them at the
hunters, sprang up, and almost completely surrounded them.

"We're in a fearful predicament," exclaimed Percy, as looking round he
saw no means of escape. "Good-bye, Lionel, good-bye, Denis. I suppose
these black fellows will run us through with their ugly-looking spears
before many minutes are over."

"Sure, I hope they'll not be after doing anything of the sort," said
Denis; "they're only quivering them just now to frighten us."

"I don't like their looks," said Lionel; "but I hope, as many of them
know Hendricks, they don't intend to kill us."

"What means this?" exclaimed Hendricks, advancing towards the nearest.
"We are friends of the Zulus, and desire to traverse their country in
peace. You know me; I have often been among you."

"Yes, we know you well," said a chief, stepping forward.

"We have no desire to injure you or your companions; but you must
accompany us to our Prince Cetchwayo, who desires to see you. It is
known that you have been at the camp of Umbulazi, and he wishes to know
the object which took you there."

"I went there from necessity, to rescue some of my followers who had
been made prisoners. I succeeded, and carried them off, tarrying not a
moment longer with Umbulazi than I was compelled to do."

"The prince will hear what you have to say, and will act according to
his judgment," said the chief. "Yield yourselves as prisoners."

"If you insist on our going, we have no choice in the matter," said
Hendricks, looking round at the large band of savage warriors which had
surprised them. "But perhaps the assurance I give, that we are friends
to Cetchwayo, and are simply travelling through his country, will
satisfy him."

"The prince wishes to see the great hunter face to face," answered the
chief; "and he and his followers, with his waggon and cattle, will
accompany us forthwith. The word has been spoken. The order must be
obeyed."

"We must submit to these fellows," said Hendricks, turning to his
English companions. "But load your rifles, and be prepared to act as I
may direct you, though there is, I fear, but little chance of making our
escape."

The Zulus had now gathered closely round their prisoners, whom, however,
they did not ill-treat, but allowe