us, if Hendricks will let you, or your father, if you
find him, as I hope you will. The girls, too, will be glad to see you,
as you are a favourite with them, I can tell you that."

Denis had reason to flatter himself that such was the case. All the
family had been pleased with his hearty, unaffected manner, and thankful
to him for the service he had rendered Percy.

He bade them all a friendly good-bye; and Maud, who was generally so
merry and smiling, looked unusually grave and burst into tears as soon
as he was gone, though she tried hard to hide them.

The horses having been sent across, Captain Broderick and his party
proceeded down to the boat, accompanied by the inmates of the farm.
There were more leave-takings, the nature of which can be imagined, and
further charges given by the captain, as he and Denis stepped into the
boat, pulled by Rupert and Crawford. At once mounting, he led his party
at a rapid rate to the north-east, those on the opposite bank watching
them with anxious eyes until they were lost to sight behind a grove of
trees.

"My father charged me at the last to keep a vigilant watch in our
fortress, lest after all any Zulus should be lurking in the
neighbourhood," said Rupert to his brother. "We must not let Mangaleesu
go outside, or he may be seen by one of the enemy's scouts, in which
case they would be certain to return in the hopes of capturing him. At
present they probably fancy that he has gone away, and that they have
therefore no excuse for attacking us."

Crawford and Rupert did not fail to carry out Captain Broderick's
directions; and Percy, who was rapidly recovering his strength, was soon
able to assist them. Although the drawbridge was let down, it was
constantly watched, while one of the three was always looking out from
the platform, with a good telescope, so that any objects moving could be
discovered at a considerable distance on three sides of the farm; for
the hills rising abruptly in the rear shut out the view in that
direction. A scout occasionally sent out by Rupert reported that he was
certain no Zulus in any number could possibly be in the neighbourhood,
although he could not be positive that one or two might not be lurking
about, on the watch for Mangaleesu. They therefore kept the chief and
his young wife carefully concealed as before. Mrs Broderick bestowed
much attention on them. She could speak the Zulu language sufficiently
well to make herself underst