in all
directions. Let me know by bearer of this--Omkomo--who will be ready to
set off after a few hours' rest, how you are all getting on. Bid Rupert
not to relax his vigilance, although, from information I picked up on
the road, I trust that the Zulus who are in search of Mangaleesu have
given up the pursuit, and have returned to their own district. This
necessitates a long delay, for which I had not reckoned when I left the
farm.'"

Though deeply thankful to hear of her husband's safety, Mrs Broderick
was left in the same state as before regarding Lionel. Her mother's
heart, and the account Percy had given her, convinced her that he was
her son.

"I knew my father would see the likeness as soon as he set eyes on him!"
exclaimed Percy. "Didn't you, Crawford? Wouldn't you be ready to swear
that he was our brother?"

Crawford could scarcely help smiling. He thought Lionel something like
Rupert and Maud, but he did not consider him to resemble either Helen or
Rose.

Mrs Broderick at once wrote an answer to her husband's letter, which
was delivered to Omkomo. After a hearty meal he went to sleep. Rising
when it was nearly daylight, he took some more food, and declared that
he was ready to set out. Rupert and Crawford ferried him across the
river.

"In case the white chief should not be ready to begin his journey when
you arrive at the hunter's camp, will you promise to return with any
message he may have to send?" asked Rupert as he put the Kaffir on
shore.

"Yes, for the same reward I will come," was the answer.

Farewells were exchanged, and the messenger quickly disappeared in the
gloom.

The day passed by, the inmates of the farm being engaged in their usual
occupation. Rupert obeyed his father's injunctions, and had a strict
look-out kept, that he might obtain early notice of the approach of
strangers. An active scout was also employed in scouring the country
round on the east side of the river, keeping himself concealed while he
made his way to spots from whence he could take a wide survey, and
ascertain if any persons were moving about. The country on that side
was entirely depopulated; Panda, as has before been said, not allowing
any of his subjects to live near the borders. So far the farm was
favourably situated, for there were thus no natives likely to prove
hostile in its immediate neighbourhood, as there were no flocks, or
herds, or game to tempt them, and savage wild beasts were co