come out of their retreat."

Maud hastened away to obey these directions, and Percy resumed his
look-out through the telescope. He was more than ever sure that a
considerable force was coming over the hill,--a force, too, which took
no pains to conceal itself. This might prove that they came with no
hostile intentions, or it might be that, confident in their own
strength, they were indifferent to being discovered.

"I wish that Rupert and the hunters were not away," said Percy to
himself. "This may be no joking matter; at the same time we must put on
a bold face, and not allow the savages to suppose that we are daunted by
their numbers. I only hope that Rupert will be back before they cross
the river, for it would be serious were he to be caught by them; and
then perhaps my father and Lionel will be coming, and they may be
surprised by the cunning rascals."

Again and again Percy turned his glass to the eastward.

"Hurrah! that's one good thing; the fellows have halted just about the
spot where they were before encamped."

His remarks to himself were interrupted by Biddy's voice.

"Sure, we've been after bringing yer one of thim big pop guns, Masther
Percy; but how will ye git it up there?"

And, looking down, he saw her and Mangaleesu carrying a swivel gun
between them. The Zulu showed himself to be more of an adept in
securing a rope than was Biddy, who at once climbed up to the platform.
The swivel was soon hoisted up, and mounted in the place intended for
it. Mangaleesu in the meantime had brought out the other, which in like
manner was quickly got into position.

"Now for the muskets, Biddy," cried Percy, who felt himself of no slight
importance at being actually in command of the fort; his spirits rose
accordingly.

Biddy, Mangaleesu, and Kalinda quickly returned with muskets and
ammunition.

"Now go and rig yourselves out in the fashion I told Maud that you must
all do; and be ready to come up here as soon as the Zulus reach the bank
of the river, from which they can see us clearly."

Percy had at first made the proposal half in fun, but his sisters and
Biddy took it in right down earnest, although he scarcely supposed that
they would really do as he proposed. He had made Mangaleesu understand
that he must be ready to assist in hoisting up the drawbridge, as it
would require the strength of the whole party to perform the operation.
He did not, however, intend to hoist it up until the Zulus ap