e only fear was
that one of their horses might fall, for it was evident by the way they
kept their whips moving that they were hard pressed. On they came,
surrounded by a cloud of dust, as they passed over a sandy tract.

"They'll do it! they'll do it!" cried Rupert. "Stand by, Crawford, to
shove off the moment we get into the boat. I'm half inclined to send a
shot among those Zulus. I should knock over one of them if they come
much nearer."

Crawford stood holding the oar ready, and watching his companion.
Presently he saw Rupert springing down the bank; directly afterwards
Captain Broderick and Lionel's heads appeared above it, followed by
those of the Dutchman and the Kaffir.

The first two threw themselves from their horses. "Well done, my dear
boy! well done!" exclaimed Captain Broderick. "We will drive our horses
into the water, and they will swim after the boat."

The Dutchman and Kaffir, however, disdaining this mode of crossing, kept
their saddles, urging on the other two steeds, while the Captain and
Lionel took their seats in the boat. There was no time to ask questions
or give answers. Rupert could only say, as he gave a gripe of the hand
to Lionel, "I am sure that you must be my brother Walter. I am
delighted to see you. Now, Crawford, shove off."

Rupert, as he spoke, grasped his oar, and he and Crawford strained every
nerve to urge the boat through the water. Scarcely had they got
half-way across when a body of Zulus appeared on the top of the bank,
and began to hurl their assegais at them; but the moment they did so a
volley from the west bank poured in among them, making them rapidly
spring back, for every shot had told, and they probably expected a much
larger dose to follow. Captain Broderick and Lionel, having unslung
their rifles, also opened fire on the enemy. This gave the men time to
reload, as also to enable Vermack and the Kaffir to get out of the reach
of the assegais, they and the horses having fortunately escaped the
first shower.

"What! did you expect the farm to be attacked?" asked Captain Broderick,
looking up at the walls. "How did you manage to collect so large a body
of defenders?"

"We originated them, sir," answered Crawford. "You'll see who they are
as we get nearer." He could not manage to say more, exerting himself as
he was at the moment, nor did Captain Broderick ask further questions.

Landing, they drew up the boat, for they had no time to carry her t