p wishing that he had not let
Rupert go, when he saw through his glass the horde of savages
assembling, and who might come rushing up to the farm before there was
time for him and his companions to get back. The drawbridge was kept
down and the gate open ready for their return. Fortunately the ground
was sufficiently clear in front of the farm to prevent any of the Zulus
coming near enough to make a sudden rush.

While he kept a look-out on their movements, several men were stationed
at the drawbridge to haul it up, should they again draw near. He had
charged Rupert, to whom he had given his own pocket telescope, carefully
to observe what they were about, and should he feel doubtful as to being
able to bring the cattle into the farm in time, not to attempt
returning; but to drive them all off into the mountains. He should thus
lose three of his best men for the defence of the fort; but it would be
better than to allow them to risk losing their lives and the cattle into
the bargain. Fortunately Mrs Broderick was not aware that Rupert had
gone out, so that she was saved much anxiety on his account. When the
Zulus had retreated, the captain sent Lionel down to remain with his
mother and sisters.

"They will wish to hear more about my expedition to bring you back," he
said. "You can tell them all you know, and how unwilling my friend
Hendricks was to give you up, although he hesitated no longer, when
convinced that you were really my son."

Lionel, or rather Walter, gladly obeyed. His mother's thoughts were
thus drawn off from the dangerous position in which the farm was placed.
Walter spoke in the warmest terms of the kindness of Hendricks, and his
regret at leaving him.

"He told me," he added, smiling, "should you ever get tired of me, that
he will be glad to receive me back, though I don't think that will ever
happen. I am sure that I don't wish to go, for I have often and often
thought of you, and fancied I saw your loving eyes looking down upon me.
I am very sorry for Denis, who will be all alone. If it had not been
for his wish to go in search of his father, he would gladly have come
back with me. He told me to say so, and to ask leave for him to return,
should his father not be found."

"I shall be glad if he comes back," said Maud; "he was as much at home
here with us as Rupert and Percy are, and I liked him almost as much as
I do them."

"He is a capital fellow!" exclaimed Walter warmly, "and I t