them, and the three prisoners were
set loose from the trees. Some scene, solemn and serious, was about to
be enacted; but worn out with their misery, and weary of their long
imprisonment, almost any change appeared a relief.

The chief of the tribe was now seen mounted on Willem's horse, heading a
procession of from ten to twelve men. He rode off towards the pool,
where his horses had been killed. The prisoners were conducted after
him. Spoor'em and the other dogs accompanied the party, wholly
unconscious of the fears that troubled their masters. As the procession
passed out of the village, the old men, women, and children were ranged
along the road, to see them depart. These gazed after them with
expressions of curiosity, not unmingled with pity, though there were
some that appeared to show satisfaction. The captives observed this,
and talked of it. Why did they, the villagers, feel so much interested
in their departure? They had not taken much heed of their arrival; and
but little attention had been paid to them while bound to the trees.
Why should there be now? There was but one answer to these questions.
The natives were looking upon them with that expression of sad curiosity
with which men gaze upon one who is about to suffer a violent death.

The chief was carrying Willem's roer, and from his behaviour he seemed
preparing for an opportunity to use it. At intervals he brought it to
his shoulder and glanced along the barrel.

"Ask them where we are being taken, Congo," said Hendrik.

The Kaffir spoke to one of the natives who was near him, but only
received a grunt in reply.

"He don't know where we go," said Congo, interpreting the gruff answer
to his question, "but I know."

"Where?"

"We go to die."

"Congo!" exclaimed Willem, "ask after Sindo. He may do something to
save us, or he may not. There can be no harm in trying. If not, we may
get him into some trouble for his ingratitude. I should feel a
satisfaction in that."

In compliance with his master's command, Congo inquired for Sindo. The
chief heard the inquiry and immediately ordered a halt, and put several
questions to his followers.

"The chief just like you, baas Willem," said Congo. "He too want know
where Sindo am."

The procession was delayed while the parley was going on. After it had
ended, the chief and another rode back to the village;--they were now
about half a mile distant from it. The prisoners, with their guard