n the land from the time of
the slaying of Bangu when you gave the cattle you had earned to
Saduko's wanderers?"

I listened and an idea occurred to me, as perhaps it had to Goza.

"I hear you, Goza," I said, "and I will start for Ulundi on my
feet--to save _you_ the trouble of carrying me. But as the times
are rough and accidents may always happen; as, too, I wish to
make sure that you should get those blankets, and it may chance
that I shall arrive there on my back, first I will write words
which, if they are delivered to the witch-doctoress Nombe, will,
sooner or later, turn into blankets."

"Write the words quickly, Macumazahn, and they will be
delivered," said Goza.

So I drew out my pocket-book and wrote--

"DEAR ANSCOMBE,--

"There is treachery afoot and I think that Zikali is at the
bottom of it. I am being carried off to Cetewayo at Ulundi, by a
party of armed Zulus who will not allow me to communicate with
you, probably by Zikali's orders. You must do the best you can
for Heda and yourself. Escape to Natal if you are able. Of
course I will help if I get the chance, but if war is about to
break out Cetewayo may kill me. I think that you can trust
Nombe; also that Zikali does not wish to work you any ill unless
he is obliged, though I have no doubt that he has trapped us here
for some dark purpose of his own. Tell him through Nombe that if
harm comes to you I will kill him if I live, and that if I die, I
will settle the score with him afterwards. God save and bless
you both. Keep up your courage and use your wits.

"Your friend,

"A. Q."

I tore out the sheet, folded, addressed it and presented it to
Goza, remarking that although it seemed to be but paper, it
really was fourteen blankets--if given at once to Nombe.

He nodded and handed it to one of his men, who departed in the
direction of our huts. So, thought I to myself, Nombe knows all
about this business, which means that it is being worked by
Zikali. That is why she spoke to me as she did last night.

"It is time to start, Macumazahn, and I think you told us that
you would prefer to do so on your feet," said Goza, looking
suggestively at his spear.

"I am ready," I said, rising because I must. For a moment I
contemplated the door in the kraal fence, wondering whether it
would be safe to bolt through it and take refuge with Zikali.
No, it was not safe, since Zikali sat there in his hut pulling
the strings and probably mig