om the Zambesi to the Cape. It was
their king's own charger I rode, and who dared question such a warrant?
I heard the word pass through the bush, and all down the road I got the
salute. In that moment I fervently thanked my stars that I had got
away first, for there would have been no coming second for me.

At the cliff-foot I found a double line of warriors who had the
appearance of a royal guard, for all were tall men with leopard-skin
cloaks. Their rifle-barrels glinted in the moon-light, and the sight
sent a cold shiver down my back. Above them, among the scrub and along
the lower slopes of the kranzes, I could see further lines with the
same gleaming weapons. The Place of the Snake was in strong hands that
night.

I dismounted and called for a man to take my horse. Two of the guards
stepped forward in silence and took the bridle. This left the track to
the cave open, and with as stiff a back as I could command, but a sadly
fluttering heart, I marched through the ranks.

The path was lined with guards, all silent and rigid as graven images.
As I stumbled over the stones I felt that my appearance scarcely fitted
the dignity of a royal messenger. Among those splendid men-at-arms I
shambled along in old breeches and leggings, hatless, with a dirty
face, dishevelled hair, and a torn flannel shirt. My mind was no
better than my body, for now that I had arrived I found my courage
gone. Had it been possible I would have turned tail and fled, but the
boats were burned behind me, and I had no choice. I cursed my rash
folly, and wondered at my exhilaration of an hour ago. I was going
into the black mysterious darkness, peopled by ten thousand cruel foes.
My knees rubbed against each other, and I thought that no man had ever
been in more deadly danger.

At the entrance to the gorge the guards ceased and I went on alone.
Here there was no moonlight, and I had to feel my way by the sides. I
moved very slowly, wondering how soon I should find the end my folly
demanded. The heat of the ride had gone, and I remember feeling my
shirt hang clammily on my shoulders.

Suddenly a hand was laid on my breast, and a voice demanded, 'The word?'

'Immanuel,' I said hoarsely.

Then unseen hands took both my arms, and I was led farther into the
darkness. My hopes revived for a second. The password had proved
true, and at any rate I should enter the cave.

In the darkness I could see nothing, but I judged that we stopp