hat he knew a path through the big
_vlei_, whereas we rode round it, two hours' ride, fearing lest we
should be bogged. Here by this spring they stayed till sunset, for it
was needful that the horses should feed and rest, since they would save
their strength in them.

"Lady," went on Zinti presently, "beyond the neck of the hill yonder
lies the secret kraal of Bull-Head. Say, now, what is your plan when you
reach it?"

"I do not know," she answered, "but tell me again of the hidden krantz
where the women built the new hut, and of the way to it."

He told her and she listened, saying nothing.

"Good," she said, when he had done. "Now lead me to this place, and then
perhaps I will tell my plan if I have one."

So they started on again, but just as they reached the crest of the
Nek a heavy thunderstorm came up, together with clouds and rain, hiding
everything from them.

"Now I suppose that we must stay here till the light comes," said
Sihamba.

"Not so, lady," answered Zinti, "I have been the path once and I can go
it again in storm or shine," and he pressed forward, with the lightning
flashes for a candle.

Well was that storm for them indeed, since otherwise they would have
been seen, for already Swart Piet had set his scouts about the kraal.

At length Sihamba felt that they were riding among trees, for water
dripped from them upon her and their branches brushed her face.

"Here is the wood where the women cut poles for the new hut," whispered
Zinti in her ear.

"Then let us halt," she answered, and dismounting they tied the three
horses and the mule to as many small trees close together, but not near
enough for them to kick each other.

Now Sihamba took a piece of biltong from a saddle-bag and began to eat
it, for she knew that she would need all her cleverness and strength.
"Take the bag of mealies," she said, "and divide it among the horses and
the mule, giving a double share to the _schimmel_."

Zinti obeyed her, and presently all four of the beasts were eating well,
for though they had travelled far their loads were light, nor had the
pace been pressed.

Sihamba turned, and, holding out her hands towards the horses, muttered
something rapidly.

"What are you doing, mistress?" asked Zinti.

"Perhaps I am throwing a charm upon these animals, that they may neither
neigh nor whinny till we come again, for if they do so we are lost.
Now let us go, and--stay, bring the gun with you, for you know how