riem loosely into the thatch of the hut as high up as she could reach,
so that it looked as though it were made fast there. Next, Sihamba
slipped off her fur cloak, leaving herself naked except for the moocha
round her middle, and, clasping her hands behind her back with the
assegai between them, she drew the riem taut, and leaned against the
wall of the hut after the fashion of one who is about to be pulled from
the ground and strangled.

"Now, mistress, listen to me," she said earnestly. "You have seen me
like this before, have you not, when I was about to be hanged, and you
bought my life at a price? Well, as it chances, that man who guards the
hut is he who took me at Bull-Head's bidding and set the rope round my
neck, whereon I said some words to him which made him afraid. Now if
he sees me again thus in a hut where he knows you to be alone, he will
think that I am a ghost and his heart will turn to ice and the strength
of his hands to water, and then before he can find his strength again
I shall make an end of him with the spear, as I know well how to do
although I am so small, and we will fly."

"Is there no other way?" murmured Suzanne aghast.

"None, Swallow. For you the choice lies between witnessing this deed
and--Swart Piet or--Death. Nay, you need not witness it even, if you
will do as I tell you. Presently, when I give the word, loosen the bar
of the door-board, then crouch by the hole and utter a low cry of fear,
calling to the man on guard for help. He will enter and see me, whereon
you can creep through the door-hole and wait without, leaving me to deal
with him. If I succeed I will be with you at once; if I fail, run to the
stream and hoot like an owl, when Zinti, who is hidden there, will join
you. Then you must get out of the krantz as best you can. Only one man
watches the entrance, and if needful Zinti can shoot him. The _schimmel_
and other horses are hidden in the wood, and he will lead you to them.
Mount and ride for home, or anywhere away from this accursed place, and
at times when you talk of the matter of your escape with your husband,
think kindly of Sihamba Ngenyanga. Nay, do not answer, for there is
little time to lose. Quick, now, to the door-hole, and do as I bade
you."

So, like one in a dream, Suzanne loosened the bar, and, crouching by
the entrance to the hut, uttered a low wail of terror, saying, "Help me,
soldier, help me swiftly," in the Kaffir tongue. The man without heard,
a