epared, of which we partook, helping each other to food, as is, or
was, the custom with new-wedded folk. Also, many Boers came in and drank
our healths, although the Vrouw Prinsloo told them that it would have
been more decent to leave us alone. But Henri Marais did not come or
drink our healths.

Thus the half-hour went all too swiftly, and not a word did we get
alone. At last in despair, seeing that Hans was already waiting with the
horses, I drew Marie aside, motioning to everyone to stand back.

"Dearest wife," I said in broken words, "this is a strange beginning to
our married life, but you see it can't be helped."

"No, Allan," she answered, "it can't be helped; but oh! I wish my heart
were happier about your journey. I fear Dingaan, and if anything should
chance to you I shall die of grief."

"Why should anything chance, Marie? We are a strong and well-armed
party, and Dingaan looks on us peacefully."

"I don't know, husband, but they say Hernan Pereira is with the Zulus,
and he hates you."

"Then he had better mind his manners, or he will not be here long to
hate anybody," I answered grimly, for my gorge rose at the thought of
this man and his treacheries.

"Vrouw Prinsloo," I called to the old lady, who was near, "be pleased to
come hither and listen. And, Marie, do you listen also. If by chance I
should hear anything affecting your safety, and send you a message
by someone you can trust, such as that you should remove yourselves
elsewhere or hide, promise me that you will obey it without question."

"Of course I will obey you, husband. Have I not just sworn to do so?"
Marie said with a sad smile.

"And so will I, Allan," said the vrouw; "not because I have sworn
anything, but because I know you have a good head on your shoulders, and
so will my man and the others of our party. Though why you should
think you will have any message to send, I can't guess, unless you know
something that is hidden from us," she added shrewdly. "You say you
don't; well, it is not likely you would tell us if you did. Look! They
are calling, you must go. Come on, Marie, let us see them off."

So we went to where the commission was gathered on horseback, just in
time to hear Retief addressing the people, or, rather, the last of his
words.

"Friends," he said, "we go upon an important business, from which I
hope we shall return happily within a very little time. Still, this is
a rough country, and we have to deal with roug