tain Weber, as the party moved off, "he never got
over the loss of his ship. Of the whole crew, only yonder man now
remains."

"But what were you doing here on the Zambesi, Captain Weber, and how
came you in company with Masheesh?"

The Matabele had been in great force, during the short engagement, and
now with his long assegai dyed red with blood, stalked solemnly beside
the missionary, who walked with great difficulty.

"It is easily explained. You will remember when you went over the
`Halcyon's' side, I told you I had but a few months of my three years'
cruise, Captain Hughes," replied the seaman, "and that I was bound for
Quillimane."

"Perfectly, and that you would give me a passage to England if I needed
it," answered Hughes. "I shall be glad to accept it, if you can land me
at Delagoa Bay, Port Natal, or the Cape; for we two have nothing save
our knapsacks and rifles now."

"Avast there! Hear my tale first. It appears a special envoy has been
sent out by the King of Portugal to report on this colony on the
Zambesi. With his staff he has been for the last three months at Tete.
The `Halcyon' has been taken up for his passage home, and I am on my way
to sign articles with Don Francisco di Maxara."

"But that does not account for my seeing Masheesh at your side in yonder
boat?" remarked Hughes.

"The Governor of the fort yonder was at _Tete_ with his Excellency when
the Matabele arrived, and told his tale. The Portuguese would not get
under way without orders. Reaching Senna late last night, I heard of
the affair, knew it must be you, and determined to send poor Mason on to
sign articles, and guided by Masheesh to go to your help."

A cordial grasp of the hand followed this.

"Why, you are burning with fever, my lad, and more fit for the sick bay
than the jungle," said Weber, looking into the soldier's face.

"Shove off; give way, my lads; his Excellency must wait a wee,"
continued the seaman, as the boat sheered down stream, and the men
bending to their oars, the stout craft dashed down the Zambesi, heading
for Senna.

Don Isidore Mujao, the commandant, met them at the landing place,
greatly surprised at their speedy return, and still more so when he saw
the use his Portuguese flag had been put to. About forty years of age;
tall, dark complexioned, and sedate in manner, he welcomed the new
comers, at the same time giving his orders to the men. Taking up the
body of the late captain of the bur