“The Black One went with them, and when he saw how sore was your strait, wished to run down to meet the Matabele, for he is a brave man.  But I had said to Tamas—­’No, do not try to fight them in the open, for there they will certainly kill you.’  Moreover, Lady, I was sure that you would reach the top of the poort.  Well, you reached it, though but by the breadth of a blade of grass, and my children shot with the new rifles, and the place being narrow so that they could not miss, killed many of those hyenas of Amandabele.  But to kill Matabele is like catching fleas on a dog’s back:  there are always more.  Still it served its turn, you and your father were brought away safely, and we lost no one.”

“Where, then, are the Matabele now?” asked Benita.

“Outside our walls, a whole regiment of them:  three thousand men or more, under the command of the Captain Maduna, he of the royal blood, whose life you begged, but who nevertheless hunted you like a buck.”

“Perhaps he did not know who it was,” suggested Benita.

“Perhaps not,” the Molimo answered, rubbing his chin, “for in such matters even a Matabele generally keeps faith, and you may remember he promised you life for life.  However, they are here ravening like lions round the walls, and that is why we carried you up to the top of the hill, that you might be safe from them.”

“But are you safe, my Father?”

“I think so,” he replied with a dry little chuckle in his throat.  “Whoever built this fortress built it strong, and we have blocked the gates.  Also, they caught no one outside; all are within the walls, together with the sheep and goats.  Lastly, we have sent most of the women and children across the Zambesi in canoes, to hide in places we know of whither the Amandabele cannot follow, for they dare not swim a river.  Therefore, for those of us that remain we have food for three months, and before then the rains will drive the impi out.”

“Why did you not all go across the river, Father?”

“For two reasons, Lady.  The first is, that if we once abandoned our stronghold, which we have held from the beginning, Lobengula would take it, and keep it, so that we could never re-enter into our heritage, which would be a shame to us and bring down the vengeance of the spirits of our ancestors upon our heads.  The second is, that as you have returned to us we stay to protect you.”

“You are very good to me,” murmured Benita.

“Nay, nay, we brought you here, and we do what I am told to do from Above.  Trouble may still come upon you; yes, I think that it will come, but once more I pray you, have no fear, for out of this evil root shall spring a flower of joy,” and he rose to go.

“Stay,” said Benita.  “Has the chief Meyer found the gold?”

“No; he has found nothing; but he hunts and hunts like a hungry jackal digging for a bone.  But that bone is not for him; it is for you, Lady, you and you only.  Oh!  I know, you do not seek, still you shall find.  Only the next time that you want help, do not run away into the wilderness.  Hear the word of Munwali given by his mouth, the Molimo of Bambatse!” And as he spoke, the old priest backed himself out of the tent, stopping now and again to bow to Benita.