“Well enough,” he answered. “And now, what are your plans? The river is in flood, you will find it difficult to cross. Still it can be done, for I hear that the white man, Ishmael, of whom you told me, forded it this morning with a company of armed men.”
Aware of the eyes that watched her, with an effort Rachel showed no surprise.
“How is that?” she asked. “I thought the man fled from Zululand many days ago. Why then does he leave the country with soldiers?”
“I can’t tell you, Rachel. There is something queer about the business. When I inquire, everyone shrugs his shoulders. They say that the King knows his own business. If I were you I would ask no questions, for you will learn nothing, and if you do not ask they will think that you know all.”
“I understand,” she said. “But, Richard, I must cross the river to-day. You and I must cross it alone and reach Ramah to-night. Richard, something weighs upon my heart; I am terribly afraid.”
“How will you manage it?” he asked, ignoring the rest.
“I can’t tell you yet, Richard, but keep my horse and yours saddled there where you are encamped,” and she nodded towards a hut about fifty yards away. “I think that I shall come to you presently. Now go.”
Presently Rachel sent for Tamboosa and the captains, and asked the state of the river which was out of sight about half a mile from them. They replied that it was “very angry”; none could think of attempting its passage, as much water was coming down.
“Is it so?” she said indifferently. “Well, I must look,” and with slow steps she walked towards the hut where she knew the horses were, followed by Tamboosa and the captains.
Reaching it, she saw them standing saddled on its further side, and by them Richard, seated on the ground smoking. As she came he rose and saluted her, but, taking no heed of him, she went to her grey mare, and, placing her foot in the stirrup, sprang to the saddle, motioning to him to do likewise.
“Whither goest thou, Inkosazana?” asked Tamboosa anxiously.
“To throw a charm on the waters,” she answered, “so that they may run down and I can cross them to-morrow. Come, Dario, and come Tamboosa, but let the rest stay behind, since common eyes must not look upon my magic, and he who dares to look shall be struck with blindness.”