"Absolutely, father," answered Aida, for herself. And then there was a good deal of bugging and kissing all round, and some crying; by the way, it seems that the women, dear creatures, can't be brought to consider any ceremony complete unless they turn on the hose; for they turn it on when they're happy, just as readily as when they're not. For instance-- there we were, all jolly together again--what the deuce was there to cry about? Yet cry they did. I had breakfast set out in the open on the shady side of the store, with the broad view of the Zulu country lying beneath in the distance, and they declared it reminded them of that memorable time when the _contre temps_ as to Tyingoza's head-ring had befallen. And then when Aida had given her adventures once more in detail, through sheer reaction we were all intensely happy after the dreadful suspense and gloom of the last three days. At length it was I who proposed we should make a move down, for it would be as well to be on hand when the others returned with the police and the prisoners. "By Jove, Glanton, but you were right when you advised me to have nothing to do with that rascally witch doctor," said the Major, as we rode along. "One consolation. I suppose he's bound to be hung. Eh?" "That depends on how we work the case," I said. "And it'll take a great deal of working." Hardly had we returned than the others arrived, bringing the three prisoners, and two more in the shape of the women of whom Aida had told us. These however were kept entirely separate from Ukozi and his companions. No conversation between them was allowed. Ukozi was sullen and impassive, but the younger prisoners glared around with a savage scowl which deepened as it rested on Falkner. He for response only grinned. "All right my bucks," he said. "There's a rope and a long drop sticking out for you. By George, but this has been a ripping bit of fun for one night." "That's all right," I said rather shortly. "But you might remember that the reason for it hasn't been fun by any means." "No, not for you, that's understood," he sneered, turning away, for he was still more than a little sore over my success. "Glanton, I've something devilish rum to tell you." The speaker was Kendrew. "Come out of the crowd," he went on. "Yes, it just is rum, and it gave me a turn, I can tell you. First of all, that nest of murderers we tumbled into, is bang on the edge of--if not within--my own place. Yes, it is my own place now--beyond a shadow of doubt. For we've unearthed something there." "You don't mean--" I began, beginning to get an inkling. He nodded. "Yes, I do. The furthest of those two poor devils stuck up there against the rock--ugh!--was poor old Hensley--my old uncle." "Good lord!"