As she was about to commence her story we were interrupted by the return of Umatula and Jack, whose surprise at the appearance of Zenuta was equally as great as mine had been. The Kaffir, I fancied, regarded her angrily, and I secretly resolved that, if he expressed his disapproval in words, the affectionate girl should find a powerful protector in me; but as he remained quiet, and the first vexed expression died out of his features, I explained to them the danger I had run, and learned from Umatula that it was no uncommon thing for the honey guide to lead persons occasionally to the lair of some fierce beast of the forest instead of to the bees' treasure, which unpleasant propensity makes the natives very cautious when they follow the bird. "But how, Zenuta," I added, turning again to her, "were you able so soon to follow us and thus become my protector, my preserver?" "At the same time that you left the kraal," she said, "it seems that a party of warriors was sent to bring us, the women, and cattle to their new home. My people travel faster than white men, and a few hours after I heard--oh, Galbrth! I heard that you had gone--gone for ever to the white settlement. I threw myself in agony on the ground; but I could not weep. My head felt on fire, and at last, starting up, I resolved to follow you. Creeping, in the confusion, out of the kraal, I fled to the bush. I did not care if I died there: I only felt I could no longer live with my people when you were away." "And the fire last night, Zenuta?" I asked anxiously. "It nearly caught me," she answered, laughing gleefully, "but I ran--I ran till I could escape it. Then I went on: I could not sleep, for I could find no trace of the path you had taken. It made me mad. I ran on and on--I felt no fatigue--I had no fear--when suddenly a cry, a shout of terror, reached me. It was your voice, Galbrth. I rushed forward: I saw the leopard just rising into the air. I saw your danger. The next moment, with a leap, I had flung my arms tightly about the creature, and we both together fell struggling to the ground, when, feeling one of your assagais touch my hand, I seized it, and plunged it again and again into the leopard's body, till I felt his claws relax on my arms, when I knew he was dead and I was safe." "What!" I cried, in much concern, "did the frightful animal harm you, my noble Zenuta?" "A little," she replied, smiling, as she turned to me her arm, on the back of which I perceived the flesh to be torn and bleeding. "My poor, my brave girl!" I exclaimed tremulously. "It is nothing--I like it," she laughed softly, "because did I not save you, my Galbrth?" I pressed her hand affectionately in mine, and, before anything else was said or done, persisted that her shoulder should be attended to. Then, being consumed with a terrible thirst, I asked Umatula whether he had prophesied rightly respecting water being near.