I answered directly that the noble Metilulu had ever shown me--a stranger--so much kindness, that his will was as law to me, even as to his own people; therefore I should certainly not take my cows out the next day, but would attend upon him as he desired. "I should like also," I added, "if the chief would permit me to inform him that, as far as my knowledge as a sailor went, I hoped and believed we should have rain before two days were over." The messenger seemed much pleased at my reply, feeling, perhaps, that I was safe in their clutches, and started off to bear it immediately to Metilulu. I had purposely made my answer touch upon the kindness of the chief, with the hope that the little praise might act in my favour, and I had also mentioned the coming rain, thinking it possible that it might excite Metilulu's curiosity, so, if I did not effect my escape, that he would defer my execution, to see if the "white man's" prophecy was correct. I knew my reply would be delivered _verbatim_; for these Kaffir messengers can carry them for miles, but never vary in a syllable. Zenuta returning, I informed her of Metilulu's wish. She displayed much concern on hearing it, and finally declared that she felt sure he meant mischief. "Do you think so, Zenuta?" I said very indifferently, for I could not even trust her with the fact that I was about to escape; for I should have had to add that I must leave her behind, and we never again should meet. Poor girl! But what _could_ I do? "I do _not_ think so," I continued; "he has proved himself so hospitable to me up to this time, that I do not believe he would change. At any rate, he will assuredly listen to my arguments; and finally, Zenuta, you are aware," I added solemnly, pointing upward, "that my faith rests in One above, who has power to save me if He please, had all the chiefs in Caffraria willed my death." She looked doubtfully and with awe at me, then said, with touching earnestness, "May He, then, save you, Galbrth, if He really can, my beloved!" Despite my apparent indifference, Zenuta's behaviour naturally made me more certain than ever that to stay till the morrow would be like signing my own death-warrant; therefore, for all Metilulu's peaceful message, I determined to be gone that night.