“Ishmael!” she exclaimed in dismay, then recovered herself and added: “Well, I am not afraid of Ishmael, for here his life is in my hand. Oh! I am worn out; I cannot talk of the man to-night. I must sleep, Noie, I must sleep. Come, lie at my side and let us sleep.” “Nay,” answered the girl; “my place is at the door. But drink this milk and lay you down without fear, for I will watch.” Rachel obeyed, and Noie sat by her, holding her hand, till presently her eyes shut and she slept. But Noie did not sleep. All that night she sat there watching and listening, till at length the dawn came and she lay down also by the door and rested. The sun was high in the heavens when Rachel woke. “Good morrow to you, Zoola,” said the sweet voice of Noie. “You have slept well. Now you must rise, bathe yourself and eat, for already messengers from the King have been to the outer gate, saying that they wait to escort you to a better house that has been made ready for you.” “I hoped that they waited to escort me out of Zululand,” answered Rachel. “I asked them of that, Zoola, but they declared it must not be, as the council of the doctors had been summoned to consider your sayings, and two days will pass before it can meet. Also they declare that your horse is sick and not fit to travel, meaning that they will not let you go.” “But I have the right to go, Noie.” “The bird has the right to fly, but what if it is in a cage, Zoola?” “I am queen here, Noie; the bars will burst at my word.” “It may be so, Zoola, but what if the bird should find that it has no nest to fly to?” “What do you mean?” asked Rachel, paling. “Only that it seems best that you should not anger these Zulus, Lady, lest it should come into their minds to destroy your nest, thinking that so you might come to love this cage. No, no, I have heard nothing, but I guess their thoughts. You need rest; bide here, where you are safe, a day or two, and let us see what happens.” “Speak plainly, Noie. I do not understand your parable of birds and cages.” “Zoola, I obey. I think that if you say you will go, none, not the King himself, would dare to stay you, though you would have to go on foot, for then that horse would die. But an impi would go with you, or before you, and woe betide those who held you from returning to Zululand! Do you understand me now?” “Yes,” answered Rachel. “You mean!—oh! I cannot speak it. I will remain here a few days.” So she rose and bathed herself and was dressed by Noie, and ate of the food that had been brought to the door of the hut. Then she went out, and in the little courtyard found a litter waiting that was hung round with grass mats. “The King’s word is that you should enter the litter,” said Noie. She did so, whereon Noie clapped her hands and girls in bead dresses ran in, and having prostrated themselves before the litter, lifted it up and carried it away, Noie walking at its side.