Almost immediately afterwards the amazonian aunt came out of the guard-house door, clad in light chain armour, and with only a scarf tied tightly round her waist. She was barefooted, so that she might not slip easy. She looked a formidable figure as she strode over to where Cocoeni was waiting for her. A crowd of the guard was gathered round, leaving the gate open and unprotected. "Wait one instant," said Pylea. "Ah, here they come." The young amazon who had been sent back, drove her chariot and her Kaffir passenger almost noiselessly. She nodded slightly as she drew up, and murmured softly-- "He lies in the shadow, thirty yards distant. I removed the arrow from his heart as we passed him." "Good," answered Pylea; then together they passed through the gate and drew up at the other side. Pylea, having ordered her followers to drive on out of arrow-shot, remained behind with Ned and Cocoeni's driver to watch the contest. The combatants stood face to face watching each other keenly, and looking out for a chance to spring in. The newly made widow was a wily old bird, and up to every feint. She was in no haste to close, as she wished to linger the game. Several times she pretended to be about to take the leap, always to draw back. "Quick, Cocoeni; trust to your strength and finish it," cried Ned, who was chaffing at the delay. "All right, baas." Cocoeni walked slowly towards the amazon, who now began to retreat, but towards the edge of the water. Seeing this, she suddenly sprang to one side and attempted to pass him. It was a fatal move; for Cocoeni, quick as lightning, leapt upon her, and gripped her sideways, slipping both arms under hers as she twisted round. There was no question of chivalry or gentle treatment now. The woman felt, as those muscular long arms closed round her, as if she was in the embrace of a python. It was such a hug as she had never before received. Her ribs felt cracking, and her lungs compressed so that she could not breathe or use her arms. She was taken at a disadvantage and completely at his mercy. Cocoeni had his back towards the lake, which was three yards distant. With a hoarse, savage laugh, he imprinted a loud kiss on the open mouth so close to him, and the next instant sent her flying over his head three feet clear of the bank. With a shrill cry and a loud splash, she disappeared into the water. "There, baas, she will not forget the throw of Cocoeni," he shouted, as he clambered into his chariot. Away they dashed at full speed--getting a parting glimpse of the drenched dame as she scrambled drippingly ashore; past the suburban villas and fields and out to the arid desert. "My aunt Culpatra will not be content with one messenger," cried Pylea, as they rushed along. "We shall be pursued by the queen and her army. Fortunately, we have an hour's start, and these animals are the best in Karnadama." "But extra loaded," answered Ned.