Hendricks the Hunter Part 10

Denis interpreted what the chief said to Percy, who was naturally anxious to know the result of the conversation.

"We must put the best face we can on the matter," he added, "and I only hope that they'll let us keep our guns."

This seemed very doubtful, for from their looks the Zulus certainly did not regard their prisoners with any affectionate feeling. Lionel had not hitherto spoken, and as they found that Percy was unacquainted with their language, they supposed that he was so likewise.

"Don't speak to them, Lionel," said Denis. "I'll act as interpreter, and then you may be able to find out why they have taken us prisoners, and what they intend to do to us."

"It will be wise to do so," answered Lionel; "and if I am able to get away, I will let Uncle Hendricks know what has happened, and he will very soon be down upon these gentlemen, and rescue you."

"A good idea, and I hope that you may succeed," said Denis. "In the meantime the best thing we can do is to pretend to be as much at our ease as possible. I don't think the fellows intend to kill us, or to do us any harm."

"They look fierce enough," said Percy. "I only hope, Lionel, that you'll be able to carry out your plan; but you must run no unnecessary risk. I should think that Hendricks is sure to search for us, when he finds that we do not return; whereas, should they find you trying to run away, they might, in very wantonness, send an a.s.segai through you."

"If I try to run, it will be at night, when there will be very little chance of being discovered," answered Lionel; "I hear the men saying that they are about to carry us off. Should we be separated, we must keep up our courage, remember that."

As he spoke, two Kaffirs seized each of the lads somewhat roughly by the arms, to make them get up, and at the same time s.n.a.t.c.hed their rifles out of their hands. This done, the chiefs, squatting down, appropriated the remainder of the venison, which they quickly ate up, while their followers stood holding their prisoners at a little distance. The chiefs then rising, ordered the men who had charge of the horses to bring them up, and mounting, rode forward, while the rest of the party, holding fast the young Englishmen, followed behind.

They first ascended the hill, down which Denis and his companions had come, but they soon altered their course, and proceeded first to the south, and then turning due west continued their march.

"I can't say that I quite like the way they are treating us," said Denis. "It shows that they are not animated by any friendly spirit, or they would not have ridden our horses while they make us walk. It puzzles me to say to what party they can belong. I am nearly certain that King Panda and his son Cetchwayo would not treat us in this fas.h.i.+on, as they have always shown a tolerably friendly feeling towards the English."

"I have been trying to listen to what the men have been saying, but I cannot make out what they intend to do with us," observed Lionel.

"At all events, it is a comfort that we are allowed to keep together,"

said Percy. "It strikes me that perhaps their object is to hold us as hostages for some purpose or other, but what purpose that is I can't even guess."

Poor Gozo looked very crestfallen, as he was led along at some distance from his young masters; he, apparently, fully expecting to be put to death.

They proceeded for some way at a rapid rate, which, active as the three friends were, they found it very difficult to keep up with.

Occasionally the chiefs looked back to see that they were coming, and Denis thought he saw them laughing and casting scornful looks at him and his companions. They went on without stopping to rest or take any food; sometimes up hill, sometimes down, across valleys, and over rocky ground, until, as evening was approaching, the hum of human voices was heard. Some little distance ahead a kraal was seen on the side of a hill, while in the valley below were a.s.sembled a large concourse of men employed in various ways; some formed into regiments were marching here and there, others collected round fires were engaged in cooking, while a considerable number were employed in putting up huts.

"Who can they be?" asked Percy.

"I suppose that they must be Cetchwayo's followers, and if so we shall find him there. He, at all events, is not likely to do us any harm, if, as is generally supposed, he wishes to be friends with the English. I know that he sometimes holds a sort of court by himself, away from the king, although he is said to have almost as much power in the country as his fat old father," answered Denis. "I'll try and find out from our guards."

When Denis, however, put the question to the Zulus, they, not understanding, or not wis.h.i.+ng to give him information, made him no answer.

"Never fear, it will be all right," said Denis. "When Cetchwayo finds that we belong to Hendricks, whom he knows well, he will set us at liberty, and soundly rate our captors for carrying us off."

They were still, however, left in doubt as to how they were to be treated. The chiefs on horseback proceeded down the hill, and directed their course towards one end of the valley, where a large hut had been put up, before which was seated a tall, rather stout personage, with several chiefs standing near him.

"That must be Cetchwayo," said Denis, pointing him out to Percy. "I never saw the black prince, but he answers his description."

On reaching the neighbourhood of the hut, the chiefs dismounted, and giving their horses to some attendants, advanced on foot. After going through the usual ceremonies, they stood on one side, and their leader making a sign to his followers to come forward with their prisoners, the prince cast a frowning glance at them; perhaps it was habitual to his countenance.

"Can either of you speak the Zulu tongue?" he inquired in a gruff voice.

"I can," answered Denis in the same language, stepping forward. "What does the Prince require of us?"

"To whom do you belong?" was the next question.

"To Hendricks the hunter and trader. He is well known to you," answered Denis.

"I care not for your relatives or friends. Whom do you hold to be the chief person in Zululand?"

"Surely who else but King Panda and his son Cetchwayo?" replied Denis, in a confident tone.

"In that respect you have not answered wisely. Panda is king it is true; but Cetchwayo, who is he?"

"I thought that you were Cetchwayo," said Denis.

"In that you are mistaken, young Englishman; I am Umbulazi, a better man than Cetchwayo, and have more right to be the prince than he has."

"I beg your pardon," answered Denis, in no way abashed.

"Understand, Prince, that we are travellers through the country, that we have come to trade and to hunt, but we do not pretend to have more affection for one ruler than another. We were on a hunting expedition to obtain some meat for our camp when your followers seized us and brought us here. All we now ask is to be set at liberty, and to be allowed to return to our friends who are anxiously waiting us."

"Such cannot be allowed," answered Umbulazi. "You will carry information of what you have seen to Cetchwayo, who will then be induced to attack us before we are ready for him."

"We promise to give no information which will in any way injure you,"

said Denis.

"I shall take very good care of that," answered Umbulazi. "Whether the English intend to be friends to me or not, it matters little. I have many followers, some of whom you see here, and many more will join me ere long; so that we shall soon drive Cetchwayo out of the country, and Umbulazi will some day be king of Zululand."

Denis had heard that a son of King Panda, Umbulazi, had been supplanted by a younger son, Cetchwayo, and that, being dest.i.tute of talents and ability, he was not likely to attempt to interfere in the affairs of state, but to remain quietly at his kraal, attending to his herds, and cultivating his mealy grounds. It was now evident that he was in open rebellion, and it was very important not to offend him; for, like other Zulu chiefs, he was utterly regardless of human life. Denis therefore feared that should he say anything to excite his anger, he might order his guards to cut him and his companions to pieces, or might give them leave to amuse themselves by throwing their a.s.segais at them. He therefore a.s.sumed as humble a manner as he could, and replied, "When Umbulazi is king, all Englishmen who come into this country will pay him reverence, and abide by his laws, as I and my friends now wish to do.

Again I ask that we may have permission to proceed on our way, as our leader, Hendricks, the great hunter, is waiting for us; and as we shall in a short time pa.s.s the borders of Zululand, we cannot trouble Umbulazi by our presence."

The prince said something not very complimentary to the speaker, signifying that he was talking nonsense. He then ordered some of his attendants to carry the three prisoners to a hut close by, and to place a guard over them until he had determined how they should be disposed of.

CHAPTER SEVEN.

IN THE HANDS OF THE ZULUS.

The three lads found themselves the sole occupants of a hut about seven feet in diameter, and of a height scarcely sufficient to enable them to stand upright, except in the centre. There was but one opening, through which they had been compelled to creep, and this was closed by one of their guards sitting down before it, with his knees drawn up to his chin, the only light and air they enjoyed being admitted through the small s.p.a.ce above his shoulders.

"It isn't altogether pleasant to be shut up like rats in a trap," said Denis, as he surveyed the hut; "but it might have been worse if a party of Kaffirs had slept in it last night. As far as I can judge it hasn't been occupied before."

"If it had, there would have been mats and bundles of gra.s.s," observed Lionel; "whereas we shall have nothing but the bare ground to lie on."

"As the ground appears to be perfectly dry, we need not complain of that," observed Percy, "I only hope that the chief will let us go in the morning."

"There's very little chance of that," said Denis. "He intends that we should be of some use to him, or he would not have sent his people to capture us. I wonder whether he will send us some food."

"I can't say I feel very hungry," observed Percy. "It is fortunate that we took a good dinner."

They waited and waited, expecting that Umbulazi would think of them, but no food was brought. At last Denis spoke to their Kaffir guard, saying that they were very hungry, and would be much obliged if he would obtain some provisions; but no answer was returned to his request.