Some hours of the night had passed, but still the fire in the distance
was seen burning as brightly as ever. It showed that the Zulus were
awake, and probably banqueting on the meat of the heifer given to them.
Whether they would go away or remain in the neighbourhood was doubtful.
Although they had accepted the gift, Captain Broderick thought it
probable that they had some treacherous intentions, and would, at all
events, make an attempt to get hold of Mangaleesu and Kalinda: perhaps
even now a party might be stealing across the river with that object in
view, intending to make a sudden rush at the house, should they find the
garrison off their guard.
Captain Broderick therefore ordered his men to keep under arms, while he
sent two of the Kaffirs, on whom he could rely, to watch along the bank
of the river. He had little fear of their crossing above the falls, as
the current there ran with great rapidity, and they would have had to
make a wide circuit over difficult, almost impassable ground. Still, to
escape the risk of being taken by surprise, he placed a sentry to watch
on the northern side of the palisade, where a platform had been erected
for the purpose. Meantime Percy, who had wished to keep guard with the
rest, was persuaded by his mother to go to bed.
"You will better be able to do your duty, should any work be required,
when you have regained your strength," she observed. "Should the Zulus
attack us, which I don't think probable, I will call you. You can then
take your part in the defence."
"And what are you and the girls going to do, mother?" he asked.
"We will load the muskets, and tend any who are wounded," she answered,
in a firm voice. "Rose and Maud propose to keep a look-out round the
palisade, lest any of the enemy should steal up and attempt to take them
in the rear; while Biddy will not fail to play her part in some way or
other."
"I wish that Hendricks and Crawford, with that gallant little fellow
Lionel, had arrived," observed Percy. "I cannot help thinking that some
accident may have happened to them, or they would have been here before
now. They and the servants would have added greatly to our strength.
Indeed, I don't think the Zulus, if they were here, would venture to
attack us. I have not, by the bye, told you much about Lionel, mother."
"No; but your friend Denis has, and he described to us the gallant way
in which you saved the boy from being drowned or destroyed by a
crocodile," answered Mrs Broderick.
"I was too glad to be of service to Mr Hendricks, who had treated my
friend Crawford and me so kindly in letting us accompany him, besides
which, I had a strong liking for the young fellow, whom I should have
been very sorry to have lost. I first fancied that he was either the
son or nephew of Mr Hendricks, but he afterwards told me that he was
neither the one nor the other, but that he had been rescued by Hendricks
during a trip he made some years before into Zululand."
Percy went on to give an account of Lionel's history. Mrs Broderick
listened with deep attention, and inquired the age and appearance of her
son's friend, which Percy described.
"Did you ever hear, Percy, that your youngest brother, during the
journey we made in coming here, was lost? We always supposed that he
perished with his nurse, who was killed and thrown into the river by the
savages. Her body was discovered some time afterwards, though our
child's was never found."
"Do you know, mother, I cannot help thinking that Lionel must be that
young brother of mine," exclaimed Percy. "I am aware that I ought not
to raise your hopes, but I felt drawn towards him from the first; and,
as Denis will tell you, he very soon learned to speak English. He
remembered a lady he felt sure was his mother, and a tall gentleman he
supposed to be his father, although he had no recollection of how he
came into the hands of the Zulus. It is strange that he should have
been found in the kraal of Mangaleesu, who is now here. He, however,
can give very little information as to Lionel's history, as he was
brought to the kraal by another tribe who were afterwards destroyed.
Besides Lionel, Mangaleesu and his wife are the only inhabitants of the
whole kraal who escaped. Denis, however, knows the exact particulars
better than I do, as he joined Hendricks the very next day, and has been
with Lionel nearly ever since."
Mrs Broderick, on hearing this, could scarcely restrain her agitation.
She naturally at once felt sure that her child's life had by some
wonderful means been preserved. Her impulse was to hurry forthwith to
gain more particulars from Denis, and to talk over the subject with her
husband, but she felt that it would be wrong to draw off their attention
from their duties, engaged as they were in guarding the house. She then
thought of visiting Mangaleesu and Kalinda, who had been placed in a
small room at the back of the house. She knew enough of the language to
speak to them; but Percy assured her that they would not be able to give
her more information than he had done.
"I don't know that Denis can do so either," he added. "We must wait
until Hendricks and Lionel himself arrive, and we are sure to hear of
them in a day or two, unless some accident has happened, and I don't
know why we should expect that."
Poor Mrs Broderick's heart sank within her as she thought of the
possibility that such, notwithstanding Percy's hopes, might have been
the case. She could not but believe that Lionel was her long-lost boy,
and she longed with all her mother's heart for his arrival. She would
know him by his features, and by the tone of his voice, and she
recollected two small marks on the shoulders of her boy, which, if found
upon Lionel, would leave no doubt as to his identity, as that must
satisfy others as well as herself.
Though she wished Percy to go to sleep, she could scarcely refrain from
continuing to talk with him on the subject. At last his incoherent
answers, and finally his total silence, showed her that he was
slumbering soundly. She went to her daughters' room to give them an
account of what she had heard. They all three were unanimous in
believing that the brave boy Denis had been speaking to them about was
their brother. They had heard the history of little Walter's loss,
although they never alluded to it, and they had often observed a shade
of melancholy pass over their mother's countenance, which they guessed
was owing to her thinking on the subject.
The night passed slowly away. Captain Broderick was unwilling to trust
entirely to any one, except to himself and his son Rupert, or to his
young guest, who he at once saw possessed all the qualifications of a
good soldier. Either one or the other went occasionally to the point
whence the Zulus' camp could be seen. Their fire was burning as
brightly as ever, and for some time appeared to be increasing. It
diminished however in size just before daybreak, when one of the scouts
returned reporting that he had crossed the river, and not finding any of
the enemy moving about as he had expected, had got so close to their
camp as to be able to calculate the number of persons assembled. He was
certain that a portion only of the force which had pursued Mangaleesu
had crossed the river, or otherwise that their numbers had since been
greatly augmented.
Hearing this, Captain Broderick strongly suspected that they would again
present themselves and demand the delivery of those whom he felt in
honour bound not to give up. He counted the cost. He was aware that
they might ravage his fields and carry off many of his cattle, but he
had resolved not to yield to their demands. His first care was to put
the farm in a more complete state of defence. He immediately sent off
one of his men to obtain further help from any white settlers or Kaffirs
who were able to come. With those remaining, he at once commenced
putting up the palisades which have been mentioned, placed in readiness
for the purpose. The uprights were so formed that the horizontal beams
or planks could be fitted into them without the use of nails, while they
were supported from the inside by beams placed at an angle to serve as
buttresses. Near to the top of the wall was a platform which ran round
the whole of the palisades, and served as a rampart from which to fire
down on an enemy. Such a structure would have been easily destroyed by
fire, but the deep trench which ran in front prevented that danger, and
the wooden wall was thus well calculated to resist any attack which the
Zulus were likely to make against it. Inside the fortifications, for so
they might be called, was a large barn, containing a good supply of
fodder for the cattle, while in the house provisions of various
descriptions were stored. While some of the men were employed in
putting up the defences, the Hottentots were sent off to drive in the
more valuable of the cattle, so that they, at all events, might be
preserved, while the Zulus in revenge might make a raid on the
unprotected part of the farm, and destroy or carry off what they could
lay their hands on. Considerable progress had been made before
daybreak, but still much remained to be completed, and it was hoped that
until this was done, the Zulus would not cross the river.
Captain Broderick at first contemplated the possibility, with the force
he hoped to have under his command, of preventing them from crossing by
attacking them while they were in the water; but then again, they might
possibly, expecting to be opposed, divide into two or more parties, and
while he was engaged with one party, the others might get across. He
was also unwilling to commence hostilities, and considered it wise to
throw the responsibility of so doing on the Zulus. He therefore with
unabated energy continued the preparations for defence.
There was little doubt that if the Zulus meditated an attack, they would
send scouts to watch what was taking place in the farm. He was
thankful, therefore, when soon after daylight the Hottentots arrived
with the choicest of his horses and oxen. In a short time also several
Kaffirs came dropping in, two or three at a time; some with muskets, but
others armed only with their assegais and shields, though they were
mostly accustomed to the use of firearms. They immediately joined those
labouring at the fortifications. They were followed by three white
settlers, two of whom were Dutch Boers, the other an Englishman; hardy
borderers of a low class, who, having suffered from the Zulus in former
years, held them in utter detestation.
Before the day was many hours old, the fortifications on the farm were
complete. Captain Broderick had a great desire to avoid hostilities,
and he hoped, should the Zulus come, that they, on seeing at once they
had no chance of success, would retire.
He had set an example to his men by working harder than any of them; and
at length, overcome with fatigue, he had retired to the house, desiring
Rupert to summon him immediately, should the scouts return, or anything
of importance occur. Denis insisted on keeping company with Rupert on
the platform, whence a good look-out could be obtained over the
surrounding country.
"I got so sound a sleep the first two nights after I came here, that I
did not feel at all inclined to go to bed," he said, as they walked to
and fro. "Not that I think there is much chance of having a visit from
those Zulus; for, from what I know of them, I suspect that as soon as
they find we are prepared to give them a warm reception, they will turn
tail and go the way they came."
"Probably they will, but I hope they will not fall in with your friend
Hendricks and his party, or they may revenge themselves by murdering and
robbing them," observed Rupert.
"They will not dare to do that," answered Denis. "They depend so much
on the traders for supplying their wants, and enabling them to dispose
of their produce, that they will not willingly quarrel with any of them;
still I should be very thankful to see Hendricks arrive here in safety."
While they were speaking they were joined by Percy, who said he felt
himself much better, and up to anything. He had not been with them more
than a minute, when he asked Rupert for his spyglass. Directing it
towards the opposite shore, he exclaimed--
"I thought I saw some horsemen, and I am right, I see four, but only one
is a white man, the other three are black. Two of them look very like
those we sent away from here, and the other is apparently a chief."
Rupert took the glass from his brother. "You are right!" he exclaimed.
"They are riding fast, and keeping clear of the Zulu camp, which they
probably discovered from the height, and think it prudent to avoid. We
will go down and meet them. Percy, do you remain here on guard. You
need not rouse up our father, but if you see anything suspicious, send
down and let him know."
Saying this, Rupert, followed by Denis, hurried down. They made their
way over the drawbridge to the spot where the boat was concealed, and
pulled across to the opposite bank, towards which the horsemen came
galloping at full speed.
"Why, there's our friend Crawford," cried Denis, "and there are Umgolo,
old Vermack, and Matyana. They'll bring us news, I hope, of Hendricks
and Lionel."
Crawford, immediately dismounting, began to take the saddle off his
horse. "Thank you, my friends, for coming to meet me," he said; "you've
saved me from a wetting, and perhaps from the jaws of a crocodile.
Excuse me for being somewhat in a hurry; but the fact is that the old
Dutchman who escorted me here thinks that the Zulus out there would like
to get hold of our party, to retain us as hostages till you deliver up a
runaway chief who has taken refuge here." He was unbuckling the girths
as he spoke, and now, with the saddle on his arm, was stepping into the
boat when he recognised Denis. "What, my dear fellow, is it you
yourself, safe and sound!" he exclaimed, as they warmly shook hands, "I
am delighted to see you. The messengers who came from this place told
us of your arrival; for until then we were in great anxiety about you
and Percy. How did you get here?"
"I'll tell you all about it as we pull across," answered Denis; "but we
have no time to lose. See, there come a whole party of Zulus scampering
towards us, and whether or not old Vermack was right in his conjectures,
I don't suppose that they are coming with any friendly intentions."
As he spoke, he and Rupert shoved off, the Boer and the Kaffirs, who did
not dismount, driving his horse before them across the river.
While Rupert and Denis pulled, Crawford sat in the sternsheets, more
than once turning his head to ascertain how near the Zulus had got. He
and his companions on horseback had distanced them so much that he and
Denis had time to exchange a few words.
"You gave us a tremendous fright, I can assure you, Denis," said
Crawford. "Hendricks sent in all directions to look for you; and when
the body of poor Gozo was found, it was feared that you had met with the
same fate. He was so dreadfully cut up, that I thought he would have
abandoned his expedition and gone back to Maritzburg."
"I am sorry to have caused the fine old boy so much trouble," answered
Denis. "He may be certain that it was very much against our wish, and I
know that I wouldn't again go through what we did for a good deal. But,
faith, those black fellows are getting mighty near; and if they happen
to have a musket or two among them, they may shoot one of us. Pull
away, Rupert!"
"You are right, Paddy," said Rupert. "Though I doubt if they have
firearms, I don't wish to run the chance."
They accordingly both gave way with a will. Instead of returning to the
place where the boat was usually kept, Rupert directed her upstream
until they came to a point where the moat communicated with the river.
Landing, they quickly towed her through the moat to the entrance, where
she could lie protected from an enemy. Here they found Captain
Broderick, who had risen on hearing that the Zulus had been seen moving
towards the river. After welcoming Crawford, whom he was prepared to
receive, as Percy had mentioned the invitation he had given him, he
eagerly asked what had become of Hendricks.
"He begged me to express his regret at not being able to pay you a
visit; for he has been so long detained during the search for your son
and Maloney, and by various other misadventures, that he is anxious to
push on northward without further delay," answered Crawford. "He has,
however, sent his chief hunter to escort back our Irish friend, who is
of course desirous of proceeding in search of his father."
"Had Hendricks known how anxious I am to see him and young Lionel, he
would have paid me his promised visit," exclaimed Captain Broderick. "I
would at once set off with Maloney, but I dare not leave the farm with
these Zulus in the neighbourhood, even could I get away without being
observed by them. I doubt, indeed, whether it will be safe for our
friend here and his guide, to set off while they remain; for if seen
leaving the farm, the Zulus will certainly endeavour to capture them,
and hold them hostages until I deliver up the fugitives who have sought
my protection; and that I am bound not to do."
Crawford expressed his delight at seeing Percy, who now came down from
the platform.
"We will tell you all about our adventures by-and-by; and I shall be
glad to hear yours," said Percy, as they cordially shook hands. "Come
in. I want to introduce you to my mother and sisters. I have been
talking to them about you, so that they will not look upon you as a
stranger."
Crawford was soon made at home. Mrs Broderick liked his looks, and the
young ladies thought him very agreeable.
In a short time, Rupert, who had taken Percy's place on the platform,
came down with the information that the Zulus, who had attempted to cut
off the horsemen, had retired to their camp. It was uncertain what
their intentions had been; but Captain Broderick believed that they were
hostile.
Crawford said that Hendricks intended to travel by slow stages, so as to
allow Denis and Umgolo quickly to overtake him. He was, indeed, unable
to move fast, as he had lost several of his oxen, and had not hitherto
replaced them, though he hoped to do so shortly. The Zulus had shown a
less friendly disposition than formerly, and this also made him anxious
to get out of their country as soon as possible.
The message from Hendricks to him much perplexed Denis. He wished to
accompany him in the search of his father; but he was unwilling to
desert his new friends at a time when they were placed in danger, and
required all the assistance to be obtained; besides which, he had become
attached to Percy, and was greatly interested in the whole family.
The young ladies he thought charming, superior to any he had ever met
before. His interest in the family was still further increased when the
Captain and Mrs Broderick begged him to give an account of the finding
of Lionel. Next to Hendricks, he was better able to do this than any
other person; and on their telling him that they had lost a child, whom
they had hitherto thought had been destroyed with his nurse, and who
would now be about the same age that Lionel was supposed to be, he
exclaimed, in his usual impulsive manner--
"Then I am ready to stake anything that Lionel is your son. He has the
same look and features as Miss Maud, more ruddy to be sure. Though I
never thought him much like Percy, he greatly resembles Rupert, and he
has often told me he remembers his mother, and the tall gentleman he
supposed to be his father, who there can be no doubt must be Captain
Broderick."
Captain and Mrs Broderick were as fully persuaded that Lionel was their
son, as Denis. How they longed to see him, and to thank Hendricks for
the care he had bestowed on the boy. Still there was the difficulty of
reaching him, and bringing him back in safety to the farm, should the
Zulus remain on the watch for Mangaleesu. Peace might be established at
once by delivering him up, but that was not to be thought of, neither
would Captain Broderick express any wish that he and his wife would quit
the farm, and relieve him from the responsibility of protecting them.
Percy offered to accompany Denis to bring back Lionel; but although he
had plenty of spirit, he was not strong enough to undertake the journey.
Rupert also begged that he might go, but it was a question whether
Hendricks, who was so greatly attached to Lionel, would deliver him up
without further proof that Captain Broderick had a right to him.
By making a wide circuit to the west, the Zulus, although they continued
on the watch, might be avoided; but the mountain would have to be twice
crossed before Hendricks could be reached, and it would be difficult to
find him. Crawford then offered to go; but being much knocked up by his
journey, he would be unable to start for a couple of days. On further
consideration, Captain Broderick came to the conclusion that the longer
route was not to be thought of, as there would be a great risk of
missing Hendricks altogether.
The day was already too far spent for any one to set off until the next
morning. Possibly by that time the Zulus, finding that the garrison had
been further increased, would consider that they had no chance of
success, and would take their departure. If so, Captain Broderick was
determined to set off himself with Denis and the two men he had before
despatched to look for Hendricks. A party of five, well-armed and
mounted, might travel without difficulty, and would, he hoped, soon
overtake the slow-moving waggon; while, although there would be only
four to return, Denis assured him that Lionel was worth any grown man.
Captain Broderick again sent out a couple of scouts to watch the enemy;
and should they move, to ascertain in what direction they went. They
returned after dark, saying that the Zulus were still encamped, and that
they had scouts out in all directions, evidently on the watch for
Mangaleesu, whom they probably supposed would try to make his escape.
This was a great disappointment. Though Captain Broderick knew that he
might easily evade them, they would certainly discover that he and his
party had left the farm, and might be tempted, on finding that its
garrison had been decreased, to attack it.