Mouti"-- which, being interpreted, means Medicine--she added, addressing the Kafir in Zulu--"help Captain Niel on to his horse.

Be careful that the saddle does not twist round; the girths may be loose." Thus adjured, John, with the help of the Zulu, clambered into his saddle, an example that the lady quickly followed, and they set off once more through the gathering darkness.

Presently he became aware that they were passing up a drive bordered by tall blue gums, and next minute the barking of a large dog, which he afterwards knew by the name of Stomp, and the sudden appearance of lighted windows told him that they had reached the house.

At the door--or rather, opposite to it, for there was a verandah in front--they halted and got off their horses.

As they dismounted there came a shout of welcome from the house, and presently in the doorway, showing out clearly against the light, appeared a striking and, in its way, a most pleasant figure.