The brutes, acting under the direction of that woman-monkey, Hendrika, had dragged them away to some secret den, there to keep them till they died--or kill them! For a moment I literally staggered beneath the terror of the shock.

Then I roused myself from my despair.

I bade the native run and alarm the people at the kraals, telling them to come armed, and bring me guns and ammunition.

He went like the wind, and I turned to follow the spoor.

For a few yards it was plain enough--Stella had been dragged along.