They were still exclaiming over the handsome beast when Zitu and Sihkulumi and another hunter came running up. How relieved her father was to see Nomusa!
When he heard what had happened, Zitu looked at Zabala and Damasi proudly.
“You have done well,” the chief said. “No man could have done better.”
Nomusa looked timidly at her father. “I am sorry, my father. My carelessness has caused you much trouble.”
Zitu nodded. “Some of the fault was yours,” he agreed. “But I am to blame, too. In my eagerness to return home I did not look for you as I should have. Come,” Zitu added gently. “We shall stop for the night when we reach the others. It is too late to go on.”
He directed the men to tie the leopard’s legs to their spears and carry him back to the camp.
“The beast is yours,” her father said to Nomusa. “You may do what you want with him.”
Nomusa’s heart was so full of joy and relief that she forgot her weariness. How wonderful to be free to walk again! And her father was not angry with her. Surely no girl ever had so much to be thankful for.
