V.—SAVED FROM THE MATABELES.
(Continued from page [195].)
I looked at Umkopo in astonishment. What did he mean by that, die? Did he think that by his presence with us we should gain so much in strength that we should now beat off the enemy?
Umkopo laughed again. 'You shall see,' he said'; I am the White Witch; that which I say will be obeyed.'
manner of Umkopo, though his words sounded no better than conceited nonsense.
'Do you mean to go among them?' I asked; 'I warn you, Umkopo, it is a dangerous thing to do. They may kill you.'
'Kill me—these children?' he said, with scorn; 'you shall see.'
He strode straight away, with these words, towards the Matabele hosts.
'Stop, Umkopo,' I cried after him; 'you are unarmed—take a rifle, at least, or a pistol.'
'Give me a pistol,' said he, stopping a moment to think; 'a lion may show his teeth when a hyena yelps, that is no shame.'