“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.