Between Snow and Fire — page 66: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

CHAPTER XI. - “THE TAIL WAGS THE DOG.” Eustace had plenty to occupy his thoughts during his — homeward ride. The emphatic warning of the Gaika chief was not to be set aside lightly. That Ncandtiku knew more than he chose to say was evident. He had spoken out very plainly for one of his race, who dearly love veiled hints and beating around the bush. Still there was more behind. Especially did the chief's perturbation when Eanswyth was referred to strike him as ominous to the last degree. Even in war time there are few instances of Kafirs seri- ously maltreating white women, and Eanswyth was well liked by such of her dusky neighbours as she had come in contact with. Yet in the present case so thoroughly hated was her husband that it was conceivable they might even strike at him through her. Why had Carhayes not fallen in with the armed party instead of himself, thought Eustace bitterly. That would have cut the knot of the difficulty in a trices. They would not have spared him so readily. They were Gcalékas, Hlangani’s tribesmen. Hlangani’s wound would have been avenged, and Eanswyth would by this time be free. Very fair and peaceful was the aspect of the farm asthe last rise brought it full into the horseman’s view. ‘The bleating of sheep, mellowed by distance, as the flocks streamed forth white upon the green of the ve/d¢, and the lowing of cattle, floated upon the rich morning air—together with the sound of voices and laughter from the picturesque group of native huts where the farm servants dwelt. Doves cooed softly, flitting among the sprays of mimosa fringing the mealie lands; and upon the surface of the dam there was a shimmer of silver light. All seemed peaceful—happy—prosperous ; yet over all brooded the red cloud of war. Eustace felt his pulses quicken and his heart stir as he strained his eyes upon the house, to catch maybe the flutter 58 Gomilicboo cS (Elo)