"I return when it is needful. Fear not, I think that I shall return, but I say to the King and to all of you: Be careful when I come that there is no blood between me and you, lest great evil fall upon your heads from Heaven. I have spoken. Good fortune go with you till we meet again."
The indunas looked at each other, then rose and departed humbly as they had entered.
* * * * * An hour later, surrounded by the impi, and followed by Richard, Rachel was on the Tugela road. At the crest of a hill she pulled rein and looked back at the great kraal, Umgugundhlovu. Then she beckoned Richard to her side and said: "I think that before long I shall see that hateful place again."
"Why?" he asked.
"Because of the way in which those indunas looked at each other just now. There was some evil secret in their eyes. Richard, I am afraid."