For she knew him at last--dead or living she cared not--she knew him,
and out of hell crept to him, her heaven and her home!
XXIII
BENITA GIVES HER ANSWER
"Your answer, Benita," Robert said dreamily, for to him this thing
seemed a dream.
"Have I not given it, months ago? Oh, I remember, it was only in my
heart, not on my lips, when that blow fell on me! Then afterwards I
heard what you had done and I nearly died. I wished that I might die
to be with you, but I could not. I was too strong; now I understand the
reason. Well, it seems that we are both living, and whatever happens,
here is my answer, if it is worth anything to you. Once and for all,
I love you. I am not ashamed to say it, because very soon we may be
separated for the last time. But I cannot talk now, I have come here to
save my father."
"Where is he, Benita?"
"Dying in a cave up at the top of that fortress. I got down by a secret
way. Are the Matabele still here?"
"Very much so," he answered. "But something has happened. My guard woke
me an hour ago to say that a messenger had arrived from their king,
Lobengula, and now they are talking over the message. That is how you
came to get through, otherwise the sentries would have assegaied you,
the brutes," and he drew her to him and kissed her passionately for the
first time; then, as though ashamed of himself, let her go.
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