第6章

Oneday，ashehunted，apairofsavageeyesdiscoveredhimfromtheconcealmentofthebranchesofagreattreebeneathwhichtheblackwarriorpassed。

Bloodshot，wickedeyestheywere，setinafierceandhairyface。

TheywatchedMugambimakehislittlekillofasmallrodent，andtheyfollowedhimashereturnedtohishut，theirownermovingquietlythroughthetreesuponthetrailoftheNegro。

ThecreaturewasChulk，andhelookeddownupontheunconsciousmanmoreincuriositythaninhate。ThewearingoftheArabburnoosewhichTarzanhadplaceduponhispersonhadarousedinthemindoftheanthropoidadesireforsimilarmimicryoftheTarmangani。Theburnoose，though，hadobstructedhismovementsandprovensuchanuisancethattheapehadlongsincetornitfromhimandthrownitaway。

Now，however，hesawaGomanganiarrayedinlesscumbersomeapparel——aloincloth，afewcopperornamentsandafeatherheaddress。TheseweremoreinlinewithChulk’sdesiresthanaflowingrobewhichwasconstantlygettingbetweenone’slegs，andcatchinguponeverylimbandbushalongtheleafytrail。

Chulkeyedthepouch，which，suspendedoverMugambi’sshoulder，swungbesidehisblackhip。Thistookhisfancy，foritwasornamentedwithfeathersandafringe，andsotheapehungaboutMugambi’sboma，waitinganopportunitytoseizeeitherbystealthormightsomeobjectoftheblack’sapparel。

Norwasitlongbeforetheopportunitycame。Feelingsafewithinhisthornyenclosure，Mugambiwaswonttostretchhimselfintheshadeofhisshelterduringtheheatoftheday，andsleepinpeacefulsecurityuntilthedecliningsuncarriedwithittheenervatingtemperatureofmidday。

Watchingfromabove，Chulksawtheblackwarriorstretchedthusintheunconsciousnessofsleeponesultryafternoon。Creepingoutuponanoverhangingbranchtheanthropoiddroppedtothegroundwithintheboma。Heapproachedthesleeperuponpaddedfeetwhichgaveforthnosound，andwithanuncannywoodcraftthatrustlednotaleaforagrassblade。

Pausingbesidetheman，theapebentoverandexaminedhisbelongings。GreataswasthestrengthofChulktherelayinthebackofhislittlebrainasomethingwhichdeterredhimfromarousingthemantocombat——asensethatisinherentinallthelowerorders，astrangefearofman，thatruleseventhemostpowerfulofthejunglecreaturesattimes。

ToremoveMugambi’sloinclothwithoutawakeninghimwouldbeimpossible，andtheonlydetachablethingsweretheknob—stickandthepouch，whichhadfallenfromtheblack’sshoulderasherolledinsleep。

Seizingthesetwoarticles，asbetterthannothingatall，Chulkretreatedwithhaste，andeveryindicationofnervousterror，tothesafetyofthetreefromwhichhehaddropped，and，stillhauntedbythatindefinableterrorwhichthecloseproximityofmanawakenedinhisbreast，fledprecipitatelythroughthejungle。Arousedbyattack，orsupportedbythepresenceofanotherofhiskind，Chulkcouldhavebravedthepresenceofascoreofhumanbeings，butalone——ah，thatwasadifferentmatter——alone，andunenraged。

ItwassometimeafterMugambiawokethathemissedthepouch。Instantlyhewasallexcitement。Whatcouldhavebecomeofit？Ithadbeenathissidewhenhelaydowntosleep——ofthathewascertain，forhadhenotpusheditfrombeneathhimwhenitsbulgingbulk，pressingagainsthisribs，causedhimdiscomfort？Yes，ithadbeentherewhenhelaydowntosleep。Howthenhaditvanished？

Mugambi’ssavageimaginationwasfilledwithvisionsofthespiritsofdepartedfriendsandenemies，foronlytothemachinationsofsuchasthesecouldheattributethedisappearanceofhispouchandknob—stickinthefirstexcitementofthediscoveryoftheirloss；butlaterandmorecarefulinvestigation，suchashiswoodcraftmadepossible，revealedindisputableevidenceofamorematerialexplanationthanhisexcitedfancyandsuperstitionhadatfirstledhimtoaccept。

Inthetrampledturfbesidehimwasthefaintimpressofhuge，manlikefeet。Mugambiraisedhisbrowsasthetruthdawneduponhim。Hastilyleavingthebomahesearchedinalldirectionsabouttheenclosureforsomefarthersignofthetell—talespoor。Heclimbedtreesandsoughtforevidenceofthedirectionofthethief’sflight；butthefaintsignsleftbyawaryapewhoelectstotravelthroughthetreeseludedthewoodcraftofMugambi。Tarzanmighthavefollowedthem；butnoordinarymortalcouldperceivethem，orperceiving，translate。

Theblack，nowstrengthenedandrefreshedbyhisrest，feltreadytosetoutagainforWaziri，andfindinghimselfanotherknob—stick，turnedhisbackupontheriverandplungedintothemazesofthejungle。

AsTaglatstruggledwiththebondswhichsecuredtheanklesandwristsofhiscaptive，thegreatlionthateyedthetwofrombehindanearbyclumpofbusheswormedclosertohisintendedprey。

Theape’sbackwastowardthelion。Hedidnotseethebroadhead，fringedbyitsroughmane，protrudingthroughtheleafywall。Hecouldnotknowthatthepowerfulhindpawsweregatheringclosebeneaththetawnybellypreparatorytoasuddenspring，andhisfirstintimationofimpendingdangerwasthethunderousandtriumphantroarwhichthecharginglioncouldnolongersuppress。

Scarcepausingforabackwardglance，Taglatabandonedtheunconsciouswomanandfledintheoppositedirectionfromthehorridsoundwhichhadbrokeninsounexpectedandterrifyingamanneruponhisstartledears；butthewarninghadcometoolatetosavehim，andthelion，inhissecondbound，alightedfulluponthebroadshouldersoftheanthropoid。

Asthegreatbullwentdowntherewasawakenedinhimtothefullallthecunning，alltheferocity，allthephysicalprowesswhichobeythemightiestofthefundamentallawsofnature，thelawofself—preservation，andturninguponhisbackheclosedwiththecarnivoreinadeathstrugglesofearlessandabandoned，thatforamomentthegreatNumahimselfmayhavetrembledfortheoutcome。

Seizingthelionbythemane，Taglatburiedhisyellowedfangsdeepinthemonster’sthroat，growlinghideouslythroughthemuffledgagofbloodandhair。

Mixedwiththeape’svoicethelion’sroarsofrageandpainreverberatedthroughthejungle，tillthelessercreaturesofthewild，startledfromtheirpeacefulpursuits，scurriedfearfullyaway。

Rollingoverandoverupontheturfthetwobattledwithdemoniacfury，untilthecolossalcat，bydoublinghishindpawsfarupbeneathhisbellysankhistalonsdeepintoTaglat’schest，then，rippingdownwardwithallhisstrength，Numaaccomplishedhisdesign，andthedisemboweledanthropoid，withalastspasmodicstruggle，relaxedinlimpandbloodydissolutionbeneathhistitanicadversary。

Scramblingtohisfeet，Numalookedaboutquicklyinalldirections，asthoughseekingtodetectthepossiblepresenceofotherfoes；butonlythestillandunconsciousformofthegirl，lyingafewpacesfromhimmethisgaze，andwithanangrygrowlheplacedaforepawuponthebodyofhiskillandraisinghisheadgavevoicetohissavagevictorycry。

Foranothermomenthestoodwithfierceeyesrovingtoandfroabouttheclearing。Atlasttheyhaltedforasecondtimeuponthegirl。Alowgrowlrumbledfromthelion’sthroat。Hislowerjawroseandfell，andtheslaverdrooledanddrippeduponthedeadfaceofTaglat。

Liketwoyellow—greenaugurs，wideandunblinking，theterribleeyesremainedfixeduponJaneClayton。Theerectandmajesticposeofthegreatframeshranksuddenlyintoasinistercrouchas，slowlyandgentlyasonewhotreadsoneggs，thedevil—facedcatcreptforwardtowardthegirl。

BeneficentFatemaintainedherinhappyunconsciousnessofthedreadpresencesneakingstealthilyuponher。

Shedidnotknowwhenthelionpausedatherside。

Shedidnothearthesniffingofhisnostrilsashesmelledabouther。Shedidnotfeeltheheatofthefetidbreathuponherface，northedrippingofthesalivafromthefrightfuljawshalfopenedsocloseaboveher。

Finallythelionliftedaforepawandturnedthebodyofthegirlhalfover，thenhestoodagaineyeingherasthoughstillundeterminedwhetherlifewasextinctornot。Somenoiseorodorfromthenearbyjungleattractedhisattentionforamoment。HiseyesdidnotagainreturntoJaneClayton，andpresentlyhelefther，walkedovertotheremainsofTaglat，andcrouchingdownuponhiskillwithhisbacktowardthegirl，proceededtodevourtheape。

ItwasuponthisscenethatJaneClaytonatlastopenedhereyes。Inuredtodanger，shemaintainedherself—possessioninthefaceofthestartlingsurprisewhichhernew—foundconsciousnessrevealedtoher。Sheneithercriedoutnormovedamuscle，untilshehadtakenineverydetailofthescenewhichlaywithintherangeofhervision。

Shesawthatthelionhadkilledtheape，andthathewasdevouringhispreylessthanfiftyfeetfromwhereshelay；butwhatcouldshedo？Herhandsandfeetwerebound。Shemustwaitthen，inwhatpatienceshecouldcommand，untilNumahadeatenanddigestedtheape，when，withoutdoubt，hewouldreturntofeastuponher，unless，inthemeantime，thedreadhyenasshoulddiscoverher，orsomeotherofthenumerousprowlingcarnivoraofthejungle。

Asshelaytormentedbythesefrightfulthoughts，shesuddenlybecameconsciousthatthebondsatherwristsandanklesnolongerhurther，andthenofthefactthatherhandswereseparated，onelyinguponeithersideofher，insteadofbothbeingconfinedatherback。

Wonderinglyshemovedahand。Whatmiraclehadbeenperformed？Itwasnotbound！Stealthilyandnoiselesslyshemovedherotherlimbs，onlytodiscoverthatshewasfree。Shecouldnotknowhowthethinghadhappened，thatTaglat，gnawinguponthemforsinisterpurposesofhisown，hadcutthemthroughbutaninstantbeforeNumahadfrightenedhimfromhisvictim。

ForamomentJaneClaytonwasoverwhelmedwithjoyandthanksgiving；butonlyforamoment。Whatgoodwashernew—foundlibertyinthefaceofthefrightfulbeastcrouchingsoclosebesideher？Ifshecouldhavehadthischanceunderdifferentconditions，howhappilyshewouldhavetakenadvantageofit；butnowitwasgiventoherwhenescapewaspracticallyimpossible。

Thenearesttreewasahundredfeetaway，thelionlessthanfifty。Toriseandattempttoreachthesafetyofthosetantalizingbrancheswouldbebuttoinviteinstantdestruction，forNumawoulddoubtlessbetoojealousofthisfuturemealtopermitittoescapewithease。Andyet，too，therewasanotherpossibility——achancewhichhingedentirelyupontheunknowntemperofthegreatbeast。

Hisbellyalreadypartiallyfilled，hemightwatchwithindifferencethedepartureofthegirl；yetcouldsheaffordtochancesoimprobableacontingency？Shedoubtedit。Upontheotherhandshewasnomoremindedtoallowthisfrailopportunityforlifetoentirelyeludeherwithouttakingorattemptingtotakesomeadvantagefromit。

Shewatchedthelionnarrowly。Hecouldnotseeherwithoutturninghisheadmorethanhalfwayaround。Shewouldattemptaruse。Silentlysherolledoverinthedirectionofthenearesttree，andawayfromthelion，untilshelayagaininthesamepositioninwhichNumahadlefther，butafewfeetfartherfromhim。

Hereshelaybreathlesswatchingthelion；butthebeastgavenoindicationthathehadheardaughttoarousehissuspicions。Againsherolledover，gainingafewmorefeetandagainshelayinrigidcontemplationofthebeast’sback。

Duringwhatseemedhourstohertensenerves，JaneClaytoncontinuedthesetactics，andstillthelionfedoninapparentunconsciousnessthathissecondpreywasescapinghim。Alreadythegirlwasbutafewpacesfromthetree——amomentmoreandshewouldbecloseenoughtochancespringingtoherfeet，throwingcautionasideandmakingasudden，bolddashforsafety。Shewashalfwayoverinherturn，herfaceawayfromthelion，whenhesuddenlyturnedhisgreatheadandfastenedhiseyesuponher。Hesawherrolloveruponhersideawayfromhim，andthenhereyeswereturnedagaintowardhim，andthecoldsweatbrokefromthegirl’severyporeassherealizedthatwithlifealmostwithinhergrasp，deathhadfoundherout。

Foralongtimeneitherthegirlnorthelionmoved。

Thebeastlaymotionless，hisheadturneduponhisshouldersandhisglaringeyesfixedupontherigidvictim，nownearlyfiftyyardsaway。Thegirlstaredbackstraightintothosecruelorbs，daringnottomoveevenamuscle。

Thestrainuponhernerveswasbecomingsounbearablethatshecouldscarcelyrestrainagrowingdesiretoscream，whenNumadeliberatelyturnedbacktothebusinessoffeeding；buthisback—layedearsattestedasinisterregardfortheactionsofthegirlbehindhim。

Realizingthatshecouldnotagainturnwithoutattractinghisimmediateandperhapsfatalattention，JaneClaytonresolvedtoriskallinonelastattempttoreachthetreeandclambertothelowerbranches。

Gatheringherselfstealthilyfortheeffort，sheleapedsuddenlytoherfeet，butalmostsimultaneouslythelionsprangup，wheeledandwithwide—distendedjawsandterrificroars，chargedswiftlydownuponher。

ThosewhohavespentlifetimeshuntingthebiggameofAfricawilltellyouthatscarcelyanyothercreatureintheworldattainsthespeedofacharginglion。

Fortheshortdistancethatthegreatcatcanmaintainit，itresemblesnothingmorecloselythantheonrushingofagiantlocomotiveunderfullspeed，andso，thoughthedistancethatJaneClaytonmustcoverwasrelativelysmall，theterrificspeedofthelionrenderedherhopesofescapealmostnegligible。

Yetfearcanworkwonders，andthoughtheupwardspringofthelionashenearedthetreeintowhichshewasscramblingbroughthistalonsincontactwithherbootssheeludedhisrakinggrasp，andashehurtledagainsttheboleofhersanctuary，thegirldrewherselfintothesafetyofthebranchesabovehisreach。

Forsometimethelionpaced，growlingandmoaning，beneaththetreeinwhichJaneClaytoncrouched，pantingandtrembling。Thegirlwasapreytothenervousreactionfromthefrightfulordealthroughwhichshehadsorecentlypassed，andinheroverwroughtstateitseemedthatneveragainshouldshedaredescendtothegroundamongthefearsomedangerswhichinfestedthebroadstretchofjunglethatsheknewmustliebetweenherselfandthenearestvillageofherfaithfulWaziri。

Itwasalmostdarkbeforethelionfinallyquittheclearing，andevenhadhisplacebesidetheremnantsofthemangledapenotbeenimmediatelyusurpedbyapackofhyenas，JaneClaytonwouldscarcelyhavedaredventurefromherrefugeinthefaceofimpendingnight，andsoshecomposedherselfasbestshecouldforthelongandtiresomewait，untildaylightmightoffersomemeansofescapefromthedreadvicinityinwhichshehadwitnessedsuchterrifyingadventures。

Tirednatureatlastovercameevenherfears，andshedroppedintoadeepslumber，cradledinacomparativelysafe，thoughratheruncomfortable，positionagainsttheboleofthetree，andsupportedbytwolargebrancheswhichgrewoutward，almosthorizontally，butafewinchesapart。

Thesunwashighintheheavenswhensheatlastawoke，andbeneathherwasnosigneitherofNumaorthehyenas。Onlytheclean—pickedbonesoftheape，scatteredabouttheground，attestedthefactofwhathadtranspiredinthisseeminglypeacefulspotbutafewhoursbefore。

Bothhungerandthirstassailedhernow，andrealizingthatshemustdescendordieofstarvation，sheatlastsummonedcouragetoundertaketheordealofcontinuingherjourneythroughthejungle。

Descendingfromthetree，shesetoutinasoutherlydirection，towardthepointwhereshebelievedtheplainsofWazirilay，andthoughsheknewthatonlyruinanddesolationmarkedthespotwhereonceherhappyhomehadstood，shehopedthatbycomingtothebroadplainshemighteventuallyreachoneofthenumerousWazirivillagesthatwerescatteredoverthesurroundingcountry，orchanceuponarovingbandoftheseindefatigablehuntsmen。

Thedaywashalfspentwhentherebrokeunexpectedlyuponherstartledearsthesoundofarifleshotnotfaraheadofher。Asshepausedtolisten，thisfirstshotwasfollowedbyanotherandanotherandanother。

Whatcoulditmean？ThefirstexplanationwhichsprungtohermindattributedthefiringtoanencounterbetweentheArabraidersandapartyofWaziri；butasshedidnotknowuponwhichsidevictorymightrest，orwhethershewerebehindfriendorfoe，shedarednotadvanceneareronthechanceofrevealingherselftoanenemy。

Afterlisteningforseveralminutesshebecameconvincedthatnomorethantwoorthreerifleswereengagedinthefight，sincenothingapproximatingthesoundofavolleyreachedherears；butstillshehesitatedtoapproach，andatlast，determiningtotakenochance，sheclimbedintotheconcealingfoliageofatreebesidethetrailshehadbeenfollowingandtherefearfullyawaitedwhatevermightrevealitself。

Asthefiringbecamelessrapidshecaughtthesoundofmen’svoices，thoughshecoulddistinguishnowords，andatlastthereportsofthegunsceased，andsheheardtwomencallingtoeachotherinloudtones。

Thentherewasalongsilencewhichwasfinallybrokenbythestealthypaddingoffootfallsonthetrailaheadofher，andinanothermomentamanappearedinviewbackingtowardher，ariflereadyinhishands，andhiseyesdirectedincarefulwatchfulnessalongthewaythathehadcome。

AlmostinstantlyJaneClaytonrecognizedthemanasM。

JulesFrecoult，whosorecentlyhadbeenaguestinherhome。Shewasuponthepointofcallingtohimingladreliefwhenshesawhimleapquicklytoonesideandhidehimselfinthethickverdureatthetrail’sside。

Itwasevidentthathewasbeingfollowedbyanenemy，andsoJaneClaytonkeptsilent，lestshedistractFrecoult’sattention，orguidehisfoetohishidingplace。

ScarcelyhadFrecoulthiddenhimselfthanthefigureofawhite—robedArabcreptsilentlyalongthetrailinpursuit。Fromherhidingplace，JaneClaytoncouldseebothmenplainly。SherecognizedAchmetZekastheleaderofthebandofruffianswhohadraidedherhomeandmadeheraprisoner，andasshesawFrecoult，thesupposedfriendandally，raisehisgunandtakecarefulaimattheArab，herheartstoodstillandeverypowerofhersoulwasdirecteduponaferventprayerfortheaccuracyofhisaim。

AchmetZekpausedinthemiddleofthetrail。Hiskeeneyesscannedeverybushandtreewithintheradiusofhisvision。Histallfigurepresentedaperfecttargettotheperfidiousassassin。Therewasasharpreport，andalittlepuffofsmokearosefromthebushthathidtheBelgian，asAchmetZekstumbledforwardandpitched，facedown，uponthetrail。

AsWerpersteppedbackintothetrail，hewasstartledbythesoundofagladcryfromabovehim，andashewheeledabouttodiscovertheauthorofthisunexpectedinterruption，hesawJaneClaytondroplightlyfromanearbytreeandrunforwardwithoutstretchedhandstocongratulatehimuponhisvictory。

20

JaneClaytonAgainaPrisonerThoughherclothesweretornandherhairdisheveled，AlbertWerperrealizedthatheneverbeforehadlookeduponsuchavisionoflovelinessasthatwhichLadyGreystokepresentedinthereliefandjoywhichshefeltincomingsounexpectedlyuponafriendandrescuerwhenhopehadseemedsofaraway。

IftheBelgianhadentertainedanydoubtsastothewoman’sknowledgeofhispartintheperfidiousattackuponherhomeandherself，itwasquicklydissipatedbythegenuinefriendlinessofhergreeting。Shetoldhimquicklyofallthathadbefallenhersincehehaddepartedfromherhome，andasshespokeofthedeathofherhusbandhereyeswereveiledbythetearswhichshecouldnotrepress。

"Iamshocked，"saidWerper，inwell—simulatedsympathy；"butIamnotsurprised。Thatdevilthere，"

andhepointedtowardthebodyofAchmetZek，"hasterrorizedtheentirecountry。YourWaziriareeitherexterminated，orhavebeendrivenoutoftheircountry，fartothesouth。ThemenofAchmetZekoccupytheplainaboutyourformerhome——thereisneithersanctuarynorescapeinthatdirection。Ouronlyhopeliesintravelingnorthwardasrapidlyaswemay，ofcomingtothecampoftheraidersbeforetheknowledgeofAchmetZek’sdeathreachesthosewhowereleftthere，andofobtaining，throughsomeruse，anescorttowardthenorth。

"Ithinkthatthethingcanbeaccomplished，forIwasaguestoftheraider’sbeforeIknewthenatureoftheman，andthoseatthecamparenotawarethatIturnedagainsthimwhenIdiscoveredhisvillainy。

"Come！WewillmakeallpossiblehastetoreachthecampbeforethosewhoaccompaniedAchmetZekuponhislastraidhavefoundhisbodyandcarriedthenewsofhisdeathtothecut—throatswhoremainedbehind。Itisouronlyhope，LadyGreystoke，andyoumustplaceyourentirefaithinmeifIamtosucceed。WaitformehereamomentwhileItakefromtheArab’sbodythewalletthathestolefromme，"andWerpersteppedquicklytothedeadman’sside，and，kneeling，soughtwithquickfingersthepouchofjewels。Tohisconsternation，therewasnosignoftheminthegarmentsofAchmetZek。Rising，hewalkedbackalongthetrail，searchingforsometraceofthemissingpouchoritscontents；buthefoundnothing，eventhoughhesearchedcarefullythevicinityofhisdeadhorse，andforafewpacesintothejungleoneitherside。Puzzled，disappointedandangry，heatlastreturnedtothegirl。"Thewalletisgone，"heexplained，crisply，"andIdarenotdelaylongerinsearchofit。Wemustreachthecampbeforethereturningraiders。"

Unsuspiciousoftheman’struecharacter，JaneClaytonsawnothingpeculiarinhisplans，orinhisspeciousexplanationofhisformerfriendshipfortheraider，andsoshegraspedwithalacritytheseeminghopeforsafetywhichheprofferedher，andturningaboutshesetoutwithAlbertWerpertowardthehostilecampinwhichshesolatelyhadbeenaprisoner。

Itwaslateintheafternoonoftheseconddaybeforetheyreachedtheirdestination，andastheypausedupontheedgeoftheclearingbeforethegatesofthewalledvillage，Werpercautionedthegirltoaccedetowhateverhemightsuggestbyhisconversationwiththeraiders。

"Ishalltellthem，"hesaid，"thatIapprehendedyouafteryouescapedfromthecamp，thatItookyoutoAchmetZek，andthatashewasengagedinastubbornbattlewiththeWaziri，hedirectedmetoreturntocampwithyou，toobtainhereasufficientguard，andtoridenorthwithyouasrapidlyaspossibleanddisposeofyouatthemostadvantageoustermstoacertainslavebrokerwhosenamehegaveme。"

AgainthegirlwasdeceivedbytheapparentfranknessoftheBelgian。Sherealizedthatdesperatesituationsrequireddesperatehandling，andthoughshetrembledinwardlyatthethoughtofagainenteringthevileandhideousvillageoftheraidersshesawnobettercoursethanthatwhichhercompanionhadsuggested。

Callingaloudtothosewhotendedthegates，Werper，graspingJaneClaytonbythearm，walkedboldlyacrosstheclearing。Thosewhoopenedthegatestohimpermittedtheirsurprisetoshowclearlyintheirexpressions。Thatthediscreditedandhuntedlieutenantshouldbethusreturningfearlesslyofhisownvolition，seemedtodisarmthemquiteaseffectuallyashismannertowardLadyGreystokehaddeceivedher。

ThesentriesatthegatereturnedWerper’ssalutations，andviewedwithastonishmenttheprisonerwhomhebroughtintothevillagewithhim。

ImmediatelytheBelgiansoughttheArabwhohadbeenleftinchargeofthecampduringAchmetZek’sabsence，andagainhisboldnessdisarmedsuspicionandwontheacceptanceofhisfalseexplanationofhisreturn。

Thefactthathehadbroughtbackwithhimthewomanprisonerwhohadescaped，addedstrengthtohisclaims，andMohammedBeydsoonfoundhimselffraternizinggood—naturedlywiththeverymanwhomhewouldhaveslainwithoutcompunctionhadhediscoveredhimaloneinthejungleahalfhourbefore。

JaneClaytonwasagainconfinedtotheprisonhutshehadformerlyoccupied，butassherealizedthatthiswasbutapartofthedeceptionwhichsheandFrecoultwereplayinguponthecredulousraiders，itwaswithquiteadifferentsensationthatsheagainenteredthevileandfilthyinterior，fromthatwhichshehadpreviouslyexperienced，whenhopewassofaraway。

Oncemoreshewasboundandsentriesplacedbeforethedoorofherprison；butbeforeWerperleftherhewhisperedwordsofcheerintoherear。Thenheleft，andmadehiswaybacktothetentofMohammedBeyd。

HehadbeenwonderinghowlongitwouldbebeforetheraiderswhohadriddenoutwithAchmetZekwouldreturnwiththemurderedbodyoftheirchief，andthemorehethoughtuponthematterthegreaterhisfearsbecame，thatwithoutaccompliceshisplanwouldfail。

What，even，ifhegotawayfromthecampinsafetybeforeanyreturnedwiththetruestoryofhisguilt——

ofwhatvaluewouldthisadvantagebeotherthantoprotractforafewdayshismentaltortureandhislife？Thesehardriders，familiarwitheverytrailandbypath，wouldgethimlongbeforehecouldhopetoreachthecoast。

AsthesethoughtspassedthroughhismindheenteredthetentwhereMohammedBeydsatcross—leggeduponarug，smoking。TheArablookedupastheEuropeancameintohispresence。

"Greetings，OBrother！"hesaid。

"Greetings！"repliedWerper。

Forawhileneitherspokefurther。TheArabwasthefirsttobreakthesilence。

"Andmymaster，AchmetZek，waswellwhenlastyousawhim？"heasked。

"Neverwashesaferfromthesinsanddangersofmortality，"repliedtheBelgian。

"Itiswell，"saidMohammedBeyd，blowingalittlepuffofbluesmokestraightoutbeforehim。

Againtherewassilenceforseveralminutes。

"Andifheweredead？"askedtheBelgian，determinedtoleaduptothetruth，andattempttobribeMohammedBeydintohisservice。

TheArab’seyesnarrowedandheleanedforward，hisgazeboringstraightintotheeyesoftheBelgian。

"Ihavebeenthinkingmuch，Werper，sinceyoureturnedsounexpectedlytothecampofthemanwhomyouhaddeceived，andwhosoughtyouwithdeathinhisheart。

IhavebeenwithAchmetZekformanyyears——hisownmotherneverknewhimsowellasI。Heneverforgives——

muchlesswouldheagaintrustamanwhohadoncebetrayedhim；thatIknow。

"Ihavethoughtmuch，asIsaid，andtheresultofmythinkinghasassuredmethatAchmetZekisdead——forotherwiseyouwouldneverhavedaredreturntohiscamp，unlessyoubeeitherabravermanorabiggerfoolthanIhaveimagined。And，ifthisevidenceofmyjudgmentisnotsufficient，Ihavebutjustnowreceivedfromyourownlipsevenmoreconfirmatorywitness——fordidyounotsaythatAchmetZekwasnevermoresafefromthesinsanddangersofmortality？

"AchmetZekisdead——youneednotdenyit。Iwasnothismother，orhismistress，sodonotfearthatmywailingsshalldisturbyou。Tellmewhyyouhavecomebackhere。Tellmewhatyouwant，and，Werper，ifyoustillpossessthejewelsofwhichAchmetZektoldme，thereisnoreasonwhyyouandIshouldnotridenorthtogetheranddividetheransomofthewhitewomanandthecontentsofthepouchyouwearaboutyourperson。Eh？"

Theevileyesnarrowed，avicious，thin—lippedsmiletorturedthevillainousface，asMohammedBeydgrinnedknowinglyintothefaceoftheBelgian。

WerperwasbothrelievedanddisturbedbytheArab’sattitude。ThecomplacencywithwhichheacceptedthedeathofhischiefliftedaconsiderableburdenofapprehensionfromtheshouldersofAchmetZek’sassassin；buthisdemandforashareofthejewelsbodedillforWerperwhenMohammedBeydshouldhavelearnedthatthepreciousstoneswerenolongerintheBelgian’spossession。

ToacknowledgethathehadlostthejewelsmightbetoarousethewrathorsuspicionoftheArabtosuchanextentaswouldjeopardizehisnew—foundchancesofescape。Hisonehopeseemed，then，tolieinfosteringMohammedBeyd’sbeliefthatthejewelswerestillinhispossession，anddependupontheaccidentsofthefuturetoopenanavenueofescape。

CouldhecontrivetotentwiththeArabuponthemarchnorth，hemightfindopportunityinplentytoremovethismenacetohislifeandliberty——itwasworthtrying，and，further，thereseemednootherwayoutofhisdifficulty。

"Yes，"hesaid，"AchmetZekisdead。HefellinbattlewithacompanyofAbyssiniancavalrythatheldmecaptive。DuringthefightingIescaped；butIdoubtifanyofAchmetZek’smenlive，andthegoldtheysoughtisinthepossessionoftheAbyssinians。Evennowtheyaredoubtlessmarchingonthiscamp，fortheyweresentbyMenelektopunishAchmetZekandhisfollowersforaraiduponanAbyssinianvillage。Therearemanyofthem，andifwedonotmakehastetoescapeweshallallsufferthesamefateasAchmetZek。"

MohammedBeydlistenedinsilence。Howmuchoftheunbeliever’sstoryhemightsafelybelievehedidnotknow；butasitaffordedhimanexcusefordesertingthevillageandmakingforthenorthhewasnotinclinedtocross—questiontheBelgiantoominutely。

"AndifIridenorthwithyou，"heasked，"halfthejewelsandhalftheransomofthewomanshallbemine？"

"Yes，"repliedWerper。

"Good，"saidMohammedBeyd。"Igonowtogivetheorderforthebreakingofcampearlyonthemorrow，"

andherosetoleavethetent。

Werperlaidadetaininghanduponhisarm。

"Wait，"hesaid，"letusdeterminehowmanyshallaccompanyus。Itisnotwellthatwebeburdenedbythewomenandchildren，forthenindeedwemightbeovertakenbytheAbyssinians。Itwouldbefarbettertoselectasmallguardofyourbravestmen，andleavewordbehindthatweareridingWEST。Then，whentheAbyssinianscometheywillbeputuponthewrongtrailshouldtheyhaveitintheirheartstopursueus，andiftheydonottheywillatleastridenorthwithlessrapiditythanasthoughtheythoughtthatwewereaheadofthem。"

"Theserpentislesswisethanthou，Werper，"saidMohammedBeydwithasmile。"Itshallbedoneasyousay。Twentymenshallaccompanyus，andweshallrideWEST——whenweleavethevillage。"

"Good，"criedtheBelgian，andsoitwasarranged。

EarlythenextmorningJaneClayton，afteranalmostsleeplessnight，wasarousedbythesoundofvoicesoutsideherprison，andamomentlater，M。Frecoult，andtwoArabsentered。Thelatterunboundheranklesandliftedhertoherfeet。Thenherwristswereloosed，shewasgivenahandfulofdrybread，andledoutintothefaintlightofdawn。

ShelookedquestioninglyatFrecoult，andatamomentthattheArab’sattentionwasattractedinanotherdirectionthemanleanedtowardherandwhisperedthatallwasworkingoutashehadplanned。Thusassured，theyoungwomanfeltarenewalofthehopewhichthelongandmiserablenightofbondagehadalmostexpunged。

Shortlyafter，shewasliftedtothebackofahorse，andsurroundedbyArabs，wasescortedthroughthegatewayofthevillageandoffintothejungletowardthewest。Halfanhourlaterthepartyturnednorth，andnortherlywastheirdirectionforthebalanceofthemarch。

M。Frecoultspokewithherbutseldom，andsheunderstoodthatincarryingouthisdeceptionhemustmaintainthesemblanceofhercaptor，ratherthanprotector，andsoshesuspectednothingthoughshesawthefriendlyrelationswhichseemedtoexistbetweentheEuropeanandtheArableaderoftheband。

IfWerpersucceededinkeepinghimselffromconversationwiththeyoungwoman，hefailedsignallytoexpelherfromhisthoughts。Ahundredtimesadayhefoundhiseyeswanderinginherdirectionandfeastingthemselvesuponhercharmsoffaceandfigure。

Eachhourhisinfatuationforhergrew，untilhisdesiretopossesshergainedalmosttheproportionsofmadness。

IfeitherthegirlorMohammedBeydcouldhaveguessedwhatpassedinthemindofthemanwhicheachthoughtafriendandally，theapparentharmonyofthelittlecompanywouldhavebeenrudelydisturbed。

WerperhadnotsucceededinarrangingtotentwithMohammedBeyd，andsoherevolvedmanyplansfortheassassinationoftheArabthatwouldhavebeengreatlysimplifiedhadhebeenpermittedtosharetheother’snightlyshelter。

UpontheseconddayoutMohammedBeydreinedhishorsetothesideoftheanimalonwhichthecaptivewasmounted。Itwas，apparently，thefirstnoticewhichtheArabhadtakenofthegirl；butmanytimesduringthesetwodayshadhiscunningeyespeeredgreedilyfrombeneaththehoodofhisburnoosetogloatuponthebeautiesoftheprisoner。

Norwasthishiddeninfatuationofanyrecentorigin。

HehadconceiveditwhenfirstthewifeoftheEnglishmanhadfallenintothehandsofAchmetZek；butwhilethatausterechieftainlived，MohammedBeydhadnotevendaredhopeforarealizationofhisimaginings。

Now，though，itwasdifferent——onlyadespiseddogofaChristianstoodbetweenhimselfandpossessionofthegirl。Howeasyitwouldbetoslaytheunbeliever，andtakeuntohimselfboththewomanandthejewels！Withthelatterinhispossession，theransomwhichmightbeobtainedforthecaptivewouldformnogreatinducementtoherrelinquishmentinthefaceofthepleasuresofsoleownershipofher。Yes，hewouldkillWerper，retainallthejewelsandkeeptheEnglishwoman。

Heturnedhiseyesuponherassherodealongathisside。Howbeautifulshewas！Hisfingersopenedandclosed——skinny，browntalonsitchingtofeelthesoftfleshofthevictimintheirremorselessclutch。

"Doyouknow，"heaskedleaningtowardher，"wherethismanwouldtakeyou？"

JaneClaytonnoddedaffirmatively。

"Andyouarewillingtobecometheplaythingofablacksultan？"

Thegirldrewherselfuptoherfullheight，andturnedherheadaway；butshedidnotreply。ShefearedlestherknowledgeoftherusethatM。FrecoultwasplayingupontheArabmightcausehertobetrayherselfthroughaninsufficientdisplayofterrorandaversion。

"Youcanescapethisfate，"continuedtheArab；

"MohammedBeydwillsaveyou，"andhereachedoutabrownhandandseizedthefingersofherrighthandinagraspsosuddenandsofiercethatthisbrutalpassionwasrevealedasclearlyintheactasthoughhislipshadconfesseditinwords。JaneClaytonwrenchedherselffromhisgrasp。

"Youbeast！"shecried。"LeavemeorIshallcallM。

Frecoult。"

MohammedBeyddrewbackwithascowl。Histhin，upperlipcurledupward，revealinghissmooth，whiteteeth。

"M。Frecoult？"hejeered。"Thereisnosuchperson。

Theman’snameisWerper。Heisaliar，athief，andamurderer。HekilledhiscaptainintheCongocountryandfledtotheprotectionofAchmetZek。HeledAchmetZektotheplunderofyourhome。Hefollowedyourhusband，andplannedtostealhisgoldfromhim。

Hehastoldmethatyouthinkhimyourprotector，andhehasplayeduponthistowinyourconfidencethatitmightbeeasiertocarryyounorthandsellyouintosomeblacksultan’sharem。MohammedBeydisyouronlyhope，"andwiththisassertiontoprovidethecaptivewithfoodforthought，theArabspurredforwardtowardtheheadofthecolumn。

JaneClaytoncouldnotknowhowmuchofMohammedBeyd’sindictmentmightbetrue，orhowmuchfalse；butatleastithadtheeffectofdampeningherhopesandcausinghertoreviewwithsuspicioneverypastactofthemanuponwhomshehadbeenlookingashersoleprotectorinthemidstofaworldofenemiesanddangers。

Onthemarchaseparatetenthadbeenprovidedforthecaptive，andatnightitwaspitchedbetweenthoseofMohammedBeydandWerper。Asentrywaspostedatthefrontandanotherattheback，andwiththeseprecautionsithadnotbeenthoughtnecessarytoconfinetheprisonertobonds。TheeveningfollowingherinterviewwithMohammedBeyd，JaneClaytonsatforsometimeattheopeningofhertentwatchingtheroughactivitiesofthecamp。ShehadeatenthemealthathadbeenbroughtherbyMohammedBeyd’sNegroslave——amealofcassavacakesandanondescriptstewinwhichanew—killedmonkey，acoupleofsquirrelsandtheremainsofazebra，slainthepreviousday，wereimpartiallyandunsavorilycombined；buttheone—timeBaltimorebellehadlongsincesubmergedinthesternbattleforexistence，anestheticismwhichformerlyrevoltedatmuchslighterprovocation。

Asthegirl’seyeswanderedacrossthetrampledjungleclearing，alreadysqualidfromthepresenceofman，shenolongerapprehendedeitherthenearerobjectsoftheforeground，theuncouthmenlaughingorquarrelingamongthemselves，orthejunglebeyond，whichcircumscribedtheextremerangeofhermaterialvision。

Hergazepassedthroughallthese，unseeing，tocenteritselfuponadistantbungalowandscenesofhappysecuritywhichbroughttohereyestearsofmingledjoyandsorrow。Shesawatall，broad—shoulderedmanridinginfromdistantfields；shesawherselfwaitingtogreethimwithanarmfuloffresh—cutrosesfromthebusheswhichflankedthelittlerusticgatebeforeher。

Allthiswasgone，vanishedintothepast，wipedoutbythetorchesandbulletsandhatredofthesehideousanddegeneratemen。Withastifledsob，andalittleshudder，JaneClaytonturnedbackintohertentandsoughtthepileofuncleanblanketswhichwereherbed。

Throwingherselffacedownwarduponthemshesobbedforthhermiseryuntilkindlysleepbroughther，atleasttemporary，relief。

Andwhileshesleptafigurestolefromthetentthatstoodtotherightofhers。Itapproachedthesentrybeforethedoorwayandwhisperedafewwordsintheman’sear。Thelatternodded，andstrodeoffthroughthedarknessinthedirectionofhisownblankets。

ThefigurepassedtotherearofJaneClayton’stentandspokeagaintothesentrythere，andthismanalsoleft，followinginthetrailofthefirst。

Thenhewhohadsentthemawaystolesilentlytothetentflapanduntyingthefasteningsenteredwiththenoiselessnessofadisembodiedspirit。

21

TheFlighttotheJungleSleeplessuponhisblankets，AlbertWerperlethisevilminddwelluponthecharmsofthewomaninthenearbytent。HehadnotedMohammedBeyd’ssuddeninterestinthegirl，andjudgingthemanbyhisownstandards，hadguessedatthebasisoftheArab’ssuddenchangeofattitudetowardtheprisoner。

AndashelethisimaginingsrunriottheyarousedwithinhimabestialjealousyofMohammedBeyd，andagreatfearthattheothermightencompasshisbasedesignsuponthedefenselessgirl。Byastrangeprocessofreasoning，Werper，whosedesignswereidenticalwiththeArab’s，picturedhimselfasJaneClayton’sprotector，andpresentlyconvincedhimselfthattheattentionswhichmightseemhideoustoherifprofferedbyMohammedBeyd，wouldbewelcomedfromAlbertWerper。

Herhusbandwasdead，andWerperfanciedthathecouldreplaceinthegirl’sheartthepositionwhichhadbeenvacatedbytheactofthegrimreaper。HecouldofferJaneClaytonmarriage——athingwhichMohammedBeydwouldnotoffer，andwhichthegirlwouldspurnfromhimwithasdeepdisgustasshewouldhisunholylust。

ItwasnotlongbeforetheBelgianhadsucceededinconvincinghimselfthatthecaptivenotonlyhadeveryreasonforhavingconceivedsentimentsofloveforhim；

butthatshehadbyvariousfemininemethodsacknowledgedhernew—bornaffection。

Andthenasuddenresolutionpossessedhim。Hethrewtheblanketsfromhimandrosetohisfeet。Pullingonhisbootsandbucklinghiscartridgebeltandrevolverabouthishipshesteppedtotheflapofhistentandlookedout。Therewasnosentrybeforetheentrancetotheprisoner’stent！Whatcoulditmean？Fatewasindeedplayingintohishands。

Steppingoutsidehepassedtotherearofthegirl’stent。Therewasnosentrythere，either！Andnow，boldly，hewalkedtotheentranceandsteppedwithin。

Dimlythemoonlightilluminedtheinterior。Acrossthetentafigurebentabovetheblanketsofabed。Therewasawhisperedword，andanotherfigurerosefromtheblanketstoasittingposition。SlowlyAlbertWerper’seyeswerebecomingaccustomedtothehalfdarknessofthetent。Hesawthatthefigureleaningoverthebedwasthatofaman，andheguessedatthetruthofthenocturnalvisitor’sidentity。

Asullen，jealousrageenvelopedhim。Hetookastepinthedirectionofthetwo。Heheardafrightenedcrybreakfromthegirl’slipsassherecognizedthefeaturesofthemanaboveher，andhesawMohammedBeydseizeherbythethroatandbearherbackupontheblankets。

CheatedpassioncastaredblurbeforetheeyesoftheBelgian。No！Themanshouldnothaveher。Shewasforhimandhimalone。Hewouldnotberobbedofhisrights。

QuicklyheranacrossthetentandthrewhimselfuponthebackofMohammedBeyd。Thelatter，thoughsurprisedbythissuddenandunexpectedattack，wasnotonetogiveupwithoutabattle。TheBelgian’sfingerswerefeelingforhisthroat，buttheArabtorethemaway，andrisingwheeleduponhisadversary。AstheyfacedeachotherWerperstrucktheArabaheavyblowintheface，sendinghimstaggeringbackward。IfhehadfolloweduphisadvantagehewouldhavehadMohammedBeydathismercyinanothermoment；butinsteadhetuggedathisrevolvertodrawitfromitsholster，andFateordainedthatatthatparticularmomenttheweaponshouldstickinitsleatherscabbard。

Beforehecoulddisengageit，MohammedBeydhadrecoveredhimselfandwasdashinguponhim。AgainWerperstrucktheotherintheface，andtheArabreturnedtheblow。Strikingateachotherandceaselesslyattemptingtoclinch，thetwobattledaboutthesmallinteriorofthetent，whilethegirl，wide—eyedinterrorandastonishment，watchedtheduelinfrozensilence。

AgainandagainWerperstruggledtodrawhisweapon。

MohammedBeyd，anticipatingnosuchoppositiontohisbasedesires，hadcometothetentunarmed，exceptforalongknifewhichhenowdrewashestoodpantingduringthefirstbriefrestoftheencounter。

"DogofaChristian，"hewhispered，"lookuponthisknifeinthehandsofMohammedBeyd！Lookwell，unbeliever，foritisthelastthinginlifethatyoushallseeorfeel。WithitMohammedBeydwillcutoutyourblackheart。IfyouhaveaGodpraytohimnow——

inaminutemoreyoushallbedead，"andwiththatherushedviciouslyupontheBelgian，hiskniferaisedhighabovehishead。

Werperwasstilldraggingfutilelyathisweapon。TheArabwasalmostuponhim。IndesperationtheEuropeanwaiteduntilMohammedBeydwasallbutagainsthim，thenhethrewhimselftoonesidetothefloorofthetent，leavingalegextendedinthepathoftheArab。

Thetricksucceeded。MohammedBeyd，carriedonbythemomentumofhischarge，stumbledovertheprojectingobstacleandcrashedtotheground。Instantlyhewasupagainandwheelingtorenewthebattle；butWerperwasonfootaheadofhim，andnowhisrevolver，loosenedfromitsholster，flashedinhishand。

TheArabdoveheadfirsttograpplewithhim，therewasasharpreport，aluridgleamofflameinthedarkness，andMohammedBeydrolledoverandoveruponthefloortocometoafinalrestbesidethebedofthewomanhehadsoughttodishonor。

Almostimmediatelyfollowingthereportcamethesoundofexcitedvoicesinthecampwithout。Menwerecallingbackandforthtooneanotheraskingthemeaningoftheshot。Werpercouldhearthemrunninghitherandthither，investigating。

JaneClaytonhadrisentoherfeetastheArabdied，andnowshecameforwardwithoutstretchedhandstowardWerper。

"HowcanIeverthankyou，myfriend？"sheasked。

"AndtothinkthatonlytodayIhadalmostbelievedtheinfamousstorywhichthisbeasttoldmeofyourperfidyandofyourpast。Forgiveme，M。Frecoult。Imighthaveknownthatawhitemanandagentlemancouldbenaughtelsethantheprotectorofawomanofhisownraceamidthedangersofthissavageland。"

Werper’shandsdroppedlimplyathissides。Hestoodlookingatthegirl；buthecouldfindnowordstoreplytoher。Herinnocentarraignmentofhistruepurposeswasunanswerable。

Outside，theArabsweresearchingfortheauthorofthedisturbingshot。ThetwosentrieswhohadbeenrelievedandsenttotheirblanketsbyMohammedBeydwerethefirsttosuggestgoingtothetentoftheprisoner。Itoccurredtothemthatpossiblythewomanhadsuccessfullydefendedherselfagainsttheirleader。

Werperheardthemenapproaching。TobeapprehendedastheslayerofMohammedBeydwouldbeequivalenttoasentenceofimmediatedeath。ThefierceandbrutalraiderswouldteartopiecesaChristianwhohaddaredspillthebloodoftheirleader。HemustfindsomeexcusetodelaythefindingofMohammedBeyd’sdeadbody。

Returninghisrevolvertoitsholster，hewalkedquicklytotheentranceofthetent。Partingtheflapshesteppedoutandconfrontedthemen，whowererapidlyapproaching。Somehowhefoundwithinhimthenecessarybravadotoforceasmiletohislips，ashehelduphishandtobartheirfartherprogress。

"Thewomanresisted，"hesaid，"andMohammedBeydwasforcedtoshoother。Sheisnotdead——onlyslightlywounded。Youmaygobacktoyourblankets。MohammedBeydandIwilllookaftertheprisoner；"thenheturnedandre—enteredthetent，andtheraiders，satisfiedbythisexplanation，gladlyreturnedtotheirbrokenslumbers。

AsheagainfacedJaneClayton，Werperfoundhimselfanimatedbyquitedifferentintentionsthanthosewhichhadluredhimfromhisblanketsbutafewminutesbefore。TheexcitementofhisencounterwithMohammedBeyd，aswellasthedangerswhichhenowfacedatthehandsoftheraiderswhenmorningmustinevitablyrevealthetruthofwhathadoccurredinthetentoftheprisonerthatnight，hadnaturallycooledthehotpassionwhichhaddominatedhimwhenheenteredthetent。

Butanotherandstrongerforcewasexertingitselfinthegirl’sfavor。Howeverlowamanmaysink，honorandchivalry，hasheeverpossessedthem，areneverentirelyeradicatedfromhischaracter，andthoughAlbertWerperhadlongsinceceasedtoevidencetheslightestclaimtoeithertheoneortheother，thespontaneousacknowledgmentofthemwhichthegirl’sspeechhadpresumedhadreawakenedthembothwithinhim。

Forthefirsttimeherealizedthealmosthopelessandfrightfulpositionofthefaircaptive，andthedepthsofignominytowhichhehadsunk，thathadmadeitpossibleforhim，awell—born，Europeangentleman，tohaveentertainedevenforamomentthepartthathehadtakenintheruinofherhome，happiness，andherself。

Toomuchofbasenessalreadylayatthethresholdofhisconscienceforhimevertohopeentirelytoredeemhimself；butinthefirst，suddenburstofcontritionthemanconceivedanhonestintentiontoundo，insofaraslaywithinhispower，theevilthathiscriminalavaricehadbroughtuponthissweetandunoffendingwoman。

Ashestoodapparentlylisteningtotheretreatingfootsteps——JaneClaytonapproachedhim。

"Whatarewetodonow？"sheasked。"Morningwillbringdiscoveryofthis，"andshepointedtothestillbodyofMohammedBeyd。"Theywillkillyouwhentheyfindhim。"

ForatimeWerperdidnotreply，thenheturnedsuddenlytowardthewoman。

"Ihaveaplan，"hecried。"Itwillrequirenerveandcourageonyourpart；butyouhavealreadyshownthatyoupossessboth。Canyouendurestillmore？"

"Icanendureanything，"sherepliedwithabravesmile，"thatmayofferusevenaslightchanceforescape。"

"Youmustsimulatedeath，"heexplained，"whileIcarryyoufromthecamp。IwillexplaintothesentriesthatMohammedBeydhasorderedmetotakeyourbodyintothejungle。ThisseeminglyunnecessaryactIshallexplainuponthegroundsthatMohammedBeydhadconceivedaviolentpassionforyouandthathesoregrettedtheactbywhichhehadbecomeyourslayerthathecouldnotendurethesilentreproachofyourlifelessbody。"

Thegirlheldupherhandtostop。Asmiletouchedherlips。

"Areyouquitemad？"sheasked。"Doyouimaginethatthesentrieswillcreditanysuchridiculoustale？"

"Youdonotknowthem，"hereplied。"Beneaththeirroughexteriors，despitetheircallousedandcriminalnatures，thereexistsineachawell—definedstrainofromanticemotionalism——youwillfinditamongsuchasthesethroughouttheworld。Itisromancewhichluresmentoleadwildlivesofoutlawryandcrime。Therusewillsucceed——neverfear。"

JaneClaytonshrugged。"Wecanbuttryit——andthenwhat？"

"Ishallhideyouinthejungle，"continuedtheBelgian，"comingforyoualoneandwithtwohorsesinthemorning。"

"ButhowwillyouexplainMohammedBeyd’sdeath？"sheasked。"Itwillbediscoveredbeforeeveryoucanescapethecampinthemorning。"

"Ishallnotexplainit，"repliedWerper。"MohammedBeydshallexplainithimself——wemustleavethattohim。Areyoureadyfortheventure？"

"Yes。"

"Butwait，Imustgetyouaweaponandammunition，"

andWerperwalkedquicklyfromthetent。

Veryshortlyhereturnedwithanextrarevolverandammunitionbeltstrappedabouthiswaist。

"Areyouready？"heasked。

"Quiteready，"repliedthegirl。

"Thencomeandthrowyourselflimplyacrossmyleftshoulder，"andWerperknelttoreceiveher。

"There，"hesaid，asherosetohisfeet。"Now，letyourarms，yourlegsandyourheadhanglimply。

Rememberthatyouaredead。"

Amomentlaterthemanwalkedoutintothecamp，thebodyofthewomanacrosshisshoulder。

Athornbomahadbeenthrownupaboutthecamp，todiscouragethebolderofthehungrycarnivora。A

coupleofsentriespacedtoandfrointhelightofafirewhichtheykeptburningbrightly。TheneareroftheselookedupinsurpriseashesawWerperapproaching。

"Whoareyou？"hecried。"Whathaveyouthere？"

Werperraisedthehoodofhisburnoosethatthefellowmightseehisface。

"Thisisthebodyofthewoman，"heexplained。

"MohammedBeydhasaskedmetotakeitintothejungle，forhecannotbeartolookuponthefaceofherwhomheloved，andwhomnecessitycompelledhimtoslay。Hesuffersgreatly——heisinconsolable。ItwaswithdifficultythatIpreventedhimtakinghisownlife。"

Acrossthespeaker’sshoulder，limpandfrightened，thegirlwaitedfortheArab’sreply。Hewouldlaughatthispreposterousstory；ofthatshewassure。InaninstanthewouldunmaskthedeceptionthatM。Frecoultwasattemptingtopracticeuponhim，andtheywouldbothbelost。Shetriedtoplanhowbestshemightaidherwould—berescuerinthefightwhichmustmostcertainlyfollowwithinamomentortwo。

ThensheheardthevoiceoftheArabasherepliedtoM。Frecoult。

"Areyougoingalone，ordoyouwishmetoawakensomeonetoaccompanyyou？"heasked，andhistonedenotednottheleastsurprisethatMohammedBeydhadsuddenlydiscoveredsuchremarkablysensitivecharacteristics。

"Ishallgoalone，"repliedWerper，andhepassedonandoutthroughthenarrowopeningintheboma，bywhichthesentrystood。

Amomentlaterhehadenteredamongthebolesofthetreeswithhisburden，andwhensafelyhiddenfromthesentry’sviewloweredthegirltoherfeet，withalow，"sh—sh，"whenshewouldhavespoken。

Thenheledheralittlefartherintotheforest，haltedbeneathalargetreewithspreadingbranches，buckledacartridgebeltandrevolveraboutherwaist，andassistedhertoclamberintothelowerbranches。

"Tomorrow，"hewhispered，"assoonasIcaneludethem，Iwillreturnforyou。Bebrave，LadyGreystoke——wemayyetescape。"

"Thankyou，"sherepliedinalowtone。"Youhavebeenverykind，andverybrave。"

Werperdidnotreply，andthedarknessofthenighthidthescarletflushofshamewhichsweptupwardacrosshisface。Quicklyheturnedandmadehiswaybacktocamp。Thesentry，fromhispost，sawhimenterhisowntent；buthedidnotseehimcrawlunderthecanvasattherearandsneakcautiouslytothetentwhichtheprisonerhadoccupied，wherenowlaythedeadbodyofMohammedBeyd。

Raisingtheloweredgeoftherearwall，Werpercreptwithinandapproachedthecorpse。Withoutaninstant’shesitationheseizedthedeadwristsanddraggedthebodyuponitsbacktothepointwherehehadjustentered。Onhandsandkneeshebackedoutashehadcomein，drawingthecorpseafterhim。OnceoutsidetheBelgiancrepttothesideofthetentandsurveyedasmuchofthecampaslaywithinhisvision——noonewaswatching。

Returningtothebody，heliftedittohisshoulder，andriskingallonaquicksally，ranswiftlyacrossthenarrowopeningwhichseparatedtheprisoner’stentfromthatofthedeadman。Behindthesilkenwallhehaltedandloweredhisburdentotheground，andthereheremainedmotionlessforseveralminutes，listening。