AswerantowardDelcarte，bothTaylorandIwerestruckbythefactthatthebeastuponhimappearednottobemaulinghim，butlayquietandmotionlessuponitsprey，andwhenwewerequiteclose，andthemuzzlesofourgunswereattheanimal’shead，Isawtheexplanationofthissuddencessationofhostilities——Felistigriswasdead。
Oneofourbullets，oroneofthelastthatDelcartefired，hadpenetratedtheheart，andthebeasthaddiedevenasitsprawledforwardcrushingDelcartetotheground。
Amomentlater，withourassistance，themanhadscrambledfrombeneaththecarcassofhiswould-beslayer，withoutascratchtoindicatehowclosetodeathhehadbeen。
Delcarte’sbuoyancewasentirelyunruffled。Hecamefromunderthetigerwithabroadgrinonhishandsomeface，norcouldIperceivethatamuscletrembledorthathisvoiceshowedtheleastindicationofnervousnessorexcitement。
Withtheterminationoftheadventure，webegantospeculateupontheexplanationofthepresenceofthissavagebruteatlargesogreatadistancefromitsnativehabitat。MyreadingshadtaughtmethatitwaspracticallyunknownoutsideofAsia，andthat，solateasthetwentiethcentury，atleast，therehadbeennosavagebeastsoutsidecaptivityinEngland。
Aswetalked，Sniderjoinedus，andIreturnedhisrifletohim。TaylorandDelcartepickeduptheslaindeer，andweallstarteddowntowardthelaunch，walkingslowly。
Delcartewantedtofetchthetiger’sskin，butIhadtodenyhimpermission，sincewehadnomeanstoproperlycureit。
Uponthebeach，weskinnedthedeerandcutawayasmuchmeataswethoughtwecoulddisposeof，andaswewereagainembarkingtocontinueuptheriverforfreshwaterandfuel，wewerestartledbyaseriesofscreamsfromthebushesashortdistanceaway。
\"AnotherFelistigris，\"saidTaylor。
\"Oradozenofthem，\"supplementedDelcarte，and，evenashespoke，thereleapedintosight，oneafteranother，eightofthebeasts，fullgrown——magnificentspecimens。
Atthesightofus，theycamechargingdownlikeinfuriateddemons。Isawthatthreerifleswouldbenomatchforthem，andsoIgavethewordtoputoutfromshore，hopingthatthe\"tiger，\"astheancientscalledhim，couldnotswim。
Sureenough，theyallhaltedatthebeach，pacingbackandforth，utteringfiendishcries，andglaringatusinthemostmalevolentmanner。
Aswemotoredaway，wepresentlyheardthecallsofsimilaranimalsfarinland。Theyseemedtobeansweringthecriesoftheirfellowsatthewater’sedge，andfromthewidedistributionandgreatvolumeofthesoundwecametotheconclusionthatenormousnumbersofthesebeastsmustroamtheadjacentcountry。
\"Theyhaveeatenuptheinhabitants，\"murmuredSnider，shuddering。
\"Iimagineyouareright，\"Iagreed，\"fortheirextremeboldnessandfearlessnessinthepresenceofmanwouldsuggesteitherthatmanisentirelyunknowntothem，orthattheyareextremelyfamiliarwithhimastheirnaturalandmosteasilyprocuredprey。\"
\"Butwheredidtheycomefrom？\"askedDelcarte。\"CouldtheyhavetraveledherefromAsia？\"
Ishookmyhead。Thethingwasapuzzletome。IknewthatitwaspracticallybeyondreasontoimaginethattigershadcrossedthemountainrangesandriversandallthegreatcontinentofEuropetotravelthisfarfromtheirnativelairs，andentirelyimpossiblethattheyshouldhavecrossedtheEnglishChannelatall。Yetheretheywere，andingreatnumbers。
WecontinueduptheTamarseveralmiles，filledourcasks，andthenlandedtocooksomeofourdeersteak，andhavethefirstsquaremealthathadfallentoourlotsincetheColdwaterdesertedus。ButscarcehadwebuiltourfireandpreparedthemeatforcookingthanSnider，whoseeyeshadbeenconstantlyrovingaboutthelandscapefromthemomentthatweleftthelaunch，touchedmeonthearmandpointedtoaclumpofbusheswhichgrewacoupleofhundredyardsaway。
HalfconcealedbehindtheirscreeningfoliageIsawtheyellowandblackofabigtiger，and，asIlooked，thebeaststalkedmajesticallytowardus。Amomentlater，hewasfollowedbyanotherandanother，anditisneedlesstostatethatwebeatahastyretreattothelaunch。
ThecountrywasapparentlyinfestedbythesehugeCarnivora，forafterthreeotherattemptstolandandcookourfoodwewereforcedtoabandontheideaentirely，aseachtimeweweredrivenoffbyhuntingtigers。
Itwasalsoequallyimpossibletoobtainthenecessaryingredientsforourchemicalfuel，and，aswehadverylittleleftaboard，wedeterminedtostepourfoldingmastandproceedundersail，hoardingourfuelsupplyforuseinemergencies。
ImaysaythatitwaswithnoregretthatwebidadieutoTigerland，aswerechristenedtheancientDevon，and，beatingoutintotheChannel，turnedthelaunch’snosesoutheast，toroundBoltHeadandcontinueupthecoasttowardtheStraitofDoverandtheNorthSea。
IwasdeterminedtoreachLondonassoonaspossible，thatwemightobtainfreshclothing，meetwithculturedpeople，andlearnfromthelipsofEnglishmenthesecretsofthetwocenturiessincetheEasthadbeendivorcedfromtheWest。
OurfirststoppingplacewastheIsleofWight。WeenteredtheSolentaboutteno’clockonemorning，andImustconfessthatmyheartsankaswecameclosetoshore。Nolighthousewasvisible，thoughonewasplainlyindicateduponmymap。
Uponneithershorewassignofhumanhabitation。Weskirtedthenorthernshoreoftheislandinfruitlesssearchforman，andthenatlastlandeduponaneasternpoint，whereNewportshouldhavestood，butwhereonlyweedsandgreattreesandtangledwildwoodrioted，andnotasinglemanmadethingwasvisibletotheeye。
Beforelanding，Ihadthemensubstitutesoftbulletsforthesteel-jacketedprojectileswithwhichtheirbeltsandmagazineswerefilled。Thusequipped，wefeltuponmoreeventermswiththetigers，buttherewasnosignofthetigers，andIdecidedthattheymustbeconfinedtothemainland。
Aftereating，wesetoutinsearchoffuel，leavingTaylortoguardthelaunch。ForsomereasonIcouldnottrustSnideralone。IknewthathelookedwithdisapprovaluponmyplantovisitEngland，andIdidnotknowbutwhatathisfirstopportunity，hemightdesertus，takingthelaunchwithhim，andattempttoreturntoPan-America。
Thathewouldbefoolenoughtoventureit，Ididnotdoubt。
Wehadgoneinlandforamileormore，andwerepassingthroughapark-likewood，whenwecamesuddenlyuponthefirsthumanbeingswehadseensincewesightedtheEnglishcoast。
Therewereascoreofmenintheparty。Hairy，half-nakedmentheywere，restingintheshadeofagreattree。Atthefirstsightofustheysprangtotheirfeetwithwildyells，seizinglongspearsthathadlainbesidethemastheyrested。
Foramatteroffiftyyardstheyranfromusasrapidlyastheycould，andthentheyturnedandsurveyedusforamoment。Evidentlyemboldenedbythescarcityofournumbers，theycommencedtoadvanceuponus，brandishingtheirspearsandshoutinghorribly。
Theywereshortandmuscularofbuild，withlonghairandbeardstangledandmattedwithfilth。Theirheads，however，wereshapely，andtheireyes，thoughfierceandwarlike，wereintelligent。
Appreciationofthesephysicalattributescamelater，ofcourse，whenIhadbetteropportunitytostudythemenatcloserangeandundercircumstanceslessfraughtwithdangerandexcitement。AtthemomentIsaw，andwithunmixedwonder，onlyascoreofwildsavageschargingdownuponus，whereIhadexpectedtofindacommunityofcivilizedandenlightenedpeople。
Eachofuswasarmedwithrifle，revolver，andcutlass，butaswestoodshouldertoshoulderfacingthewildmenIwasloathtogivethecommandtofireuponthem，inflictingdeathorsufferinguponstrangerswithwhomwehadnoquarrel，andsoIattemptedtorestrainthemforthemomentthatwemightparleywiththem。
TothisendIraisedmylefthandabovemyheadwiththepalmtowardthemasthemostnaturalgestureindicativeofpeacefulintentionswhichoccurredtome。AtthesametimeIcalledaloudtothemthatwewerefriends，though，fromtheirappearance，therewasnothingtoindicatethattheymightunderstandPan-American，orancientEnglish，whichareofcoursepracticallyidentical。
Atmygestureandwordstheyceasedtheirshoutingandcametoahaltafewpacesfromus。Then，indeeptones，onewhowasinadvanceoftheothersandwhomItooktobethechieforleaderofthepartyrepliedinatonguewhichwhileintelligibletous，wassodistortedfromtheEnglishlanguagefromwhichitevidentlyhadsprung，thatitwaswithdifficultythatweinterpretedit。
\"Whoareyou，\"heasked，\"andfromwhatcountry？\"
ItoldhimthatwewerefromPan-America，butheonlyshookhisheadandaskedwherethatwas。Hehadneverheardofit，oroftheAtlanticOceanwhichItoldhimseparatedhiscountryfrommine。
\"Ithasbeentwohundredyears，\"Itoldhim，\"sinceaPan-
AmericanvisitedEngland。\"
\"England？\"heasked。\"WhatisEngland？\"
\"WhythisisapartofEngland！\"Iexclaimed。
\"ThisisGrubitten，\"heassuredme。\"IknownothingaboutEngland，andIhavelivedhereallmylife。\"
ItwasnotuntillongafterthatthederivationofGrubittenoccurredtome。UnquestionablyitisacorruptionofGreatBritain，anameformerlygiventothelargeislandcomprisingEngland，ScotlandandWales。SubsequentlywehearditpronouncedGrabrittinandGrubritten。
IthenaskedthefellowifhecoulddirectustoRydeorNewport;butagainheshookhishead，andsaidthatheneverhadheardofsuchcountries。AndwhenIaskedhimiftherewereanycitiesinthiscountryhedidnotknowwhatI
meant，neverhavingheardthewordcities。
IexplainedmymeaningasbestIcouldbystatingthatbycityIreferredtoaplacewheremanypeoplelivedtogetherinhouses。
\"Oh，\"heexclaimed，\"youmeanacamp！Yes，therearetwogreatcampshere，EastCampandWestCamp。WearefromEastCamp。\"
Theuseofthewordcamptodescribeacollectionofhabitationsnaturallysuggestedwartome，andmynextquestionwasastowhetherthewarwasover，andwhohadbeenvictorious。
\"No，\"herepliedtothisquestion。\"Thewarisnotyetover。Butitsoonwillbe，anditwillend，asitalwaysdoes，withtheWestendersrunningaway。We，theEastenders，arealwaysvictorious。\"
\"No，\"Isaid，seeingthathereferredtothepettytribalwarsofhislittleisland，\"ImeantheGreatWar，thewarwithGermany。Isitended——andwhowasvictorious？\"
Heshookhisheadimpatiently。
\"Ineverheard，\"hesaid，\"ofanyofthesestrangecountriesofwhichyouspeak。\"
Itseemedincredible，andyetitwastrue。ThesepeoplelivingattheveryseatoftheGreatWarknewnothingofit，thoughbuttwocenturieshadpassedsince，toourknowledge，ithadbeenrunningintheheightofitstitanicfrightfulnessallaboutthem，andtousuponthefarsideoftheAtlanticstillwasasubjectofkeeninterest。
HerewasalifelonginhabitantoftheIsleofWightwhoneverhadheardofeitherGermanyorEngland！Iturnedtohimquitesuddenlywithanewquestion。
\"Whatpeopleliveuponthemainland？\"Iasked，andpointedinthedirectionoftheHantscoast。
\"Noonelivesthere，\"hereplied。
\"Longago，itissaid，mypeopledweltacrossthewatersuponthatotherland;butthewildbeastsdevouredtheminsuchnumbersthatfinallytheyweredrivenhere，paddlingacrossuponlogsanddriftwood，norhasanydaredreturnsince，becauseofthefrightfulcreatureswhichdwellinthathorridcountry。\"
\"Donootherpeoplesevercometoyourcountryinships？\"I
asked。
Heneverheardthewordshipbefore，anddidnotknowitsmeaning。ButheassuredmethatuntilwecamehehadthoughtthattherewerenootherpeoplesintheworldotherthantheGrubittens，whoconsistoftheEastendersandtheWestendersoftheancientIsleofWight。
Assuredthatwewereinclinedtofriendliness，ournewacquaintancesledustotheirvillage，or，astheycallit，camp。Therewefoundathousandpeople，perhaps，dwellinginrudeshelters，andlivinguponthefruitsofthechaseandsuchseafoodasisobtainableclosetoshore，fortheyhadnoboats，noranyknowledgeofsuchthings。
Theirweaponsweremostprimitive，consistingofrudespearstippedwithpiecesofmetalpoundedroughlyintoshape。
Theyhadnoliterature，noreligion，andrecognizednolawotherthanthelawofmight。Theyproducedfirebystrikingabitofflintandsteeltogether，butforthemostparttheyatetheirfoodraw。Marriageisunknownamongthem，andwhiletheyhavetheword，mother，theydidnotknowwhatImeantby\"father。\"Themalesfightforthefavorofthefemales。Theypracticeinfanticide，andkilltheagedandphysicallyunfit。
Thefamilyconsistsofthemotherandthechildren，themendwellingsometimesinonehutandsometimesinanother。
Owingtotheirbloodyduels，theyarealwaysnumericallyinferiortothewomen，sothereisshelterforthemall。
Wespentseveralhoursinthevillage，wherewewereobjectsofthegreatestcuriosity。Theinhabitantsexaminedourclothingandallourbelongings，andaskedinnumerablequestionsconcerningthestrangecountryfromwhichwehadcomeandthemannerofourcoming。
Iquestionedmanyofthemconcerningpasthistoricalevents，buttheyknewnothingbeyondthenarrowlimitsoftheirislandandthesavage，primitivelifetheyledthere。
Londontheyhadneverheardof，andtheyassuredmethatI
wouldfindnohumanbeingsuponthemainland。
MuchsaddenedbywhatIhadseen，Itookmydeparturefromthem，andthethreeofusmadeourwaybacktothelaunch，accompaniedbyaboutfivehundredmen，women，girls，andboys。
Aswesailedaway，afterprocuringthenecessaryingredientsofourchemicalfuel，theGrubittenslinedtheshoreinsilentwonderatthestrangesightofourdaintycraftdancingoverthesparklingwaters，andwatchedusuntilwewerelosttotheirsight。
4
ItwasduringthemorningofJuly6，2137，thatweenteredthemouthoftheThames——tothebestofmyknowledgethefirstWesternkeeltocutthosehistoricwatersfortwohundredandtwenty-oneyears！
Butwherewerethetugsandthelightersandthebarges，thelightshipsandthebuoys，andallthosecountlessattributeswhichwenttomakeupthemyriadlifeoftheancientThames？
Gone！Allgone！Onlysilenceanddesolationreignedwhereoncethecommerceoftheworldhadcentered。
Icouldnothelpbutcomparethisoncegreatwater-waywiththewatersaboutourNewYork，orRio，orSanDiego，orValparaiso。Theyhadbecomewhattheyaretodayduringthetwocenturiesoftheprofoundpeacewhichweofthenavyhavebeenpronetodeplore。Andwhat，duringthissameperiod，hadshornthewatersoftheThamesoftheirpristinegrandeur？
MilitaristthatIam，Icouldfindbutasinglewordofexplanation——war！
Ibowedmyheadandturnedmyeyesdownwardfromthelonelyanddepressingsight，andinasilencewhichnoneofusseemedwillingtobreak，weproceededupthedesertedriver。
Wehadreachedapointwhich，frommymap，IimaginedmusthavebeenabouttheformersiteofErith，whenIdiscoveredasmallbandofantelopeashortdistanceinland。Aswewerenowentirelyoutofmeatoncemore，andasIhadgivenupallexpectationsoffindingacityuponthesiteofancientLondon，Ideterminedtolandandbagacoupleoftheanimals。
Assuredthattheywouldbetimidandeasilyfrightened，I
decidedtostalkthemalone，tellingthementowaitattheboatuntilIcalledtothemtocomeandcarrythecarcassesbacktotheshore。
Crawlingcarefullythroughthevegetation，makinguseofsuchtreesandbushesasaffordedshelter，Icameatlastalmostwithineasyrangeofmyquarry，whentheantleredheadofthebuckwentsuddenlyintotheair，andthen，asthoughinaccordancewithaprearrangedsignal，thewholebandmovedslowlyoff，fartherinland。
Astheirpacewasleisurely，IdeterminedtofollowthemuntilIcameagainwithinrange，asIwassurethattheywouldstopandfeedinashorttime。
Theymusthaveledmeamileormoreatleastbeforetheyagainhaltedandcommencedtobrowseupontherank，luxuriantgrasses。AllthetimethatIhadfollowedthemI
hadkeptbotheyesandearsalertforsignorsoundthatwouldindicatethepresenceofFelistigris;butsofarnottheslightestindicationofthebeasthadbeenapparent。
AsIcreptclosertotheantelope，surethistimeofagoodshotatalargebuck，Isuddenlysawsomethingthatcausedmetoforgetallaboutmypreyinwonderment。
Itwasthefigureofanimmensegrey-blackcreature，rearingitscolossalshoulderstwelveorfourteenfeetabovetheground。NeverinmylifehadIseensuchabeast，nordidI
atfirstrecognizeit，sodifferentinappearanceistheliverealityfromthestuffed，unnaturalspecimenspreservedtousinourmuseums。
ButpresentlyIguessedtheidentityofthemightycreatureasElephasafricanus，or，astheancientscommonlydescribedit，Africanelephant。
Theantelope，althoughinplainviewofthehugebeast，paidnottheslightestattentiontoit，andIwassowrappedupinwatchingthemightypachydermthatIquiteforgottoshootatthebuckandpresently，andinquiteastartlingmanner，itbecameimpossibletodoso。
Theelephantwasbrowsingupontheyoungandtendershootsofsomelowbushes，wavinghisgreatearsandswitchinghisshorttail。Theantelope，scarcetwentypacesfromhim，continuedtheirfeeding，whensuddenly，fromclosebesidethelatter，therecameamostterrifyingroar，andIsawagreat，tawnybodyshoot，fromtheconcealingverdurebeyondtheantelope，fulluponthebackofasmallbuck。
Instantlythescenechangedfromoneofquietandpeacetoindescribablechaos。Thestartledandterrifiedbuckutteredcriesofagony。Hisfellowsbrokeandleapedoffinalldirections。Theelephantraisedhistrunk，and，trumpetingloudly，lumberedoffthroughthewood，crushingdownsmalltreesandtramplingbushesinhismadflight。
Growlinghorribly，ahugelionstoodacrossthebodyofhisprey——suchacreatureasnoPan-Americanofthetwenty-
secondcenturyhadeverbehelduntilmyeyesresteduponthislordlyspecimenof\"thekingofbeasts。\"Butwhatadifferentcreaturewasthisfierce-eyeddemon，palpitatingwithlifeandvigor，glossyofcoat，alert，growling，magnificent，fromthedingy，moth-eatenreplicasbeneaththeirglasscasesinthestuffyhallsofourpublicmuseums。
Ihadneverhopedorexpectedtoseealivinglion，tiger，orelephant——usingthecommontermsthatwerefamiliartotheancients，sincetheyseemtomelessunwieldythanthosenowingeneraluseamongus——andsoitwaswithsentimentsnotunmixedwithawethatIstoodgazingatthisregalbeastas，abovethecarcassofhiskill，heroaredouthischallengetotheworld。
SoenthralledwasIbythespectaclethatIquiteforgotmyself，andthebettertoviewhim，thegreatlion，Ihadrisentomyfeetandstood，notfiftypacesfromhim，infullview。
Foramomenthedidnotseeme，hisattentionbeingdirectedtowardtheretreatingelephant，andIhadampletimetofeastmyeyesuponhissplendidproportions，hisgreathead，andhisthickblackmane。
Ah，whatthoughtspassedthroughmymindinthosebriefmomentsasIstoodthereinraptfascination！Ihadcometofindawondrouscivilization，andinsteadIfoundawild-
beastmonarchoftherealmwhereEnglishkingshadruled。A
lionreigned，undisturbed，withinafewmilesoftheseatofoneofthegreatestgovernmentstheworldhaseverknown，hisdomainahowlingwilderness，whereyesterdayfelltheshadowsofthelargestcityintheworld。
Itwasappalling;butmyreflectionsuponthisdepressingsubjectweredoomedtosuddenextinction。Thelionhaddiscoveredme。
Foraninstanthestoodsilentandmotionlessasoneofthemangyeffigiesathome，butonlyforaninstant。Then，withamostferociousroar，andwithouttheslightesthesitancyorwarning，hechargeduponme。
Heforsookthepreyalreadydeadbeneathhimforthepleasuresofthedelectabletidbit，man。FromtheremorselessnesswithwhichthegreatCarnivoraofmodernEnglandhuntedman，Iamconstrainedtobelievethat，whatevertheirappetitesintimespast，theyhavecultivatedagruesometasteforhumanflesh。
AsIthrewmyrifletomyshoulder，IthankedGod，theancientGodofmyancestors，thatIhadreplacedthehard-
jacketedbulletsinmyweaponwithsoft-nosedprojectiles，forthoughthiswasmyfirstexperiencewithFelisleo，I
knewthemomentthatIfacedthatchargethatevenmywonderfullyperfectedfirearmwouldbeasfutileasapeashooterunlessIchancedtoplacemyfirstbulletinavitalspot。
Unlessyouhadseenityoucouldnotbelievecrediblethespeedofacharginglion。Apparentlytheanimalisnotbuiltforspeed，norcanhemaintainitforlong。Butforamatteroffortyorfiftyyardsthereis，Ibelieve，noanimalonearththatcanovertakehim。
Likeaboltheboredownuponme，but，fortunatelyforme，I
didnotlosemyhead。Iguessedthatnobulletwouldkillhiminstantly。IdoubtedthatIcouldpiercehisskull。
Therewashope，though，infindinghisheartthroughhisexposedchest，or，betteryet，ofbreakinghisshoulderorforeleg，andbringinghimuplongenoughtopumpmorebulletsintohimandfinishhim。
Icoveredhisleftshoulderandpulledthetriggerashewasalmostuponme。Itstoppedhim。Withaterrifichowlofpainandrage，thebruterolledoverandoveruponthegroundalmosttomyfeet。AshecameIpumpedtwomorebulletsintohim，andashestruggledtorise，clawingviciouslyatme，Iputabulletinhisspine。
Thatfinishedhim，andIamfreetoadmitthatIwasmightygladofit。Therewasagreattreeclosebehindme，and，steppingwithinitsshade，Ileanedagainstit，wipingtheperspirationfrommyface，forthedaywashot，andtheexertionandexcitementleftmeexhausted。
Istoodthere，resting，foramoment，preparatorytoturningandretracingmystepstothelaunch，when，withoutwarning，somethingwhizzedthroughspacestraighttowardme。Therewasadullthudofimpactasitstruckthetree，andasI
dodgedtoonesideandturnedtolookatthethingIsawaheavyspearimbeddedinthewoodnotthreeinchesfromwheremyheadhadbeen。
Thethinghadcomefromalittletoonesideofme，and，withoutwaitingtoinvestigateattheinstant，Ileapedbehindthetree，and，circlingit，peeredaroundtheothersidetogetasightofmywould-bemurderer。
ThistimeIwaspittedagainstmen——thespeartoldmethatalltooplainly——butsolongastheydidn’ttakemeunawaresorfrombehindIhadlittlefearofthem。
CautiouslyIedgedaboutthefarsideofthetreesuntilI
couldobtainaviewofthespotfromwhichthespearmusthavecome，andwhenIdidIsawtheheadofamanjustemergingfrombehindabush。
ThefellowwasquitesimilarintypetothoseIhadseenupontheIsleofWight。Hewashairyandunkempt，andashefinallysteppedintoviewIsawthathewasgarbedinthesameprimitivefashion。
Hestoodforamomentgazingaboutinsearchofme，andthenheadvanced。Ashedidsoanumberofothers，preciselylikehim，steppedfromtheconcealingverdureofnearbybushesandfollowedinhiswake。Keepingthetreesbetweenthemandme，IranbackashortdistanceuntilIfoundaclumpofunderbrushthatwouldeffectuallyconcealme，forI
wishedtodiscoverthestrengthofthepartyanditsarmamentbeforeattemptingtoparleywithit。
Theuselessdestructionofanyofthesepoorcreatureswasthefarthestideafrommymind。Ishouldhavelikedtohavespokenwiththem，butIdidnotcaretoriskhavingtousemyhigh-poweredrifleuponthemotherthaninthelastextremity。
Onceinmynewplaceofconcealment，Iwatchedthemastheyapproachedthetree。Therewereaboutthirtymeninthepartyandonewoman——agirlwhosehandsseemedtobeboundbehindherandwhowasbeingpulledalongbytwoofthemen。
Theycameforwardwarily，peeringcautiouslyintoeverybushandhaltingoften。Atthebodyofthelion，theypaused，andIcouldseefromtheirgesticulationsandthehigherpitchoftheirvoicesthattheyweremuchexcitedovermykill。
Butpresentlytheyresumedtheirsearchforme，andastheyadvancedIbecamesuddenlyawareoftheunnecessarybrutalitywithwhichthegirl’sguardsweretreatingher。
Shestumbledonce，notfarfrommyplaceofconcealment，andafterthebalanceofthepartyhadpassedme。Asshedidsooneofthemenathersidejerkedherroughlytoherfeetandstruckheracrossthemouthwithhisfist。
Instantlymybloodboiled，andforgettingeveryconsiderationofcaution，Ileapedfrommyconcealment，and，springingtotheman’sside，felledhimwithablow。
Sounexpectedhadbeenmyactthatitfoundhimandhisfellowunprepared;butinstantlythelatterdrewtheknifethatprotrudedfromhisbeltandlungedviciouslyatme，atthesametimegivingvoicetoawildcryofalarm。
Thegirlshrankbackatsightofme，hereyeswideinastonishment，andthenmyantagonistwasuponme。Iparriedhisfirstblowwithmyforearm，atthesametimedeliveringapowerfulblowtohisjawthatsenthimreelingback;buthewasatmeagaininaninstant，thoughinthebriefinterimIhadtimetodrawmyrevolver。
Isawhiscompanioncrawlingslowlytohisfeet，andtheothersofthepartyracingdownuponme。Therewasnotimetoarguenow，otherthanwiththeweaponswewore，andso，asthefellowlungedatmeagainwiththewicked-lookingknife，Icoveredhisheartandpulledthetrigger。
Withoutasound，heslippedtotheearth，andthenIturnedtheweaponupontheotherguard，whowasnowabouttoattackme。He，too，collapsed，andIwasalonewiththeastonishedgirl。
Thebalanceofthepartywassometwentypacesfromus，butcomingrapidly。Iseizedherarmanddrewheraftermebehindanearbytree，forIhadseenthatwithboththeircomradesdowntheotherswerepreparingtolaunchtheirspears。
Withthegirlsafebehindthetree，Isteppedoutinsightoftheadvancingfoe，shoutingtothemthatIwasnoenemy，andthattheyshouldhaltandlistentome。Butforanswertheyonlyyelledinderisionandlaunchedacoupleofspearsatme，bothofwhichmissed。
IsawthenthatImustfight，yetstillIhatedtoslaythem，anditwasonlyasafinalresortthatIdroppedtwoofthemwithmyrifle，bringingtheotherstoatemporaryhalt。Again，Iappealedtothemtodesist。Buttheyonlymistookmysolicitudeforthemforfear，and，withshoutsofrageandderision，leapedforwardonceagaintooverwhelmme。
ItwasnowquiteevidentthatImustpunishthemseverely，or——myself——dieandrelinquishthegirloncemoretohercaptors。NeitherofthesethingshadItheslightestnotionofdoing，andsoIagainsteppedfrombehindthetree，and，withallthecareanddeliberationoftargetpractice，I
commencedpickingofftheforemostofmyassailants。
Onebyonethewildmendropped，yetoncametheothers，fierceandvengeful，until，onlyafewremaining，theseseemedtorealizethefutilityofcombatingmymodernweaponwiththeirprimitivespears，and，stillhowlingwrathfully，withdrewtowardthewest。
Now，forthefirsttime，Ihadanopportunitytoturnmyattentiontowardthegirl，whohadstood，silentandmotionless，behindmeasIpumpeddeathintomyenemiesandhersfrommyautomaticrifle。
Shewasofmediumheight，wellformed，andwithfine，clear-
cutfeatures。Herforeheadwashigh，andhereyesbothintelligentandbeautiful。Exposuretothesunhadbrownedasmoothandvelvetyskintoashadewhichseemedtoenhanceratherthanmaranaltogetherlovelypictureofyouthfulfemininity。
Atraceofapprehensionmarkedherexpression——IcannotcallitfearsinceIhavelearnedtoknowher——andastonishmentwasstillapparentinhereyes。Shestoodquiteerect，herhandsstillboundbehindher，andmetmygazewithlevel，proudreturn。
\"Whatlanguagedoyouspeak？\"Iasked。\"Doyouunderstandmine？\"
\"Yes，\"shereplied。\"Itissimilartomyown。IamGrabritin。Whatareyou？\"
\"IamaPan-American，\"Ianswered。Sheshookherhead。
\"Whatisthat？\"
Ipointedtowardthewest。\"Faraway，acrosstheocean。\"
Herexpressionalteredatrifle。Aslightfrowncontractedherbrow。Theexpressionofapprehensiondeepened。
\"Takeoffyourcap，\"shesaid，andwhen，tohumorherstrangerequest，Ididasshebid，sheappearedrelieved。
Thensheedgedtoonesideandleanedoverseeminglytopeerbehindme。Iturnedquicklytoseewhatshediscovered，butfindingnothing，wheeledabouttoseethatherexpressionwasoncemorealtered。
\"Youarenotfromthere？\"andshepointedtowardtheeast。
Itwasahalfquestion。\"Youarenotfromacrossthewaterthere？\"
\"No，\"Iassuredher。\"IamfromPan-America，farawaytothewest。HaveyoueverheardofPan-America？\"
Sheshookherheadinnegation。\"Idonotcarewhereyouarefrom，\"sheexplained，\"ifyouarenotfromthere，andI
amsureyouarenot，forthemenfromtherehavehornsandtails。\"
ItwaswithdifficultythatIrestrainedasmile。
\"Whoarethemenfromthere？\"Iasked。
\"Theyarebadmen，\"shereplied。\"Someofmypeopledonotbelievethattherearesuchcreatures。Butwehavealegend——averyold，oldlegend，thatoncethemenfromtherecameacrosstoGrabritin。Theycameuponthewater，andunderthewater，andevenintheair。Theycameingreatnumbers，sothattheyrolledacrossthelandlikeagreatgrayfog。Theybroughtwiththemthunderandlightningandsmokethatkilled，andtheyfelluponusandslewourpeoplebythethousandsandthehundredsofthousands。Butatlastwedrovethembacktothewater’sedge，backintothesea，wheremanyweredrowned。Someescaped，andtheseourpeoplefollowed——men，women，andevenchildren，wefollowedthemback。Thatisall。Thelegendsaysourpeopleneverreturned。Maybetheywereallkilled。Maybetheyarestillthere。Butthis，also，isinthelegend，thataswedrovethemenbackacrossthewatertheysworethattheywouldreturn，andthatwhentheyleftourshorestheywouldleavenohumanbeingalivebehindthem。Iwasafraidthatyouwerefromthere。\"
\"Bywhatnamewerethesemencalled？\"Iasked。
\"Wecallthemonlythe’menfromthere，’\"shereplied，pointingtowardtheeast。\"Ihaveneverheardthattheyhadanothername。\"
InthelightofwhatIknewofancienthistory，itwasnotdifficultformetoguessthenationalityofthoseshedescribedsimplyas\"themenfromoverthere。\"ButwhatutterandappallingdevastationtheGreatWarmusthavewroughttohaveerasednotonlyeverysignofcivilizationfromthefaceofthisgreatland，buteventhenameoftheenemyfromtheknowledgeandlanguageofthepeople。
Icouldonlyaccountforitonthehypothesisthatthecountryhadbeenentirelydepopulatedexceptforafewscatteredandforgottenchildren，who，insomemarvelousmanner，hadbeenpreservedbyProvidencetore-populatetheland。Thesechildrenhad，doubtless，beentooyoungtoretainintheirmemoriestotransmittotheirchildrenanybutthevaguestsuggestionofthecataclysmwhichhadoverwhelmedtheirparents。
ProfessorCortoran，sincemyreturntoPan-America，hassuggestedanothertheorywhichisnotentirelywithoutclaimtoseriousconsideration。HepointsoutthatitisquitebeyondthepaleofhumaninstincttodesertlittlechildrenasmytheorysuggeststheancientEnglishmusthavedone。
HeismoreinclinedtobelievethattheexpulsionofthefoefromEnglandwassynchronouswithwidespreadvictoriesbythealliesuponthecontinent，andthatthepeopleofEnglandmerelyemigratedfromtheirruinedcitiesandtheirdevastated，blood-drenchedfieldstothemainland，inthehopeoffinding，inthedomainoftheconqueredenemy，citiesandfarmswhichwouldreplacethosetheyhadlost。
Thelearnedprofessorassumesthatwhilealong-continuedwarhadstrengthenedratherthanweakenedtheinstinctofpaternaldevotion，ithadalsodulledotherhumanitarianinstincts，andraisedtothefirstmagnitudethelawofthesurvivalofthefittest，withtheresultthatwhentheexodustookplacethestrong，theintelligent，andthecunning，togetherwiththeiroffspring，crossedthewatersoftheChannelortheNorthSeatothecontinent，leavinginunhappyEnglandonlythehelplessinmatesofasylumsforthefeeblemindedandinsane。
Myobjectionstothis，thatthepresentinhabitantsofEnglandarementallyfit，andcouldthereforenothavedescendedfromanancestryofundilutedlunacyhebrushesasidewiththeassertionthatinsanityisnotnecessarilyhereditary;andthateventhoughitwas，inmanycasesareturntonaturalconditionsfromthestateofhighcivilization，whichisthoughttohaveinducedmentaldiseaseintheancientworld，would，afterseveralgenerations，havethoroughlyexpungedeverytraceoftheafflictionfromthebrainsandnervesofthedescendantsoftheoriginalmaniacs。
Personally，IdonotplacemuchstockinProfessorCortoran’stheory，thoughIadmitthatIamprejudiced。
Naturallyonedoesnotcaretobelievethattheobjectofhisgreatestaffectionisdescendedfromagibberingidiotandaravingmaniac。
ButIamforgettingthecontinuityofmynarrative——acontinuitywhichIdesiretomaintain，thoughIfearthatI
shalloftenbeledastray，sonumerousandvariedarethebypathsofspeculationwhichleadfromthepresentdaystoryoftheGrabritinsintothemysteriouspastoftheirforbears。
AsIstoodtalkingwiththegirlIpresentlyrecollectedthatshestillwasbound，andwithawordofapology，Idrewmyknifeandcuttherawhidethongswhichconfinedherwristsatherback。
Shethankedme，andwithsuchasweetsmilethatIshouldhavebeenamplyrepaidbyitforamuchmorearduousservice。
\"Andnow，\"Isaid，\"letmeaccompanyyoutoyourhomeandseeyousafelyagainundertheprotectionofyourfriends。\"
\"No，\"shesaid，withahintofalarminhervoice;\"youmustnotcomewithme——Buckinghamwillkillyou。\"
Buckingham。ThenamewasfamousinancientEnglishhistory。
Itssurvival，withmanyotherillustriousnames，isoneofthestrongestargumentsinrefutalofProfessorCortoran’stheory;yetitopensnonewdoorstothepast，and，onthewhole，ratheraddstothandissipatesthemystery。
\"AndwhoisBuckingham，\"Iasked，\"andwhyshouldhewishtokillme？\"
\"Hewouldthinkthatyouhadstolenme，\"shereplied，\"andashewishesmeforhimself，hewillkillanyotherwhomhethinksdesiresme。HekilledWettinafewdaysago。MymothertoldmeoncethatWettinwasmyfather。Hewasking。
NowBuckinghamisking。\"
Here，evidently，wereapeopleslightlysuperiortothoseoftheIsleofWight。Thesemusthaveatleasttherudimentsofcivilizedgovernmentsincetheyrecognizedoneamongthemasruler，withthetitle，king。Also，theyretainedthewordfather。Thegirl’spronunciation，whilefarfromidenticalwithours，wasmuchcloserthanthetortureddialectoftheEastendersoftheIsleofWight。ThelongerItalkedwithherthemorehopefulIbecameoffindinghere，amongherpeople，somerecords，ortraditions，whichmightassistinclearingupthehistoricenigmaofthepasttwocenturies。IaskedherifwewerefarfromthecityofLondon，butshedidnotknowwhatImeant。WhenItriedtoexplain，describingmightybuildingsofstoneandbrick，broadavenues，parks，palaces，andcountlesspeople，shebutshookherheadsadly。
\"Thereisnosuchplacenearby，\"shesaid。\"OnlytheCampoftheLionshasplacesofstonewherethebeastslair，buttherearenopeopleintheCampoftheLions。Whowoulddaregothere！\"Andsheshuddered。
\"TheCampoftheLions，\"Irepeated。\"Andwhereisthat，andwhat？\"
\"Itisthere，\"shesaid，pointinguptherivertowardthewest。\"Ihaveseenitfromagreatdistance，butIhaveneverbeenthere。Wearemuchafraidofthelions，forthisistheircountry，andtheyareangrythatmanhascometolivehere。
\"Farawaythere，\"andshepointedtowardthesouth-west，\"isthelandoftigers，whichisevenworsethanthis，thelandofthelions，forthetigersaremorenumerousthanthelionsandhungrierforhumanflesh。Thereweretigersherelongago，butboththelionsandthemensetuponthemanddrovethemoff。\"
\"Wheredidthesesavagebeastscomefrom？\"Iasked。
\"Oh，\"shereplied，\"theyhavebeenherealways。Itistheircountry。\"
\"Dotheynotkillandeatyourpeople？\"Iasked。
\"Often，whenwemeetthembyaccident，andwearetoofewtoslaythem，orwhenonegoestooclosetotheircamp。Butseldomdotheyhuntus，fortheyfindwhatfoodtheyneedamongthedeerandwildcattle，and，too，wemakethemgifts，forarewenotintrudersintheircountry？Reallyweliveupongoodtermswiththem，thoughIshouldnotcaretomeetoneweretherenotmanyspearsinmyparty。\"
\"IshouldliketovisitthisCampoftheLions，\"Isaid。
\"Oh，no，youmustnot！\"criedthegirl。\"Thatwouldbeterrible。Theywouldeatyou。\"Foramoment，then，sheseemedlostinthought，butpresentlysheturneduponmewith：\"Youmustgonow，foranyminuteBuckinghammaycomeinsearchofme。LongsinceshouldtheyhavelearnedthatI
amgonefromthecamp——theywatchovermeveryclosely——andtheywillsetoutafterme。Go！Ishallwaithereuntiltheycomeinsearchofme。\"
\"No，\"Itoldher。\"I’llnotleaveyoualoneinalandinfestedbylionsandotherwildbeasts。Ifyouwon’tletmegoasfarasyourcampwithyou，thenI’llwaithereuntiltheycomeinsearchofyou。\"
\"Pleasego！\"shebegged。\"Youhavesavedme，andIwouldsaveyou，butnothingwillsaveyouifBuckinghamgetshishandsonyou。Heisabadman。Hewishestohavemeforhiswomansothathemaybeking。Hewouldkillanyonewhobefriendedme，forfearthatImightbecomeanother’s。\"
\"Didn’tyousaythatBuckinghamisalreadytheking？\"I
asked。
\"Heis。HetookmymotherforhiswomanafterhehadkilledWettin。Butmymotherwilldiesoon——sheisveryold——andthenthemantowhomIbelongwillbecomeking。\"
Finally，aftermuchquestioning，Igotthethingthroughmyhead。Itappearsthatthelineofdescentisthroughthewomen。Amanismerelyheadofhiswife’sfamily——thatisall。Ifshechancestobetheoldestfemalememberofthe\"royal\"house，heisking。Verynaivelythegirlexplainedthattherewasseldomanydoubtastowhomachild’smotherwas。
Thisaccountedforthegirl’simportanceinthecommunityandforBuckingham’sanxietytoclaimher，thoughshetoldmethatshedidnotwishtobecomehiswoman，forhewasabadmanandwouldmakeabadking。Buthewaspowerful，andtherewasnoothermanwhodareddisputehiswishes。
\"Whynotcomewithme，\"Isuggested，\"ifyoudonotwishtobecomeBuckingham’s？\"
\"Wherewouldyoutakeme？\"sheasked。
Where，indeed！Ihadnotthoughtofthat。ButbeforeI
couldreplytoherquestionsheshookherheadandsaid，\"No，Icannotleavemypeople。Imuststayanddomybest，evenifBuckinghamgetsme，butyoumustgoatonce。Donotwaituntilitistoolate。Thelionshavehadnoofferingforalongtime，andBuckinghamwouldseizeuponthefirststrangerasagifttothem。\"
Ididnotperfectlyunderstandwhatshemeant，andwasabouttoaskherwhenaheavybodyleapeduponmefrombehind，andgreatarmsencircledmyneck。Istruggledtofreemyselfandturnuponmyantagonist，butinanotherinstantIwasoverwhelmedbyahalfdozenpowerful，half-nakedmen，whileascoreofotherssurroundedme，acoupleofwhomseizedthegirl。
IfoughtasbestIcouldformylibertyandforhers，buttheweightofnumberswastoogreat，thoughIhadthesatisfactionatleastofgivingthemagoodfight。
Whentheyhadoverpoweredme，andIstood，myhandsboundbehindme，atthegirl’sside，shegazedcommiseratinglyatme。
\"ItistoobadthatyoudidnotdoasIbidyou，\"shesaid，\"fornowithashappenedjustasIfeared——Buckinghamhasyou。\"
\"WhichisBuckingham？\"Iasked。
\"IamBuckingham，\"growledaburly，unwashedbrute，swaggeringtruculentlybeforeme。\"Andwhoareyouwhowouldhavestolenmywoman？\"
ThegirlspokeupthenandtriedtoexplainthatIhadnotstolenher;butonthecontraryIhadsavedherfromthemenfromthe\"ElephantCountry\"whowerecarryingheraway。
Buckinghamonlysneeredatherexplanation，andamomentlatergavethecommandthatstartedusallofftowardthewest。Wemarchedforamatterofanhourorso，comingatlasttoacollectionofrudehuts，fashionedfrombranchesoftreescoveredwithskinsandgrassesandsometimesplasteredwithmud。Allaboutthecamptheyhaderectedawallofsaplingspointedatthetopsandfirehardened。
Thispalisadewasaprotectionagainstbothmanandbeasts，andwithinitdweltupwardoftwothousandpersons，thesheltersbeingbuiltveryclosetogether，andsometimespartiallyunderground，likedeeptrenches，withthepolesandhidesabovemerelyasprotectionfromthesunandrain。
Theolderpartofthecampconsistedalmostwhollyoftrenches，asthoughthishadbeentheoriginalformofdwellingswhichwasslowlygivingwaytothedrierandairiersurfacedomiciles。InthesetrenchhabitationsIsawasurvivalofthemilitarytrencheswhichformedsofamousapartoftheoperationofthewarringnationsduringthetwentiethcentury。
Thewomenworeasinglelightdeerskinabouttheirhips，foritwassummer，andquitewarm。Themen，too，wereclothedinasinglegarment，usuallythepeltofsomebeastofprey。
Thehairofbothmenandwomenwasconfinedbyarawhidethongpassingabouttheforeheadandtiedbehind。Inthisleathernbandwerestuckfeathers，flowers，orthetailsofsmallmammals。Allworenecklacesoftheteethorclawsofwildbeasts，andtherewerenumerousmetalwristletsandankletsamongthem。
Theywore，infact，everyindicationofamostprimitivepeople——aracewhichhadnotyetrisentotheheightsofagricultureoreventhepossessionofdomesticanimals。
Theywerehunters——thelowestplaneintheevolutionofthehumanraceofwhichsciencetakescognizance。
AndyetasIlookedattheirwellshapedheads，theirhandsomefeatures，andtheirintelligenteyes，itwasdifficulttobelievethatIwasnotamongmyown。ItwasonlywhenItookintoconsiderationtheirmodeofliving，theirscantapparel，thelackofeveryleastluxuryamongthem，thatIwasforcedtoadmitthattheywere，intruth，butignorantsavages。
Buckinghamhadrelievedmeofmyweapons，thoughhehadnottheslightestideaoftheirpurposeoruses，andwhenwereachedthecampheexhibitedbothmeandmyarmswitheveryindicationofprideinthisgreatcapture。
Theinhabitantsflockedaroundme，examiningmyclothing，andexclaiminginwondermentateachnewdiscoveryofbutton，buckle，pocket，andflap。Itseemedincrediblethatsuchathingcouldbe，almostwithinastone’sthrowofthespotwherebutabrieftwocenturiesbeforehadstoodthegreatestcityoftheworld。
Theyboundmetoasmalltreethatgrewinthemiddleofoneoftheircrookedstreets，butthegirltheyreleasedassoonaswehadenteredtheenclosure。Thepeoplegreetedherwitheverymarkofrespectasshehastenedtoalargehutnearthecenterofthecamp。
Presentlyshereturnedwithafinelooking，white-hairedwoman，whoprovedtobehermother。Theolderwomancarriedherselfwitharegaldignitythatseemedquiteremarkableinaplaceofsuchprimitivesqualor。
Thepeoplefellasideassheapproached，makingawidewayforherandherdaughter。Whentheyhadcomenearandstoppedbeforemetheolderwomanaddressedme。
\"Mydaughterhastoldme，\"shesaid，\"ofthemannerinwhichyourescuedherfromthemenoftheelephantcountry。IfWettinlivedyouwouldbewelltreated，butBuckinghamhastakenmenow，andisking。YoucanhopefornothingfromsuchabeastasBuckingham。\"
ThefactthatBuckinghamstoodwithinapaceofusandwasaninterestedlistenerappearednottotemperherexpressionsintheslightest。
\"Buckinghamisapig，\"shecontinued。\"Heisacoward。HecameuponWettinfrombehindandranhisspearthroughhim。
Hewillnotbekingforlong。Someonewillmakeafaceathim，andhewillrunawayandjumpintotheriver。\"
Thepeoplebegantotitterandclaptheirhands。Buckinghambecameredintheface。Itwasevidentthathewasfarfrompopular。
\"Ifhedared，\"wentontheoldlady，\"hewouldkillmenow，buthedoesnotdare。Heistoogreatacoward。IfIcouldhelpyouIshouldgladlydoso。ButIamonlyqueen——thevehiclethathashelpedcarrydown，unsullied，theroyalbloodfromthedayswhenGrabritinwasamightycountry。\"
Theoldqueen’swordshadanoticeableeffectuponthemobofcurioussavageswhichsurroundedme。ThemomenttheydiscoveredthattheoldqueenwasfriendlytomeandthatI
hadrescuedherdaughtertheycommencedtoaccordmeamorefriendlyinterest，andIheardmanywordsspokeninmybehalf，anddemandsweremadethatInotbeharmed。
ButnowBuckinghaminterfered。Hehadnointentionofbeingrobbedofhisprey。Blusteringandstorming，heorderedthepeoplebacktotheirhuts，atthesametimedirectingtwoofhiswarriorstoconfinemeinadugoutinoneofthetrenchesclosetohisownshelter。
Heretheythrewmeupontheground，bindingmyanklestogetherandtrussingthemuptomywristsbehind。Theretheyleftme，lyinguponmystomach——amostuncomfortableandstrainedposition，towhichwasaddedthepainwherethecordscutintomyflesh。
JustafewdaysagomymindhadbeenfilledwiththeanticipationofthefriendlywelcomeIshouldfindamongtheculturedEnglishmenofLondon。TodayIshouldbesittingintheplaceofhonoratthebanquetboardofoneofLondon’smostexclusiveclubs，fetedandlionized。
Theactuality！HereIlay，boundhandandfoot，doubtlessalmostupontheverysiteofapartofancientLondon，yetallaboutmewasaprimevalwilderness，andIwasacaptiveofhalf-nakedwildmen。
IwonderedwhathadbecomeofDelcarteandTaylorandSnider。Wouldtheysearchforme？Theycouldneverfindme，Ifeared，yetiftheydid，whatcouldtheyaccomplishagainstthishordeofsavagewarriors？
WouldthatIcouldwarnthem。Ithoughtofthegirl——
doubtlessshecouldgetwordtothem，buthowwasItocommunicatewithher？WouldshecometoseemebeforeIwaskilled？Itseemedincrediblethatsheshouldnotmakesomeslightattempttobefriendme;yet，asIrecalled，shehadmadenoefforttospeakwithmeafterwehadreachedthevillage。Shehadhastenedtohermotherthemomentshehadbeenliberated。Thoughshehadreturnedwiththeoldqueen，shehadnotspokentome，eventhen。Ibegantohavemydoubts。
Finally，IcametotheconclusionthatIwasabsolutelyfriendlessexceptfortheoldqueen。Forsomeunaccountablereasonmyrageagainstthegirlforheringratituderosetocolossalproportions。
ForalongtimeIwaitedforsomeonetocometomyprisonwhomImightasktobearwordtothequeen，butIseemedtohavebeenforgotten。ThestrainedpositioninwhichIlaybecameunbearable。IwriggledandtwisteduntilImanagedtoturnmyselfpartiallyuponmyside，whereIlayhalffacingtheentrancetothedugout。
Presentlymyattentionwasattractedbytheshadowofsomethingmovinginthetrenchwithout，andamomentlaterthefigureofachildappeared，creepinguponallfours，as，wide-eyed，andpromptedbychildishcuriosity，alittlegirlcrawledtotheentranceofmyhutandpeeredcautiouslyandfearfullyin。
Ididnotspeakatfirstforfearoffrighteningthelittleoneaway。ButwhenIwassatisfiedthathereyeshadbecomesufficientlyaccustomedtothesubduedlightoftheinterior，Ismiled。
Instantlytheexpressionoffearfadedfromhereyestobereplacedwithanansweringsmile。
\"Whoareyou，littlegirl？\"Iasked。
\"MynameisMary，\"shereplied。\"IamVictory’ssister。\"
\"AndwhoisVictory？\"
\"YoudonotknowwhoVictoryis？\"sheasked，inastonishment。
Ishookmyheadinnegation。
\"Yousavedherfromtheelephantcountrypeople，andyetyousayyoudonotknowher！\"sheexclaimed。
\"Oh，sosheisVictory，andyouarehersister！Ihavenotheardhernamebefore。ThatiswhyIdidnotknowwhomyoumeant，\"Iexplained。Herewasjustthemessengerforme。
Fatewasbecomingmorekind。
\"Willyoudosomethingforme，Mary？\"Iasked。
\"IfIcan。\"
\"Gotoyourmother，thequeen，andaskhertocometome，\"I
said。\"Ihaveafavortoask。\"
Shesaidthatshewould，andwithapartingsmilesheleftme。
ForwhatseemedmanyhoursIawaitedherreturn，chafingwithimpatience。Theafternoonworeonandnightcame，andyetnoonecamenearme。Mycaptorsbroughtmeneitherfoodnorwater。Iwassufferingconsiderablepainwheretherawhidethongscutintomyswollenflesh。Ithoughtthattheyhadeitherforgottenme，orthatitwastheirintentiontoleavemeheretodieofstarvation。
OnceIheardagreatuproarinthevillage。Menwereshouting——womenwerescreamingandmoaning。Afteratimethissubsided，andagaintherewasalongintervalofsilence。
HalfthenightmusthavebeenspentwhenIheardasoundinthetrenchnearthehut。Itresembledmuffledsobs。
Presentlyafigureappeared，silhouettedagainstthelesserdarknessbeyondthedoorway。Itcreptinsidethehut。
\"Areyouhere？\"whisperedachildlikevoice。
ItwasMary！Shehadreturned。Thethongsnolongerhurtme。Thepangsofhungerandthirstdisappeared。IrealizedthatithadbeenlonelinessfromwhichIsufferedmost。
\"Mary！\"Iexclaimed。\"Youareagoodgirl。Youhavecomeback，afterall。Ihadcommencedtothinkthatyouwouldnot。Didyougivemymessagetothequeen？Willshecome？
Whereisshe？\"
Thechild’ssobsincreased，andsheflungherselfuponthedirtfloorofthehut，apparentlyovercomebygrief。
\"Whatisit？\"Iasked。\"Whydoyoucry？\"
\"Thequeen，mymother，willnotcometoyou，\"shesaid，betweensobs。\"Sheisdead。Buckinghamhaskilledher。
NowhewilltakeVictory，forVictoryisqueen。Hekeptusfastenedupinourshelter，forfearthatVictorywouldescapehim，butIdugaholebeneaththebackwallandgotout。Icametoyou，becauseyousavedVictoryoncebefore，andIthoughtthatyoumightsaveheragain，andme，also。
Tellmethatyouwill。\"
\"Iamboundandhelpless，Mary，\"Ireplied。\"OtherwiseI
woulddowhatIcouldtosaveyouandyoursister。\"
\"Iwillsetyoufree！\"criedthegirl，creepinguptomyside。\"Iwillsetyoufree，andthenyoumaycomeandslayBuckingham。\"
\"Gladly！\"Iassented。
\"Wemusthurry，\"shewenton，asshefumbledwiththehardknotsinthestiffenedrawhide，\"forBuckinghamwillbeafteryousoon。HemustmakeanofferingtothelionsatdawnbeforehecantakeVictory。Thetakingofaqueenrequiresahumanoffering！\"
\"AndIamtobetheoffering？\"Iasked。
\"Yes，\"shesaid，tuggingataknot。\"BuckinghamhasbeenwantingasacrificeeversincehekilledWettin，thathemightslaymymotherandtakeVictory。\"
Thethoughtwashorrible，notsolelybecauseofthehideousfatetowhichIwascondemned，butfromthecontemplationitengenderedofthesaddecadenceofaonceenlightenedrace。
Tothesedepthsofignorance，brutality，andsuperstitionhadthevauntedcivilizationoftwentiethcenturyEnglandbeenplunged，andbywhat？War！Ifeltthestructureofourtime-honoredmilitaristicargumentscrumblingaboutme。
Marylaboredwiththethongsthatconfinedme。Theyprovedrefractory——defyinghertender，childishfingers。Sheassuredme，however，thatshewouldreleaseme，if\"they\"
didnotcometoosoon。