\"Fiveminutes，\"saidthemonarchsavagely。\"Andifinthattimetheerrandisnotdone，Ishallholdyoutobeanimpostor，animpudentthieffromsomescoundreltribeofthisworldofmine，andwillmakeofyouanexamplewhichshallkeepmen’searstinglingforacenturyortwo。\"
PoorHerudroppedinalimpandlovelyheapatthatdirethreat，whileIamboundtosayIfeltsomewhatuncomfortable，notunnaturallywhenallthecircumstancesareconsidered，butcontentedmyselfwithremarking，withasmuchbravadoascouldbemanaged，\"Andnowtotheerrand，Ar—hap。WhatcanIdoforyourmajesty？\"
Thekingconsultedwiththerogueathiselbow，andthennoddingandchucklinginexpectancyofhistriumph，addressedme。
\"Listen，\"hecried，smitingahugehairyhanduponhisknee，\"listen，anddoordie。Mymagiciantellsmeitisrecord—
edinhisbooksthatonce，somefivethousandyearsago，whenthislandbelongedtotheHitherpeople，therelivedhereaking。Itisapityhedied，forheseemstohavebeenajovialoldfellow；buthediddie，and，accordingtotheircustom，theyfloatedhimdownthestreamthatflowstotheregionsofeternalice，wheredoubtlessheisatthispresentmoment，cakedupwithtenmillionofhissubjects。Nowjustgoandfindthatsovereignforme，ohyoubold—tongueddwellerinotherworlds！\"
\"AndifIgohowamItoknowyourancientking，asyousay，amongsttenmillionothers？\"
\"Thatiseasyenough，\"quothAr—haplightly。\"Youhaveonlytopasstoandfrothroughtheicemountains，openingthemouthsofthedeadmenandwomenyoumeet，andwhenyoucometoamiddle—sizedmanwithafilletonhisheadandajawmendedwithgold，thatwillbehewhomyoulookfor。Bringmethatfilletherewithinfiveminutesandthemaidisyours。\"
Istarted，andstaredhardinamazement。Wasthisadream？Wastheroyalsavageinfrontplayingwithme？BywhatincrediblechancehadhehitupontheveryerrandI
couldanswertobest，theverytrophyIhadbroughtawayfromthegrimvalleyoficeanddeath，andhadstillinmyshoulder—bag？No，hewasnotplaying；hewasstaringhardinturn，joyinginmyapparentconfusion，andclearlythinkinghehadcorneredmebeyondhopeofredemption。
\"Surelyyourmightinessisnotdauntedbysosimpleatask，\"scowledthesovereign，playingwiththehiltofhishugehunting—knife，\"andallamongstyourfriends’kindredtoo。Onahotdaylikethisitoughttobeapleasantsaunterforaspiritsuchasyourself。\"
\"Notdaunted，\"Iansweredcoldly，turningonmyheelstowardsthedoor，\"onlymarvellingthatyourmajesty’sskullandyournecromancer’scouldnotbetweenthemhavede—
visedahardertask。\"
OutintothecourtyardIwent，withmyheartbeatingfinelyinspiteofmyassumedindifference；gotthebagfromapeginmysleeping—room，andwasbackbeforethelogthroneerefourminutesweregone。
\"TheoldHitherking’scomplimentstoyourmajesty，\"I
said，bowing，whileadeathlyhushfellonalltheassembly，\"andhesaysthoughyourancestorslittlelikedtohearhisvoicewhilealive，hesayshehasnoobjectiontogivingyousomejawnowheisdead，\"andIthrewdownonthefloorthegoldencircletofthefrozenking。
Ar—hap’seyesalmoststartedfromhisheadas，withhiscourtiers，heglaredinsilentamazementatthatshiningthingwhilethegreatdropsoffearandperspirationtrickleddownhisforehead。AsforpoorHeru，sheroselikeaspiritbehindthem，gazedatthejaw—boneofhermythicalan—
cestor，andthensuddenlyrealisingmyerrandwasdoneandsheapparentlyfree，heldoutherhands，and，withatremulouscry，wouldhavecometome。
ButAr—hapwastooquickforher。Alltheblacksavagebloodswelledintohisveinsashesweptherawaywithonegreatarm，andthenwithhisfootgavethelucklessjawakickthatsentitglitteringandspinningthroughthefardoorwayoutintothesunshine。
\"Sitdown，\"heroared，\"youbrazenwench，whoaresoeagertoleaveaking’ssideforanamelessvagrant’scare！
Andyou，sir，\"turningtome，andfairlytremblingwithrageanddread，\"Iwillnotgainsaythatyouhavedonetheerrandsetyou，butitmightthisoncebechancethatgotyouthatcursedtoken，someonehappyturnofluck。Iwillnotyieldmyprizeononethrowofthedice。Anothertaskyoumustdo。Oncemightbechance，butsuchchancecomesnottwice。\"
\"Yousworetogivemethemaidthistime。\"
\"AndwhyshouldIkeepmywordtoahalf—provedspiritsuchasyou？\"
\"Therearesomeparticularlygoodreasonswhyyoushould，\"Isaid，strikinganattitudewhichIhadonceseenamusic—halldramatisttakewhenhewasgoingtoblastsomebody’sfuture——astickwithastarontopofitinhishandandfortylinesofblankverseinhismouth。
Thekingwrithed，andbeggedmewithasigntodesist。
\"Wehavenowishtoangeryou。Dousthisothertaskandnonewilldoubtthatyouareapotentspirit，andevenI，Ar—hap，willlistentoyou。\"
\"Well，then，\"Iansweredsulkily，\"whatisittobethistime？\"
Afteraminute’sconsultation，andspeakingslowlyasthoughconsciousofhowmuchhungonhiswords，thekingsaid，\"Listen！Mysoothsayertellsmethatsomewherethereisacitylostinaforest，andatemplelostinthecity，andatomblostinthetemple；acityofghostsanddjinsgivenovertobadspirits，whereforeallhumanmenshunitbydayandnight。Andonthetombisshewhowasoncequeenthere，andbyherlieshercrown。Quick！ohyoutowhomalldis—
tancesarenothing，andwhosee，byyourfineressence，intoalltimesandplaces。Awaytothatcity！Jostlethememoriesoftheuncleanthingsthathideinitsshadows；askwhichamongstthemknowswheredeadQueenYangstillliesindustystate。Getguidesamongstyourcomradeghosts。FindQueenYang，andbringmehereinfiveminutesthebloodycircletfromherhair。\"
Then，andthenforthefirsttime，Ibelievedtheplanetwashauntedindeed，andImyselfunknowinglyundersomestrangeandwatchfulinfluence。Spirits，demons！Oh！whatbutsomeincomprehensiblepower，someunseeninfluenceshap—
ingmyeffortstoitsends，couldhavemovedthathairybarbariantoplayasecondtimeintomyhandslikethis，tochoosefromtheendlessrecordsofhisworldthesecondofthetwoincidentsIhadtouchedinhastytravelthroughit？
Iwasalmostovercomeforaminute；then，pullingmyselftogether，strodeforwardfiercely，and，speakingsothatallcouldhearme，cried，\"Baseking，whoneitherknowsthecapacitiesofaspiritnorhaslearnedasyettodreaditsanger，see！yourcommissionisexecutedinathought，justasyourpunishmentmightbe。Heru，comehere。\"Andwhenthegirl，speechlesswithamazement，hadrisenandslippedovertome，Istraightenedherprettyhairfromherfore—
head，andthen，inawaywhichwouldmakemyfortuneifIcouldrepeatitataconjuror’stable，whippedpoorYang’sgemmycrownfrommypocket，flasheditsbalefulsplendourintheeyesofthecourtiers，andplaceditonthetressesofthefirstroyalladywhohadwornitsinceitsrightfulownerdiedahundredyearsbefore。
AheavysilencefellonthehallasIfinished，andnothingwasheardforatimesaveHerusobbingonmybreastandathirstybabysomewhereoutsidecallingtoitsmotherforthewaterthatwasnottobehad。Butpresentlyonthosesoundscamethefallofanxiousfeet，andamessenger，enteringthedoorway，approachedthethrone，laidhim—
selfoutflattwice，afterwhichobeisanceheproceededtoremindthekingofthemorning’sceremonialonadistanthillto\"prayawaythecomet，\"tellinghismajestythatallwasreadyandtheprocessionanxiouslyawaitinghim。
WhereonAr—hap，obviouslyverywellcontenttochangethesubject，rose，and，comingdownfromthedais，gavemehishand。Hewasafinefellow，asIhavesaid，strongandbold，andhadnotbehavedbadlyforanautocrat，sothatIgrippedhismightyfistwithgreatpleasure。
\"Icannotdeny，stranger，\"hesaid，\"thatyouhavedoneallthathasbeenaskedofyou，andthemaidisfairlyyours。
YetbeforeyoutakeawaytheprizeImusthavesomeas—
suranceofwhatyouyourselfwilldowithher。Therefore，forthemoment，untilthishorriblethingintheskywhichthreatensmypeoplewithdestructionhasgone，letitbetrucebetweenus——youtoyourlodgings，andtheprincessback，unharmed，amongstmywomentillwemeetagain。\"
\"But——\"
\"No，no，\"saidtheking，wavinghishand。\"Becontentwithyouradvantage。Andnowtobusinessmoreimportantthantenthousandsillywenches，\"andgatheringuphisrobesoverhissplendidwar—gearthewoodkingstalkedhaughtilyfromthehall。
CHAPTERXVIII
Hotterandhottergrewthatstiflingspell，moreandmorelanguidmanandbeast，drieranddriertheparchingearth。
AllthewatergaveoutonthemorningafterIhadbeardedAr—hapinhisden，andourstrengthwentwithit。
Noearthlyheatwaseverlikeit，anditdrankourvitalityupfromeverypore。Watertherewasdownbelowinthebitter，streaminggulf，butsonoisomethatwedarednotevenbathethere；heretherewasnonebutthefaintesttrickle。
Alldisciplinewasatanend；alldesiresavesuchaswasbornofthirst。HeruIsawasoftenasIwishedasshelaygasping，withpoorSiatherfeet，inthewomen’sverandah；
buttheheatwassotremendousthatIgazedatherwithlack—lustreeyes，staggeringtoandfroamongstthecourt—
yardshadows，withoutnervetoplotherrescueorstrengthtocarryoutanythingmymindmighthaveconceived。
Weprayedforrainandrespite。Ar—haphadprayedwithawealthofpicturesqueceremonial。Wehadallprayedandcursedbyturns，butstilltheheavenswouldnotrelent，andtheraincamenot。
Atlastthestiflingheatandvapourreachedanalmostintolerablepitch。Theearthreekedwithunwholesomehum—
oursnocommonsummercoulddrawfromit，theairwassulphurousandheavy，whileoverheadtheskyseemedatawnydome，fromedgetoedgeofangryclouds，partingnowandthentoletusseethereddiscthreateningus。
Hourafterhourslippedbyuntil，wheneveningwasuponus，thecloudsdrewtogether，andthunder，withacontinu—
ouslowrumble，begantorockfromskytosky。Fitfulshowersofrain，odorousandheavy，butunsatisfying，fell，andbirdsandbeastsofthewoodlandscameslinkingintoourstreetsandcourtyards。Eversincetheskyfirstdarkenedourownanimalshadbecomestrangelyfamiliar，andnowherewerethesewildthingsofthewoodsslinkinginforcompanion—
ship，sagheadedandfrightened。Tomeespeciallytheycame，untilthatlasteveningasIstaggereddyingaboutthestreetsorsatstaringintotheremorselessskyfromthestepsofHeru’sprisonhouse，allsortsofbeastsdrewsoftlyinandcrowdedabout，whetherIsatormoved，allaskingforthehopeIhadnottogivethem。
Atanothertimethismighthavebeenembarrassing；thenitseemedpurecommonplace。Itwasasighttoseethemslinkinbetweentheuselessshowers，whichfelllikehottearsuponus——sleekpantherswithlollingtongues；russet—redwooddogs；bearsandslothsfromthedarkarcadesoftheremoteforests，allcastingthemselvesdowngaspinginthepalaceshadows；strangedeer，whostaggeredtothegardenplotsandlaythereheavingtheirlivesout；mightyboars，whocamefromtherivermarshesandsilentlynozzledaplaceamongsttheirenemiestodiein！Eventhewolvescameoffthehills，and，withbloodshoteyesandtonguesthatdrippedfoam，flungthemselvesdowninmyshadow。
Allalongthetallstockadesapessatsadandlistless，andontheroof—ridgesstorksweredying。Overthebranchesofthetrees，whoseleaveswereasthinasthoughwehadhadasixmonths’drought，thetoucansandMartianparrotshunglimpandfashionlesslikegaudyrags，andinthecourtyardgroundthecorn—ratscameupfromtheirtunnelsinthescorchingearthtodie，squeakinginscoresalongunderthewalls。
OurcommonsorrowmadeusassociableasthoughI
wereNoah，andAr—hap’spalacemoundanotherArarat。
HourafterhourIsatamongstalltheselesserbeastsinthehotdarkness，waitingfortheend。Everynowandthentheheavycloudsparted，changingthegloomtosuddenfierydaylightasthegreatredeyeinthewestlookeduponusthroughthecrevice，and，takingadvantageofthosegleams，Iwouldreelacrosstowhere，underaspoutleadingfromadriedrivulet，IhadplacedacuptocollecttheslowandtepiddropsthatwereallnowcomingdownthereedforHeru。AndasIwentbackeachtimewiththatsicklyspoonfulatthebottomofthevesselallthedyingbeastsliftedtheirheadsandwatched——thethirstywolvesshamb—
lingafterme；theboarshalfsatupandgruntedplaintively；
thepanthers，tooweaktorise，beatthedustygroundwiththeirtails；andfromtheporticothebluestorks，withtrailingwings，croakedhuskygreeting。
Butslowerandslowercamethedrippingwater，moreandmoreintolerabletheheat。AtlastIcouldstanditnolonger。Whatpurposediditservetolaygaspinglikethis，dyingcruellywithoutahopeofrescue，whenashorterwaywasatmyside？Ihadnotdrankforadayandahalf。Iwaspastactivereviling；myheadswam；myreasonwasclouded。
No！Iwouldnotstanditanylonger。OncemoreIwouldtakeHeruandpoorSithecupthatwasbutamockeryafterall，thenfixmyswordintothegroundandtrywhatnexttheFateshadinstoreforme。
SoonceagaintheleathernmugwasfetchedandcarriedthroughtheprostrateguardstowheretheMartiangirllay，likeawitheredflower，uponhercouch。OnceagainI
moistenedthosefairlips，whilemyowntonguewasblackandswolleninmythroat，thentoldSi，whohadhadnonealltheafternoon，todrinkhalfandleavehalfforHeru。PoorSiputherachinglipstothecupandtilteditalittle，thenpassedittohermistress。AndHerudrankitall，andSicriedafewhottearsbehindherhands，FORSHEHADTAKENNONE，andsheknewitwasherlife！
Againpickingawaythroughthecourtyard，scarcenotic—
inghowthebeastsliftedtheirheadsasIpassed，Iwentinstinctively，cupinhand，tothewell，andthenhesitated。
WasIacowardtoleaveHeruso？OughtInottostayandseeitouttothebitterend？Well，IwouldcompoundwithFate。Iwouldgivethemaliciousgodsonemorechance。
Iwouldputthecupdownagain，anduntilsevendropshadfallenintoitIwouldwait。Thattheremightbenomistakeaboutit，nosoonerwasthemuginplaceunderthenozzlewherefromthemoisturebeadscollectedandfellwithinfiniteslowness，thanmysword，onwhichImeanttothrowmy—
self，wasbaredandthehiltforcedintoagapingcrackintheground，andsullenlycontentedtoleavemyfateso，I
satdownbesideit。
Iturnedgrimlytothespoutandsawthefirstdropfall，thenanother，andanotherlateron，butstillnohelpcame。
Therewasalongriftinthecloudsnow，andaglarelikethatfromanopenfurnacedoorwasuponme。IhadnoticedwhenIcametothespringhowthecometwhichwaskillingushungpoisedexactlyuponthepointofadis—
tanthill。Ifhehadpassedhishorriblemeridian，ifhewasgoingfromus，ifhesunkbutahair’sbreadthbeforethatseventhdropshouldfall，Icouldtellitwouldmeansalvation。
Butthefourthdropfell，andhewasbigasever。Thefifthdropfell，andahot，pleasingnosewasthrustintomyhand，andlookingdownIsawagreywolfhaddraggedherselfacrossthecourtandwasaskingwitheloquenteyesforthehelpIcouldnotgive。Thesixthdropgathered，andfell；
alreadytheseventhwaslikeaseedlingpearlinitsplace。
Thedyingwolfyankedaffectionatelyatmyhand，butIputherbyandundidmytunic。Bigandbrightthatdrophungtothespoutlip；anotherminuteanditwouldfall。Abeauti—
fuldrop，Ilaughed，peeringcloselyatit，many—coloured，prismatic，flushingredandpink，atinylivingruby，hangingbyatouchtothegreenrimabove；enough！enough！Thequiverofaneyelashwouldunhingeitnow；andangrywiththelifeIalreadyfeltwasbehindme，andturningindefiantexpectationtothenewtocome，Irose，sawtheredgleamofmyswordjuttinglikeafieryspearfromthecrackingsoilwhereIhadplantedit，thenlookedoncemoreatthedropandglancedforthelasttimeatthesullenredterroronthehill。
Weremyeyesdazed，mysensesreeling？Isaidaspaceagothatthemeteorstoodexactlyonthemountain—topandifitsunkahair’sbreadthIshouldnoteit；andnow，why，thereWASaflawinitslowermargin，aflatteningofthegreatredfootthatbeforehadbeenroundandperfect。Iturnedmysmartingeyesawayaminute，——sawtheseventhdropfallwithamelodioustingleintothecup，thenbackagain，——
therewasnomistake——thetruantfirewasafractionless，ithadshrunkafractionbehindthehillevensinceIlooked，andthereonallmyliferanbackintoitschannels，theworlddancedbeforeme，and\"Heru！\"Ishoutedhoarsely，reelingbacktowardsthepalace，\"Heru，’tiswell；theworstispast！\"
Butthelittleprincesswasunconscious，andatherfeetwaspoorSi，quitedead，stillrecliningwithherheadinherhandsjustasIhadlefther。Thenmyownsensesgaveout，anddroppingdownbythemIrememberednomore。
Imusthavelainthereanhourortwo，forwhencon—
sciousnesscameagainitwasnight——black，cool，profoundnight，withaninkyskylowdownuponthetree—tops，andoutofitsuchagloriousdelugeofraindescendingswiftlyandsilentlyasfilledmyveinseventolistento。EagerlyI
shuffledawaytotheporchsteps，downthemintotheswimmingcourtyard，andankle—deepinthegloriousflood，settoworklappingfuriouslyatthefirstpuddle，drinkingwithgaspsofpleasure，gaspinganddrinkingagain，feelingmybodyfillingoutlikethethirstysteamingearthbelowme。Then，asIstilldrankinsatiably，therecameagleamoflightningoutofthegloomoverhead，abrilliantyellowblaze，andbyitIsawafewyardsawayapantherdrinkingatthesamepoolasmyself，hisgleamingeyeslowdownlikemineuponthewater，andbyhissidetwoapes，theblackwaterrunninginattheirgapingmouths，whileoutbeyondweremorepools，moredrinkinganimals。Everythingwasdrinking。Isawtheiroutlinedforms，thegleamshiningonwetskinsasthoughtheywerecutoutinsilveragainstthedarkness，eachbeaststeaminglikeavolcanoastheHeaven—sentrainsmokedfromhisfeveredhide，alldrinkingfortheirlives，heedlessofaughtelse——andthencamethethunder。
Itranacrossthecloudyvaultasthoughtheveryskywerebeingrippedapart，rollinginmightyechoeshereandtherebeforeitdiedaway。Asitstopped，therainalsofelllessheavilyforaminute，andasIlaywithmyfacelowdownIheardthelow，contentedlappingofnumberlesstonguesunceasing，insatiable。Thencamethelightningagain，lightingupeverythingasthoughitweredaytime。Thetwinblackapeswerestilldrinking，butthepantheracrossthepuddlehadhadenough；Isawhimlifthisgratefulheaduptotheflare；sawthelimpredtonguelickingtheblacknose，thegreeneyesshininglikeopals，thewaterdrippinginthreadsofdiamondsfromthehairytagunderhischinandeverytuftuponhischest——thendarknessagain。
Toandfrothegreenblazerockedbetweenthethundercrashes。Itstruckahouseahundredyardsaway，strippingeveryshinglefromtheroofbetterthanamasterbuildercouldinaweek。Itfellaminuteafteronatalltreebythecourtyardgate，andasthetrunkburstintowhitesplin—
tersIsaweveryleafuponthefeatherytopturnlightsideupagainstthevioletreflectionintheskybeyond，andthenthewholemasscamedowntoearthwithathudthatcrushedthecourtyardpalingsintonothingfortwentyyardsandshookmeevenacrossthesquare。
AnothertimeImighthavestoppedtomarvelortowatch，asIhaveoftenwatchedwithsympatheticpleasure，thegodsthusatplay；buttonighttherewereotherthingsonhand。
WhenIhaddrunk，Ipickedupanearthencrock，filledit，andwenttoHeru。Itwasaroughdrinking—vesselforthosedaintylips，andanindifferentdraught，beingasmuchmudasaughtelse，butitseffectwaswonderful。Atthefirsttouchofthatturgidstuffashiverofdelightpassedthroughthedrowsylady。Atthesecondshegaveasigh，andherhandtightenedonmyarm。Ifetchedanothercrockful，andbytheflickeringlightrockingtoandfrointhesky，tookherheaduponmyshoulder，likeaprodigalnewcomeintoriches，squanderingthestuff，givinghertodrinkandbathingfaceandnecktillpresently，tomydelight，theprincess’seyesopened。Thenshesatup，andtakingthebasinfrommedrankasneverladydrankbefore，andsoonwasalmosther—
selfagain。
Iwentoutintotheportico，theresnuffingthedeep，strongbreathofthefragrantblackearthreceivingbackintoitsgapingselfwhatthelastfewdayshadtakenfromit，whilequicksucceedingthoughtsofescapeandflightpassedacrossmybrain。Allthroughthefierytimewehadjusthadthechanceofescapingwiththefairbootyyonderhadbeenpresent。Withouther，flightwouldhavebeeneasyenough，butthatwasnotworthconsideringforamoment。Withheritwasmoredifficult，yet，asIhadwatchedthewood—
men，accustomedtocoolforestshades，faintunderthefieryglareoftheworldabove，tomakeadashforlibertyseemedeachhourmoreeasy。Ihadseenthemeninthestreetsdroponebyone，andthespearsfallfromthehandsofguardsaboutthepallisades；Ihadseenmessengerswhocametoandfrocollapsebeforetheirerrandswereaccomplished，andtheforestwomen，whowereHeru’sgaolers，groananddropacrossthethresholdsofherprison，untilatlengththewaywasclear——ababemighthavetakenwhathewouldfromthathalf—scorchedtownandaskednoman’sleave。
Yetwhatdiditavailme？Heruwashelpless，myownspiritburntinanervelessframe，andsowestayed。
Butwithrainstrengthcamebacktobothofus。Theguards，lyingaboutlikeblacklogs，wereonlyslowlyre—
turningtoconsciousness；thetownstillslept，anddarknessfavoured；beforetheymissedusinthemorninglightwemightbefaronthewaybacktoSeth——adangerouswaytruly，butwewereliketotreadarougheroneifwestayed。
Infact，directlymystrengthreturnedwiththecoolerair，ImadeupmymindtotheventureandwenttoHeru，whobythistimewasmuchrecovered。ToherIwhisperedmyplot，andthatgentlelady，aswasonlynatural，trembledatitsdangers。ButIputittoherthatnotimecouldbebetterthanthepresent：thestormwasgoingover；morningwould\"linetheblackmantleofthenightwithapinkdawnofpromise\"；beforeanyonestirredwemightbefaroff，shapingacoursebyourluckandthestarsforherkindred，atwhosenameshesighed。Ifwestayed，Iargued，andthekingchangedhismind，thendeathforme，andforHeruthearmsofthatsurlymonarch，andalltherestofherlifecagedinthesepallisadesamongsttheuncouthformsaboutus。
Theladygaveafrightenedlittleshiveratthepicture，butafteramoment，layingherheaduponmyshoulder，an—
swered，\"Oh，myguardianspiritandhelperinadversity，Itoohavethoughtoftomorrow，anddoubtwhetherthathorror，thatgreatswinewhohasme，willnotinventanexcuseforkeepingme。Therefore，thoughtheforestroadsaredread—
ful，andSethveryfaraway，Iwillcome；Igivemyselfintoyourhands。Dowhatyouwillwithme。\"
\"Thenthesoonerthebetter，princess。Howsooncanyoubeprepared？\"
Shesmiled，andstoopingpickedupherslippers，sayingasshedidso，\"Iamready！\"
Therewerenoarrangementstobemade。Everyinstantwasofvalue。So，tobebrief，Ithrewadarkcloakoverthedamsel’sshoulders，forindeedshewascladinlittlemorethanherlovelinessandthegauziestfilamentsofaHithergirl’sunderwear，andhandinhandledherdownthelogsteps，overthesplashing，ankle—deepcourtyard，andintotheshadowsofthegatewaybeyond。
Downtheslopewewent；alongtowardstheharbour，throughascoreofdesertedlaneswherenothingwastobeheardbuttheroarofrainandthelappingofmenandbeasts，drinkingintheshadowsasthoughtheyneverwouldstop，andsowecameatlastunmolestedtothewharf。ThereI
hidroyalSethbetweentwopilesofmerchandise，andwenttolookforaboatsuitabletoourneeds。Therewereplentyofsmallcraftmooredtoringsalongthequay，andselectingacanoe——itwasnotimetostandonnicetiesofproperty——
easilymanagedbyasinglepaddle，Ibroughtitroundtothesteps，putinafreshwater—pot，andwentfortheprincess。
Withhersafelystowedintheprow，ahelpless，soddenlittlemorseloffeminineloveliness，thingsbegantoappearmorehopefulandanescapedowntobluewater，myonlyidea，forthefirsttimepossible。YetImustneedsgoandwellnighspoileverythingbyover—solicitudeformycharge。
HadwepushedoffatoncetherecanbenodoubtmycreditasaspiritwouldhavebeenestablishedforalltimeintheThithercapital，andthebeliefuniversallyheldthatHeruhadbeenwaftedawaybymyenchantmenttotheregionsoftheunknown。Theideawouldhavegraduallygrownintoatradition，receivingembellishmentsinsucceedinggen—
erations，untillittlewoodchildrenattheirmother’skneescametolisteninawetothestoryofhow，onceuponatime，theSun—godlovedabeautifulmaiden，anddrovehisfierychariotacrosstheblacknight—fieldstoherprisondoor，scorch—
ingtodeathallwhostrovetogainsayhim。Howsheflewintohisarmsanddroveawaybeforeallmen’seyes，inhisredcar，intothewest，andwasneverseenagain——theforesaidSun—godbeingI，GulliverJones，amuchunder—
paidlieutenantinthegloriousUnitedStatesnavy，withapacketofoverduetailors’billsinmypocket，andnothinglovableaboutmesaveapartialityformeddlingwithotherpeople’saffairs。
Thisishowitmighthavebeen，butIspoiledaprettyfairystoryandchangedthewholecourseofMartianhistorybygoingbackatthatmomentinsearchofawrapformyprize。Rightontopofthestepswasamanwithalantern，andhalfaglanceshowedmeitwastheharbourmastermetwithonmyfirstlanding。
\"Goodevening，\"hesaidsuspiciously。\"MayIaskwhatyouaredoingonthequayatsuchanhourasthis？\"
\"Doing？Oh，nothinginparticular，justgoingoutforalittlefishing。\"
\"Andyourcompanionthelady——isshetoofondoffishing？\"
Isworebetweenmyteeth，butcouldnotpreventthefel—
lowwalkingtothequayedgeandcastinghislightfulluponthefigureofthegirlbelow。Ihatepeoplewhointerferewithotherpeople’sbusiness！
\"UnlessIamverymuchmistakenyourfishingfriendistheHitherwomanbroughthereafewdaysagoastributetoAr—hap。\"
\"Well，\"Ianswered，gettingintoanicetemper，forIhadbeenverymuchharrassedoflate，\"putitatthat。Whatwouldyoudoifitwereso？\"
\"Callupmyrain—drunkguards，andgiveyouinchargeasathiefcaughtmeddlingwiththeking’sproperty。\"
\"Thanks，butasmyinterviewswithAr—haphaveal—
readybeguntogrowtedious，wewillsettlethislittlematterherebetweenourselvesatonce。\"Andwithoutmoreto—doI
closedwithhim。TherewasabriefscuffleandthenIgotinablowuponhisjawwhichsenttheharbourmasterflyingbackheadoverheelsamongstthesugarbalesandpotatoes。
WithoutwaitingtoseehowhefaredIrandownthesteps，jumpedonboard，loosenedtherope，andpushedoutintotheriver。Butmyheartwasangryandsore，forI
knew，asturnedouttobethecase，thatoursecretwasonenomore；inashorttimeweshouldhavethesavagekinginpursuit，andnowtherewasnothingforitbutheadlongflightwithonlyasmallchanceofgettingawaytodistantSeth。
Luckilytheharbourmasterlayinsensibleuntilhewasfoundatdawn，sothatwehadagoodstart，andthemomentthecanoepassedfromthearcade—likeapproachtothetownthecurrentswungherheadautomaticallyseaward，andawaywewentdownstreamatapaceoncemorefillingmewithhope。
CHAPTERXIX
AllwentwellandwefleddownthebitterstreamoftheMartiangulfatapaceleavingmelittletodobutguideourcoursejustclearofsnagsandpromontoriesontheportshore。Justbeforedawn，however，withathinmistonthewaterandflocksofaflamingo—likebirdcroakingastheyflewsouthwardoverhead，wewerenearlycapturedagain。
Driftingsilentlydownonarockyisland，Iwashavingadrinkatthewater—pitcheratthemoment，whileHeru，herhairbeadedwithprismaticmoistureandlookingmoreetherealthanever，satinthebowstimorouslyinhalingthebreathoffreedom，whenallonasuddenvoicesinvisibleinthemist，cameroundacorner。ItwasoneofAr—hap’swar—canoestoilingup—stream。HeruandIduckeddownintothehazelikedab—chicksandheldourbreath。
Straightontowardsuscamethetoilingship，thedipofoarsresonantinthehollowfogandaripplebabblingonhercutwaterplainlydiscernible。
\"Oh，oh！
Hoo，hoo！
Howhigh，howhigh！\"
soundedthesleepysongoftherowerstilltheywereloom—
ingrightabreastandwecouldsmelltheirdamphidesinthemorningair。Thentheystoppedsuddenlyandsomeoneasked，\"Istherenotsomethinglikeaboatawayontheright？\"
\"Itisnothing，\"saidanother，\"buttheleesoflastnight’sbeercurdlinginyourstupidbrain。\"
\"ButIsawitmove。\"
\"Thatmusthavebeenindreams。\"
\"Whatisallthattalkingabout？\"growledasleepyvoiceofauthorityfromthestern。
\"Bowman，sir，sayshecanseeaboat。\"
\"Andwhatdoesitmatterifhecan？Arewetodelayeverytimethatlazyruffianspyingashadowmakesitanexcusetostoptoyawnandscratch？Goon，youplankfuloflubbers，orI’llgiveyousomethingworththinkingabout！\"
Andjoyfully，oh，sojoyfully，weheardthesullendipofoarscommenceagain。
Nothingmorehappenedafterthattillthesunatlengthshoneonthelittleharbourtownattheestuarymouth，makingthemastsoffishingcraftclusteringtherelikeagoldenreed—
bedagainstthecool，cleanblueoftheseabeyond。
Rightgladweweretoseeit，andkeepingnowinshadowofthebanks，madeallhastewhilelightwasfaintandmisthungabouttoreachthetown，finallypushingthroughtheboatsandgainingasafehiding—placewithouthostilenoticebeforeitwascleardaylight。
CoveringHeruupandknowingwellallourchancesofescapelayinexpedition，Iwentatonce，inpursuanceofaplanmadeduringthenight，tothegooddameatwhat，forlackofabettername，muststillcontinuetobecalledthefish—shop，andfindingheralone，franklytoldherthesalientpointsofmystory。WhenshelearnedIhad\"robbedthelionofhisprey\"andtakenhisnewwifesinglehandedfromthedreadedAr—hapherastonishmentwasunbounded。
Nothingwoulddobutshemustlookupontheprincess，sobackwewenttothehiding—place，andwhenHeruknewthatonthiswomandependedourlivesshesteppedashore，takingtheruggedMartianhandinherdaintyfingersandbeggingherhelpsosweetlythatmyownheartwasmoved，and，thrustinghandsinpocket，Iwentaside，leavingthosetwotosettleitintheirownfemaleway。
AndwhenIlookedbackinfiveminutes，royalSethhadherarmsroundthewoman’sneck，kissingthehomelycheekswithmorethanimperialfervour，soIknewallwaswellthusfar，andstoppedexpectoratingatthelittlefishesinthewaterbelowandwentovertothem。Itwastime！Wehadhardlyspokentogetheraminutewhenacoupleofwar—canoesfilledwithmenappearedroundthenearestpromontory，comingdowntheswiftwaterwitharrow—likerapidity。
\"Quick！\"saidthefishwife，\"orwearealllost。Intoyourcanoeandpaddleupthiscreek。Itrunsouttotheseabehindthetown，andatthebarismyman’sfishing—boatamongstmanyothers。Liehiddentheretillhecomesifyouvalueyourlives。\"Soinwegot，andwhilethatgoodSamaritanwentbacktoherhousewecautiouslypaddledthroughadesertedbackwatertowhereitpresentlyturnedthroughlowsandbankstothegulf。Thereweretheboats，andwehidthecanoeandlaydownamongstthemtill，soonafter，aman，easilyrecognisedasthehusbandofourfriend，camesaunteringdownfromthevillage。
Atfirsthewassullen，notunreasonablyalarmedatthedangerintowhichhisgoodwomanwasrunninghim。ButwhenheseteyesonHeruhesoftenedimmediately。Prob—
ablythatthick—bodiedfellowhadneverseensomuchfemalelovelinessinsosmallabulkinallhislife，and，beingaman，hesurrenderedatdiscretion。
\"Inwithyou，then，\"hegrowled，\"sinceImustneedsriskmyneckforapairofrunawayswhobetterdeservetobehungthanIdo。Inwithyoubothintothisfishing—cobbleofmine，andIwillcoveryouwithnetswhileIgoforamastandsail，andmindyoulieasstillaslogs。Thetownisalreadyfullofsoldierslookingforyou，anditwillbeshortshriftforusallifyouareseen。\"
Wellawareofthefactandnowinthehandsofdestiny，theprincessandIlaydownasbiddenintheprow，andthemancovereduslightlyoverwithoneofthosefinemeshedseinesusedbythesepeopletocatchthelittlefishIhadbreakfastedonmorethanonce。
MateriallyIcouldhaveenjoyedthehalf—hourwhichfol—
lowed，sincesuchrestafterexertionwaswelcome，thesunwarm，thelappingofseaonshingleinfinitelysoothing，and，aboveall，Heruwasinmyarms！Howsweetandchildlikeshewas！Icouldfeelherlittleheartbeatingthroughherscantyclothing，whileeverynowandthensheturnedhergazelleeyestominewithatrustandadmirationinfinitelyalluring。Yes！asfarasthatwentIcouldhavelaintherewiththatslipofmaidenroyaltyforever，butthefascinationofthemomentwasmarredbythethoughtofourdanger。
Whatwastopreventthesenewfriendsgivingusaway？
Theyknewwehadnomoneytorecompensethemfortherisktheywererunning。Theywerepoor，andasplendidreward，wealthitselftothem，woulddoubtlessbetheirsiftheybetrayedusevenbyalook。YetsomehowItrustedthemasIhavetrustedthepoorbeforewiththehappiestresults，andtellingmyselfthisandcomfortingHeru，Ilis—
tenedandwaited。
Minutebyminutewentby。Itseemedanagesincethefishermanhadgone，butpresentlythesoundofvoicesinter—
ruptedthesea’smurmur。CautiouslystealingaglancethroughachinkimaginemyfeelingsonperceivinghalfadozenofAr—hap’ssoldierscomingdownthebeachstraighttowardsus！Thenmyheartwasbitterwithinme，andI
tastedofdefeat，evenwithHeruinmyarms。LuckilyeveninthatmomentofagonyIkeptstill，andanotherpeepshowedthemenwerenowwanderingaboutratheraimlessly。
Perhapsafteralltheydidnotknowofournearness？Thentheytooktohorseplay，asidlesoldierswilleveninMars，peltingeachotherwithbitsofwoodanddeadfish，andthereonIbreathedagain。
Nearertheycameandnearer，myheartbeatingfastastheystrolledamongsttheboatsuntiltheywereactually\"larking\"roundtheonenexttoours。Aminuteortwoofthis，andanotherfootstepcrunchedonthepebbles，aquick，nervousone，whichmyinstincttoldmewasthatofourreturningfriend。
\"Hullooldsprat—catcher！Goingforasail？\"calledoutasoldier，andIknewthatthegroupwereallroundourboat，HerutremblingsoviolentlyinmybreastthatIthoughtshewouldmakethevesselshake。
\"Yes，\"saidthemangruffly。
\"Let’sgowithhim，\"criedseveralvoices。\"Here，olddriedhaddock，willyoutakeusifwehelphaulyournetsforyou？\"
\"No，Iwon’t。Youruglyfaceswouldfrightenallthefishoutofthesea。\"
\"Andyours，youoldchunkofdriedmahogany，ismeanttoattractthemnodoubt。\"
\"Let’stiehimtoapostandgofishinginhisboatourselves，\"
someonesuggested。Meanwhiletwoofthembeganrockingthecobbleviolentlyfromsidetoside。Thiswasawful，andeverymomentIexpectedthenetandthesailwhichourfriendhadthrowndownunceremoniouslyuponuswouldrolloff。
\"Oh，stopthat，\"saidtheMartian，whowasnodoubtquiteaswellawareofthedangeraswewere。\"Thetide’sfull，theshoalsareinthebay——stopyournonsense，andhelpmelaunchlikegoodfellows。\"
\"Well，taketwoofus，then。Wewillsitonthisheapofnetsasquietasmice，andstandyouadrinkwhenwegetback。\"
\"No，notoneofyou，\"quoththepluckyfellow，\"andhere’smystaffinmyhand，andifyoudon’tleavemygearaloneIwillcracksomeofyouruglyheads。\"
\"That’sapity，\"Ithoughttomyself，\"foriftheytaketofightingitwillbesixtoone——longoddsagainstourchances。\"Therewasindeedascuffle，andthenayellofpain，asthoughasoldierhadbeenhitacrosstheknuckles；
butinaminutethebestdisposedcalledout，\"Oh，ceaseyourfun，boys，andletthefellowgetoffifhewantsto。
Youknowthefleetwillbedowndirectly，andAr—haphaspromisedsomethingworthhavingtothemanwhocanfindthatlostbitofcracklingofhis。It’smyopinionshe’sinthetown，andIforonewouldratherlookforherthangohaddockfishinganyday。\"
\"Rightyouare，mates，\"saidourfriendwithvisiblerelief。
\"And，what’smore，ifyouhelpmelaunchthisboatandthengotomymissusandtellherwhatyou’vedone，she’llunderstand，andgiveyouthebiggestpumpkinfulofbeerintheplace。Ah，shewillunderstand，andblessyoursoftheartsandheadswhileyoudrinkit——she’sacuteoneismymissus。\"
\"Andaren’tyouafraidtoleaveherwithus？\"
\"NotI，mydaisy，unlessitwerethatasightofyourprettyfacemightgiveherhysterics。Nowlendahand，youraccursedchatterhasalreadycostmehalfanhourofthebestfishingtime。\"
\"Inwithyou，oldbuck！\"shoutedthesoldiers；Ifeltthefishermanstepin，asamatteroffacthesteppedinontomytoes；adozenhandswereonthegunwales：sixsoldieryellsresounded，itseemed，inmyveryears：therewasthegritandrushofpebblesunderthekeel：asuddenlurchupofthebows，whichbroughtthefairylady’shoney—
scentedlipstomine，andthenthegentlelappingofdeepbluewatersunderneathus！
Thereislittlemoretobesaidofthatvoyage。Wepulleduntiloutofsightofthetown，thenhoistedsail，and，withafairwind，heldupononetackuntilwemadeanislandwheretherewasasmallcolonyofHitherfolk。
Hereourfriendturnedback。Igavehimanothergoldbuttonfrommycoat，andtheprincessakissuponeithercheek，whichheseemedtolikeevenmorethanthebutton。
Itwassmallpayment，butthebestwehad。Doubtlesshegotsafelyhome，andIcanbuthopethatProvidencesomehoworotherpaidhimandhiswifeforagooddeedbravelydone。
Thoseislandersinturnlentusanotherboat，withaguide，whohadbusinessintheHithercapital，andontheeveningofthesecondday，thedirectroutebeingveryshortincom—
parison，wewereunderthecrumblingmarblewallsofSeth。
CHAPTERXX
Itwasliketurningintoahothousefromakeenwinterwalk，ourarrivalatthebeautifulbutnervelesscityaftermylifeamongstthewoodmen。
Asforthepeople，theyweredelightedtohavetheirprincessback，butwiththedelightofchildren，fawningabouther，singing，clappinghands，yetaskingnoquestionsastowhereshehadbeen，showingnoappreciationofouradventures——aseriousoffenceinmyeyes——and，perhapsmostimportantofall，nounderstandingofwhatImaycallthepoliticalbearingsofHeru’srestoration，andhowfartheirarchenemiesbeyondtheseamightbeinclinedtoattemptherrecovery。
Theywerejustdelightedtohavetheprincessback，andthatwastheendofit。Theirswasthejoyofavastnurseryletloose。Flowerprocessionswereorganised，garlandswovenbythemile，ageneralorderissuedthatthenationmightstayupforanhourafterbedtime，andinthevortexofthatgentlerejoicingHeruwastakenfromme，andIsawhernomore，tilltherehappenedthewildestsceneofallyouhavesharedwithmesopatiently。
Overlooked，unthanked，Iturnedsulky，andwhenthismood，oneIcannevermaintainforlong，woreoff，Ithrewmyselfintothedissipationaboutmewithangryzeal。Iamfranklyashamedoftheconfession，butIwas\"asailorashore，\"andcanonlyclaimtheindulgencespropertothesituation。Ilaughed，danced，drank，throughthenight；I
drankdeepofadozenrosywaystoforgetfulness，tillmymindwasagreatconfusion，fullofflittingpicturesoflove—
liness，tilllifeitselfwasanillusivepantomime，andmywillbutthistle—downonthefollyofthemoment。Idrankwiththosegentleroisterersallthroughtheirstarlitnight，andifwestoppedwhenmorningcameitwasmorefromwearinessthanvirtue。Thentheyellow—robedslavesgaveusthewineofrecovery——alas！myfaithfulAnwasnotamongstthem——
andallthroughthedaywelayaboutinsoddenhappiness。
TowardsnightfallIwasmyselfagain，notunfortunatelywiththeheadachewellearned，butsufficientlyremorsefultobeinaveintomakegoodresolutionsforthefuture。
InthismoodImingledwithahappycrowd，allpurpose—
lessandcheerfulasusual，butbeforelongbegantofeeltheinfluenceofoneofthosedrifts，auniversalturninginonedirection，asseaweedturnswhenthetidechanges，sochar—
acteristicofMartiansociety。Itwasdusk，alovelysoftvelvetdusk，butnotdarkyet，andIsaidtoayellow—robedfairyatmyside：
\"Whitheraway，comrade？Itisnoteightbellsyet。Surelywearenotgoingtobeputtobedsoearlyasthis？\"
\"No，\"saidthatsmilingindividual，\"itistheprincess。
WearegoingtolistentoPrincessHeruinthepalacesquare。Shereadstheglobeontheterraceagaintonight，toseeifomensarepropitiousforhermarriage。SheMUST
marry，andyouknowtheceremonyhasbeenunavoidablypostponedsofar。\"
\"Unavoidablypostponed？\"Yes，HeavenwottedIwasawareofthefact。AndwasHerugoingtomarryblackHathinsuchahurry？AndafterallIhaddoneforher？
Itwasscarcelydecent，andItriedtorousemyselftorageoverit，butsomehowtheseductiveMartiancontentmentwithanyfatewasgettingintomyveins。Iwasnotyetaltogethersunkintheirslothfulacceptanceoftheinevitable，buttherewasnottheslightestdoubtthehotredbloodinmewasturn—
ingtovapidstuffsuchasdiddutyforthearticleintheirveins。Imusteredupahalf—heartedfrownatthisunwelcomeintelligence，turningwithitonmyfacetowardstheslavegirl；butshehadslippedawayintothethrong，sothefrownevaporated，andshruggingmyshouldersIsaidtomyself，\"Whatdoesitmatter？Therearetwentyotherswilldoaswellforme。Ifnotone，whythenobviouslyan—
other，’tistheonlyrationalwaytothink，andatalleventsthereisthemagicglobe。Thatmaytellussomething。\"Andslippingmyarmroundthewaistofthefirstdisengagedgirl——wewerenotthen，mindyou，inAtlanticCity——Ikissedherdimplingcheekunreproached，andgailyfollowedinthedriftofhumanity，trendingwithalowhumofpleasuretowardsthegreatwhiteterracesunderthepalaceporch。
HowwellIknewthem！ItwasjustsuchaneveningHeruhadconsultedFateinthesameplaceoncebefore；howmuchhadhappenedsincethen！Buttherewaslittletimeorin—
clinationtothinkofthosethingsnow。Thewholephantomcity’spopulationhaddriftedtoonecommoncentre。Thecrumblingseawardrampartswerealldeserted；nosoldierwatchwaskepttonoteifangrywoodmencamefromoverseas；asoftwindblewinfromoffthebrine，buttoldnotales；
thestreetswereempty，and，whenaswewaitedfarawayinthesouthernskytheearthplanetpresentlygotup，byitslightHeru，herselfagain，cametrippingdownthestepstoreadherfate。
Theyhadplacedanothermagicglobeunderashroudonatripodforher。Itstoodwithinthecharmedcircleupontheterrace，andIwascloseby，althoughtheprincessdidnotseeme。
Againthatweird，fantasticdancecommenced，theprincessworkingherselfupfromthedrowsiestundulationstoahur—
ricaneofemotion。Thenshestoppedclosebytheorb，andseizedthecornerofthewebcoveringit。Wesawtheglobebegintobeamwithveiledmagnificenceathertouch。
Notaneyewavered，notathoughtwanderedfromherinallthatsilentmultitude。Itwasamomentofthekeenestsuspense，andjustwhenitwasatitsheighttherecameastrangesoundofhurryingfeetbehindtheoutermostcrowd，amurmursuchasagreatpackofwolvesmightmakerushingthroughsnow，whileasoftlongwailwentupfromthedarkness。
WhetherHeruunderstooditornotIcannotsay，butshehesitatedamoment，thenswepttheclothfromtheorbofherfate。
Andasitsghostly，self—emittinglightbeamedupinthedarknesswithweirdbrilliancy，therebyit，ingoldandfursandwarpanoply，huge，fierce，andlowering，stood——AR—HAP
HIMSELF！
Ay，andbehindhim，toweringoverthecrouchingMar—
tians，blockingeveryoutletandstreet，werescoresandhundredsofhismen。Neverwassurprisesoutter，ambushmorecomplete。EvenIwastransfixedwithastonishment，staringwithopen—mouthedhorroratthesplendidfigureofthebarbariankingashestoodaglitterintheruddylight，scowlingdefianceatthethrongaroundhim。Sosilentlyhadhecomeonhiserrandofvengeanceitwasdifficulttobe—
lievehewasareality，andnotsomecleverpieceofstageplay，somevisionconjuredupbyMartiannecromancy。
Buthewasgoodreality。Inaminutecomedyturnedtotragedy。Ar—hapgaveasignwithhishand，whereonallhismensetupaterriblewarcry，thelikeofwhichSethhadnotheardforverylong，andasfarasIcouldmakeoutinthehalflightbeganhackingandhewingmylucklessfriendswithalltheirmight。MeanwhilethekingmadeatHeru，feelingsureofherthistime，anddoubtlessintendingtomakehertastehisvengeancetothedregs；andseeingherhandledlikethat，andhearingherplaintivecries，wrathtooktheplaceofstupidsurpriseinme。Iwasonmyfeetinasecond，acrosstheinterveningspace，andwithallmyforcegavethekingablowuponthejawwhichsentevenhimstaggeringbackwards。BeforeIcouldcloseagain，soswiftwasthesequenceofeventsinthoseflyingminutes，awildmobofpeople，victimsandexecutionersinonedisorderedthrong，wasbetweenus。HowthekingfaredIknownot，norstoppedtoask，buthalfdragging，halfcarryingHeruthroughtheshriekingmob，gotherupthepalacestepsandinatthegreatdoors，whichacoupleofyellow—cladslaves，morefrightenedofthebarbariansthanthoughtfulofthecrowdwithout，promptlyclappedto，andshotthebolts。Thusweweresafeforamoment，andputtingtheprincessonacouch，Iranupashortflightofstairsandlookedoutofafrontwindowtoseeiftherewereachanceofsuccouringthoseinthepalacesquare。ButitwasallhopelesschaoswiththetownalreadybeginningtoburnandnotashowoffightanywherewhichIcouldjoin。
Iglaredoutonthatinfernaltumultforamomentortwoinanagonyofimpotentrage，thenturnedtowardstheharbourandsawintheshineoftheburningtownbelowtheancientbattlementsandtowersofSethbegintogleamout，likeasplendidfrostworkoflivingmetalclear—cutagainstthesmooth，blacknightbehind，andneverashowofresistancethereeither。Ay，andbythistimeAr—hap’smenwerebatteringinourgateswithabigbeam，andsomehow，Idonotknowhowithappened，thepalaceitselfawayontheright，wherethedry—as—dustlibrarylay，wasalsobeginningtoburn。
Itwashopelessoutside，andnothingtobedonebuttosaveHeru，sodownIwent，and，withtheslaves，carriedherawayfromthehallthroughavestibuleortwo，andintoananteroom，wheresomeyellow—girtindividualswereal—
readyengagedinthesuggestiveworkoftyinguppal—
aceplateinbundles，amongstotherthings，alas！thegreatgoldlove—bowlfromwhich——oh！solongago——IhaddrawnHeru’smarriagebillet。Theseindividualstoldmeintremulousaccentstheyhadgotaboatonasecretwaterwaybehindthepalacewhenceflighttothemainriverandso，farawayinland，toanothersmallerbutmorepeacefulcityoftheirracewouldbequitepractical；andjoyfullyhearingthisnews，IhandedovertothemtheprincesswhileIwenttolookforHath。
Andthesearchwasnotlong。Dashingintothebanquet—hall，stilllitteredwiththeremainsofafeast，andlookingdownitsdesertedvistas，thereatthefartherend，onhisthrone，cladinthesombregarmentsheaffected，chinonhand，sedateinroyalmelancholy，listeningunmovedtothesackofhistownoutside，sattheprincehimself。Strange，gloomyman，thegreatdeadintelligenceofhisraceshininginhisfaceasweirdandoutofplaceasalonelyseabeaconfadingtonothingbeforetheglowofsunrise，neverhadheappearedsomysteriousasatthatmoment。EvenintheheatofexcitementIstaredathiminamazement，wishinginahastythoughttheconfusionofthepastfewweekshadgivenmeopportun—
itytopenetratetherecessesofhismind，andtherefromretellyouthingsbetterworthlisteningtothanalltheincidentofmyadventures。Butnowtherewasnotimetothink，scarcetimetoact。
\"Hath！\"Icried，rushingovertohim，\"wakeup，yourmajesty。TheThithermenareoutside，killingandburning！\"
\"Iknowit。\"
\"Andthepalaceisonfire。Youcansmellthereekevenhere。\"
\"Yes。\"
\"Thenwhatareyougoingtodo？\"
\"Nothing。\"
\"Myword，thatisafinepropositionforaprince！IfyoucarenothingfortownorpalaceperhapsyouwillbestiryourselfforPrincessHeru。\"
Afaintglimmerofinterestroseuponthealabastercalmofhisfaceatthatname，butitfadedinstantly，andhesaidquietly，\"Theslaveswillsaveher。Shewilllive。Ilookedintothebookofherfateyesterday。Shewillescape，andforget，andsitatanothermarriagefeast，andbeamother，andgivethepeopleyetonemoreprincetokeepthefaintglimmerofourancestryalive。Iamcontent。\"
\"But，d———it，man，Iamnot！Itakeadealmorein—
terestintheyoungladythanyouseemto，andhavescouredhalfthispreciousplanetofyoursonheraccount，andwillbehangedifIsitidlytwiddlingmythumbswhileherprettyskinisindanger。\"ButHathwaslostincontempla—
tionofhisshoe—strings。
\"Come，sir，\"Isaid，shakinghismajestybytheshoulder，\"don’tbedownonyourluck。Therehasbeensomerivalrybetweenus，butnevermindaboutthatjustnow。Theprin—
cesswantsyou。Iamgoingtosavebothherandyou，youmustcomewithher。\"
\"No。\"
\"ButyouSHALLcome。\"
\"No！\"
Bythistimethepalacewasblazinglikeabonfireandtheuproaroutsidewasterrible。WhatwasItodo？AsI
hesitatedthearrasatthefurtherendofthehallwassweptaside，adisorderedmobofslavesbearingbundlesanddrag—
gingHeruwiththemrushingdowntothedoornearus。
AsHeruwascarriedswiftlybyshestretchedhermilk—whitearmstowardstheprinceandturnedherface，lovelyasaconvolvulusflowereveninitspallor，uponhim。
Itwasaheart—movingappealfromawomanwiththeheartofachild，andHathrosetohisfeetwhileforamo—
mentthereshonealookofresponsiblemanhoodinhiseyes。
Butitfadedquickly；hebowedslowlyasthoughhehadreceivedanaddressofcondolenceontheconditionofhisempire，andthenextmomentthefrightenedslaves，stumblingundertheirburdens，hadsweptpoorHeruthroughthedoorway。
Iglancedsavagelyroundatthecurlingsmokeoverhead，theredtendrilsoffireclimbingupadistantwall，andthereonatablebyuswasahalf—finishedflaskofthelovelytintedwineofforgetfulness。IfHathwouldnotcomesoberperhapshemightcomedrunk。
\"Here，\"Icried，\"drinktotomorrow，yourmajesty，asov—
ereigntoastinallages，andbetterlucknexttimewiththesehairygentlemenbatteringatyourmajesty’sdoors，\"andsplashingoutagobletfullofthestuffIhandedittohim。
Hetookitandlookedratherlovinglyintothelimpidpool，thendeliberatelypoureditonthestepinfrontofhim，andthrowingthecupawaysaidpleasantly，\"Nottonight，goodcomrade；tonightIdrinkadeeperdraughtofoblivionthanthat，——andherecomemycup—
bearers。\"
Evenwhilehespokethepalacegateshadgivenway；
therewasahorriblemedleyofshrieksandcries，aquicksoundofrunningfeet；thenagainthearrasliftedandinpouredahordeofAr—hap’smen—at—arms。Themomenttheycaughtsightofusaboutadozenofthem，armedwithbows，drewthethickhidestringstotheirearsanddownthehallcamearaveningflightofshafts。Onewentthroughmycap，twostuckquiveringinthethrone，andone，wingedwithowlfeather，caughtblackHathfullinthebosom。
Hehadstoodoutboldlyatthefirstcomingofthatonset，armscrossedonbreast，chinup，andlookingmoreofagentlemanthanIhadeverseenhimlookbefore；andnow，stricken，hesmiledgravely，thenwithoutflinching，andstilleyeinghisenemieswithgentlecalm，hiskneesun—
locked，hisframetrembled，thendownhewentheadlong，hisredbloodrunningforthinrivuletsamongstthewineofoblivionhehadjustpouredout。
Therewasnotimeforsentiment。Ishruggedmyshoulders，andturningonmyheels，withthewoodmencloseafterme，sprangthroughtheneardoorway。WherewasHeru？I
flewdownthecorridorbywhichitseemedshehadre—
treated，andthen，hesitatingamomentwhereitdividedintwo，tooktheleftone。Thistomychagrinpresentlybegantotrendupwards，whereasIknewHeruwasmakingfortheriverdownbelow。
Butitwasimpossibletogoback，andwheneverIstoppedinthosedesertedpassagesIcouldhearthewolflikepatterofmen’sfeetuponmytrail。Onagainintothestonylaby—
rinthsoftheoldpalace，everupwards，inspiteofmydesiretogodown，untilatlast，thepursuersoffthetrackforamoment，Icametoanorthwindowinthepalacewall，and，hotandbreathless，stayedtolookout。
Allwaspeacehere；theskyalovelylavender，apromiseofcomingmorninginit，andagold—spangledcurtainofstarsoutyonderonthehorizon。Notasoulmoved。Belowappearedasheerdropofahundredfeetintoamoatwind—
ingthroughthicketsofheavy—scentedconvolvulusflowerstothewaterwaysbeyond。AndasIlookedaskiffwithhalfadozenrowerscameswiftlyoutofthedarknessofthewallandpassedlikeashadowamongstthethickets。IntheprowwasallHath’sweddingplate，andinthestern，afaintvisionofunconsciousloveliness，layHeru！
BeforeIcouldliftafingerorcallout，evenifIhadhadamindtodoso，theshadowhadgoneroundabend，andashoutwithinthepalacetoldmeIwassightedagain。
Ononcemore，hotlypursued，untilthelastcorridorendedintwodoorsleadingintoahalf—litgallerywithopenwin—
dowsatthefurtherend。Therewasawildernessoflumberdownthesidesofthegreatgarret，andnowIcometothinkofitmorecalmlyIimagineitwasHath’sLostPropertyOffice，thevastreceptaclewherehisslavesdepositedeverythinglazyMartiansforgotorleftaboutintheirdailylife。Atthatmomentitonlyrepresentedalastrefuge，andintoitIdashed，swungthedoorstoandfastenedthemjustastheforemostofAr—hap’smenhurledthemselvesuponthebarrierfromoutside。
ThereIwaslikearatinatrap，andlikearatImadeupmymindtofightsavagelytotheend，withoutforamo—
mentdeceivingmyselfastowhatthatendmustbe。Evenuptherethehorribleroarofdestructionwasplainlyaudibleasthebarbarianssackedandburnedtheancienttown，andIwasgladfromthebottomofmyheartmypoorlittleprincesswassafelyoutofit。NordidIbearherorherstheleastresentmentformakingoffwhiletherewasyettimeandleavingmetomyfate——anythingelsewouldhavebeencontrarytoMartiannature。Doubtlessshewouldgetaway，asHathhadsaid，andelsewheredropafewpearlytearsandthenoverhersugar—candyandlotus—eatingforgetwithhappycompleteness——mostblessedgift！Andmeanwhiletheforesaidbarbarianswerebatteringonmydoors，whileovertheirheadschokingsmokewaspouringininever—increas—
ingvolumes。
Inburstthefirstpanel，thenanother，andIcouldseethroughthegapsamedleyoftossingweaponsandwildfaceswithout。Shortshriftformeiftheycamethrough，sointheobstinacyofdesperationIsettoworktopileoldfurnitureanddrygoodsagainstthebarricade。AndastheyyelledandhammeredoutsideIscreamedbackdefiancefromwithin，sweating，tugging，andhaulingwiththestrengthoftenmen，pilinguptheoldMartianlumberagainsttheopeningtill，sofiercewastheattackoutside，littlewasleftoftheoriginaldoorwayandnothingbetweenmeandthebeseigersbutarampartofbrokenwoodworkhalfseeninasmotherofsmokeandflames。
Stilltheycameon，thrustingspearsandjavelinsthrougheverycreviceandmystrengthbegantogo。Ithrewtwotablesintoagap，andbrainedabesiegerwithasweet—
meat—seller’sblockandsmotheredanother，andoverturnedagreatchestagainstmybarricade；butwhatwasthepurposeofitall？Theywerefiftytooneandmyrampartquakedbeforethem。Thesmokewasstifling，andthepainsofdis—
solutioninmyheart。Theyburstinandclambereduptherampartlikeblackants。Ilookedroundforstillonemorethingtohurlintothebreach。Myeyeslitonarollofcarpet：
Iseizeditbyonecornermeaningtodragittothedoor—
way，anditcameundoneatatouch。
Thatstrange，thatincrediblepattern！WhereinallthevicissitudesofachequeredcareerhadIseensuchaonebefore？IstaredatitinamazementundertheveryspearsofthewoodmenintheredglareofHath’sburningpalace。ThenallonasuddenitburstuponmethatITWASTHEACCURSEDRUG，theveryonewhichinresponsetoacarelesswishhadsweptmeoutofmyowndearworld，andforcedmetotakeaswildajourneyintospaceaseverfelltoaman’slotsincetheuniversewasmade！
Andinanotherseconditoccurredtomethatifithadbroughtmehitheritmighttakemehence。Itwasbutachance，yetworthtryingwhenallotherchanceswereagainstme。AsAr—hap’smencameshoutingoverthebarricadeIthrewmyselfdownuponthatincrediblecarpetandcriedfromthebottomofmyheart，\"Iwish——IwishIwereinNewYork！\"
Yes！
Amomentofthrillingsuspenseandthenthecornersliftedasthoughastrongbreezewereplayinguponthem。An—
othermomentandtheyhadcurledoverlikeanincomingsurge。OneswiftglanceIgotatthesmokeandflames，theglitteringspearsandangryfaces，andthenfolduponfold，astifling，all—envelopingembrace，alift，asenseofsuper—
humanspeed——andthenforgetfulness。
WhenIcameto，asreporterssay，Iwasawaretherughadejectedmeonsolidgroundanddisappeared，forever。
WherewasI！Itwascool，damp，andmuddy。Thereweresomeironrailingscloseathandandastreetlampoverhead。
Thesethingsshowedclearlytome，sittingonadoorstepunderthatlight，headinhand，amazedandgiddy——soamazedthatwhenslowlytherecognitioncameofthein—
crediblefactmywishwasgratifiedandIwashomeagain，thestupendousincidentscarcelyappealedtomytinglingsen—
sesmorethanoneofthemanyothersIhadlatelyundergone。
VeryslowlyIrosetomyfeet，andaslikeadiscreditablerevellerascouldbe，climbedthesteps。Thefrontdoorwasopen，andenteringtheoh，sofamiliarhallasoundofvoicesinmysitting—roomontherightcaughtmyear。
\"Ohno，Mrs。Brown，\"saidone，whichIrecognisedatonceasmyPolly’s，\"heisdeadforcertain，andmyheartisbreaking。Hewouldnever，neverhaveleftmesolongwithoutwritingifhehadbeenalive，\"andthencameagreatsoundofsobbing。
\"Blessyourkindheart，miss，\"saidthevoiceofmyland—
ladyinreply，\"butyoudon’tknowasmuchaboutyounggentlemenasIdo。Itisnotlikely，ifhehasgoneoffontherazzle—dazzle，asIamsurehehas，heisgoingtowriteeverypostandtellyouaboutit。Nowyougoofftoyourmaatthehotellikeadear，andforgetallabouthimtillhecomesback——that’sMYadvice。\"
\"Icannot，Icannot，Mrs。Brown。Icannotrestbydayorsleepbynightforthinkingofhim；forwonderingwhyhewentawaysosuddenly，andforhungeringfornewsofhim。Oh，Iammiserable。Gully！Gully！Cometome，\"andthenthereweresoundsoftroubledfootstepspacingtoandfroandofawoman’sgrief。
ThatwasmorethanIcouldstand。Iflungthedooropen，and，dirty，dishevelled，withunsteadysteps，advancedintotheroom。
\"Ahem！\"coughedMrs。Brown，\"justasIexpected！\"
ButIhadnoeyesforher。\"Polly！Polly！\"Icried，andthatdeargirl，afterastartledscreamandaglancetomakesureitwasindeedtherecoveredprodigal，rushedoverandthrewallherweightofdear，warm，comfortablewoman—
hoodintomyarms，andthemomentafterburstintoapas—
sionofhappytearsdownmycollar。
\"Humph！\"quoththelandlady，\"thatisnotwhatBROWN
getswhenheforgetshisself。No，notbyanymeans。\"
Butshewasagoodoldsoulatheart，and，seeinghowmattersstood，withapartingglanceofscorninmydirectionandatossofherhead，wentoutoftheroom，andclosedthedoorbehindher。
NeedItellindetailwhatfollowed？Pollybehavedlikeanangel，andwheninanswertohergentlereproachesI
toldhertheoutlinesofmymarvellousstoryshealmostbe—
lievedme！Overthereonthewriting—desklayawholerowoftheunopenedlettersshehadshowereduponmeduringmyabsence，andamongstthemanofficialone。Wewentandopenedittogether，anditwasanintimationofmypromotion，amuchbetter\"step\"thanIhadeverdaredtohopefor。
Holdingthatmissiveinmyhandathoughtsuddenlyoc—
curredtome。
\"Pollydear，thislettermakesmeabletomaintainyouasyououghttobemaintained，andthereisstillafortnightofvacationforme。Polly，willyoumarrymetomorrow？\"
\"No，certainlynot，sir。\"
\"ThenwillyoumarrymeonMonday？\"
\"Doyoutruly，trulywantmeto？\"
\"Truly，truly。\"
\"Then，yes，\"andthedeargirlagaincameblushingintomyarms。
Whilewewerethusthedooropened，andincameherparentswhowerestayingataneighbouringhotelwhilein—
quiriesweremadeastomymysteriousabsence。Notun—
naturallymyappearancewentalongwaytoconfirmsuspi—
cionssuchasMrs。Brownhadconfessedto，and，aftertheyhadgivenmecoldsalutations，Polly’smother，fixinggoldglassesonthebridgeofhernoseandeyeingmehaughtilytherefrom，observed，\"AndnowthatyouAREsafelyathomeagain，Lieuten—
antGulliverJones，IthinkIwilltakemydaughterawaywithme。Tomorrowherfatherwillascertainthetruestateofherfeelingsafterthisunpleasantexperience，andsub—
sequentlyhewillnodoubtcommunicatewithyouonthesubject。\"Thisveryicily。
ButIwastoohappytobelightlyputdown。
\"Mydearmadam，\"Ireplied，\"Iamhappytobeabletosaveherfatherthattrouble。Ihavealreadycommunicatedwiththisyoungladyastothestateofherfeelings，andasanoutcomeIamdelightedtobeabletotellyouwearetobemarriedonMonday。\"
\"Ohyes，Mother，itistrue，andifyoudonotwanttomakemethemostmiserableofgirlsagainyouwillnotbeunkindtous。\"
Inbrief，thatsweetchampionspokesoprettilyandsmoothedthingssocleverlythatIwas\"forgiven，\"andlateronintheeveningallowedtoescortPollybacktoherhotel。
\"Andoh！\"shesaid，inhercharminglyenthusiasticwaywhenweweresayinggoodnight，\"youshallwriteabookaboutthatextraordinarystoryyoutoldmejustnow。Onlyyoumustpromisemeonething。\"
\"Whatisit？\"
\"ToleaveoutallaboutHeru——Idon’tlikethatpartatall。\"
Thiswiththeprettiestlittlepout。
\"But，Pollydear，seehowimportantshewastothenar—
rative。Icannotquitedothat。\"
\"Thenyouwillsayaslittleasyoucanabouther？\"
\"Nomorethanthestorycompelsmeto。\"
\"Andyouarequitesureyoulikememuchthebest，andwillnotgoafterheragain？\"
\"Quitesure。\"
Thecompactwassealedinthemostapprovedfashion；
andhere，indulgentreader，istheartlessnarrativethatre—
sulted——anincidentsoincredibleinthisprosaiclatter—dayworldthatIdarenotaskyoutobelieve，andmusthumblycontentmyselfwithhopingthatifIfailtoconvinceyetI
mayatleastclaimtheconsolationofhavingamusedyou。