Oneday，ashehunted，apairofsavageeyesdiscoveredhimfromtheconcealmentofthebranchesofagreattreebeneathwhichtheblackwarriorpassed。
Bloodshot，wickedeyestheywere，setinafierceandhairyface。
TheywatchedMugambimakehislittlekillofasmallrodent，andtheyfollowedhimashereturnedtohishut，theirownermovingquietlythroughthetreesuponthetrailoftheNegro。
ThecreaturewasChulk，andhelookeddownupontheunconsciousmanmoreincuriositythaninhate。ThewearingoftheArabburnoosewhichTarzanhadplaceduponhispersonhadarousedinthemindoftheanthropoidadesireforsimilarmimicryoftheTarmangani。Theburnoose，though，hadobstructedhismovementsandprovensuchanuisancethattheapehadlongsincetornitfromhimandthrownitaway。
Now，however，hesawaGomanganiarrayedinlesscumbersomeapparel——aloincloth，afewcopperornamentsandafeatherheaddress。TheseweremoreinlinewithChulk’sdesiresthanaflowingrobewhichwasconstantlygettingbetweenone’slegs，andcatchinguponeverylimbandbushalongtheleafytrail。
Chulkeyedthepouch，which，suspendedoverMugambi’sshoulder，swungbesidehisblackhip。Thistookhisfancy，foritwasornamentedwithfeathersandafringe，andsotheapehungaboutMugambi’sboma，waitinganopportunitytoseizeeitherbystealthormightsomeobjectoftheblack’sapparel。
Norwasitlongbeforetheopportunitycame。Feelingsafewithinhisthornyenclosure，Mugambiwaswonttostretchhimselfintheshadeofhisshelterduringtheheatoftheday，andsleepinpeacefulsecurityuntilthedecliningsuncarriedwithittheenervatingtemperatureofmidday。
Watchingfromabove，Chulksawtheblackwarriorstretchedthusintheunconsciousnessofsleeponesultryafternoon。Creepingoutuponanoverhangingbranchtheanthropoiddroppedtothegroundwithintheboma。Heapproachedthesleeperuponpaddedfeetwhichgaveforthnosound，andwithanuncannywoodcraftthatrustlednotaleaforagrassblade。
Pausingbesidetheman，theapebentoverandexaminedhisbelongings。GreataswasthestrengthofChulktherelayinthebackofhislittlebrainasomethingwhichdeterredhimfromarousingthemantocombat——asensethatisinherentinallthelowerorders，astrangefearofman，thatruleseventhemostpowerfulofthejunglecreaturesattimes。
ToremoveMugambi’sloinclothwithoutawakeninghimwouldbeimpossible，andtheonlydetachablethingsweretheknob—stickandthepouch，whichhadfallenfromtheblack’sshoulderasherolledinsleep。
Seizingthesetwoarticles，asbetterthannothingatall，Chulkretreatedwithhaste，andeveryindicationofnervousterror，tothesafetyofthetreefromwhichhehaddropped，and，stillhauntedbythatindefinableterrorwhichthecloseproximityofmanawakenedinhisbreast，fledprecipitatelythroughthejungle。Arousedbyattack，orsupportedbythepresenceofanotherofhiskind，Chulkcouldhavebravedthepresenceofascoreofhumanbeings，butalone——ah，thatwasadifferentmatter——alone，andunenraged。
ItwassometimeafterMugambiawokethathemissedthepouch。Instantlyhewasallexcitement。Whatcouldhavebecomeofit？Ithadbeenathissidewhenhelaydowntosleep——ofthathewascertain，forhadhenotpusheditfrombeneathhimwhenitsbulgingbulk，pressingagainsthisribs，causedhimdiscomfort？Yes，ithadbeentherewhenhelaydowntosleep。Howthenhaditvanished？
Mugambi’ssavageimaginationwasfilledwithvisionsofthespiritsofdepartedfriendsandenemies，foronlytothemachinationsofsuchasthesecouldheattributethedisappearanceofhispouchandknob—stickinthefirstexcitementofthediscoveryoftheirloss；butlaterandmorecarefulinvestigation，suchashiswoodcraftmadepossible，revealedindisputableevidenceofamorematerialexplanationthanhisexcitedfancyandsuperstitionhadatfirstledhimtoaccept。
Inthetrampledturfbesidehimwasthefaintimpressofhuge，manlikefeet。Mugambiraisedhisbrowsasthetruthdawneduponhim。Hastilyleavingthebomahesearchedinalldirectionsabouttheenclosureforsomefarthersignofthetell—talespoor。Heclimbedtreesandsoughtforevidenceofthedirectionofthethief’sflight；butthefaintsignsleftbyawaryapewhoelectstotravelthroughthetreeseludedthewoodcraftofMugambi。Tarzanmighthavefollowedthem；butnoordinarymortalcouldperceivethem，orperceiving，translate。
Theblack，nowstrengthenedandrefreshedbyhisrest，feltreadytosetoutagainforWaziri，andfindinghimselfanotherknob—stick，turnedhisbackupontheriverandplungedintothemazesofthejungle。
AsTaglatstruggledwiththebondswhichsecuredtheanklesandwristsofhiscaptive，thegreatlionthateyedthetwofrombehindanearbyclumpofbusheswormedclosertohisintendedprey。
Theape’sbackwastowardthelion。Hedidnotseethebroadhead，fringedbyitsroughmane，protrudingthroughtheleafywall。Hecouldnotknowthatthepowerfulhindpawsweregatheringclosebeneaththetawnybellypreparatorytoasuddenspring，andhisfirstintimationofimpendingdangerwasthethunderousandtriumphantroarwhichthecharginglioncouldnolongersuppress。
Scarcepausingforabackwardglance，Taglatabandonedtheunconsciouswomanandfledintheoppositedirectionfromthehorridsoundwhichhadbrokeninsounexpectedandterrifyingamanneruponhisstartledears；butthewarninghadcometoolatetosavehim，andthelion，inhissecondbound，alightedfulluponthebroadshouldersoftheanthropoid。
Asthegreatbullwentdowntherewasawakenedinhimtothefullallthecunning，alltheferocity，allthephysicalprowesswhichobeythemightiestofthefundamentallawsofnature，thelawofself—preservation，andturninguponhisbackheclosedwiththecarnivoreinadeathstrugglesofearlessandabandoned，thatforamomentthegreatNumahimselfmayhavetrembledfortheoutcome。
Seizingthelionbythemane，Taglatburiedhisyellowedfangsdeepinthemonster’sthroat，growlinghideouslythroughthemuffledgagofbloodandhair。
Mixedwiththeape’svoicethelion’sroarsofrageandpainreverberatedthroughthejungle，tillthelessercreaturesofthewild，startledfromtheirpeacefulpursuits，scurriedfearfullyaway。
Rollingoverandoverupontheturfthetwobattledwithdemoniacfury，untilthecolossalcat，bydoublinghishindpawsfarupbeneathhisbellysankhistalonsdeepintoTaglat’schest，then，rippingdownwardwithallhisstrength，Numaaccomplishedhisdesign，andthedisemboweledanthropoid，withalastspasmodicstruggle，relaxedinlimpandbloodydissolutionbeneathhistitanicadversary。
Scramblingtohisfeet，Numalookedaboutquicklyinalldirections，asthoughseekingtodetectthepossiblepresenceofotherfoes；butonlythestillandunconsciousformofthegirl，lyingafewpacesfromhimmethisgaze，andwithanangrygrowlheplacedaforepawuponthebodyofhiskillandraisinghisheadgavevoicetohissavagevictorycry。
Foranothermomenthestoodwithfierceeyesrovingtoandfroabouttheclearing。Atlasttheyhaltedforasecondtimeuponthegirl。Alowgrowlrumbledfromthelion’sthroat。Hislowerjawroseandfell，andtheslaverdrooledanddrippeduponthedeadfaceofTaglat。
Liketwoyellow—greenaugurs，wideandunblinking，theterribleeyesremainedfixeduponJaneClayton。Theerectandmajesticposeofthegreatframeshranksuddenlyintoasinistercrouchas，slowlyandgentlyasonewhotreadsoneggs，thedevil—facedcatcreptforwardtowardthegirl。
BeneficentFatemaintainedherinhappyunconsciousnessofthedreadpresencesneakingstealthilyuponher。
Shedidnotknowwhenthelionpausedatherside。
Shedidnothearthesniffingofhisnostrilsashesmelledabouther。Shedidnotfeeltheheatofthefetidbreathuponherface，northedrippingofthesalivafromthefrightfuljawshalfopenedsocloseaboveher。
Finallythelionliftedaforepawandturnedthebodyofthegirlhalfover，thenhestoodagaineyeingherasthoughstillundeterminedwhetherlifewasextinctornot。Somenoiseorodorfromthenearbyjungleattractedhisattentionforamoment。HiseyesdidnotagainreturntoJaneClayton，andpresentlyhelefther，walkedovertotheremainsofTaglat，andcrouchingdownuponhiskillwithhisbacktowardthegirl，proceededtodevourtheape。
ItwasuponthisscenethatJaneClaytonatlastopenedhereyes。Inuredtodanger，shemaintainedherself—possessioninthefaceofthestartlingsurprisewhichhernew—foundconsciousnessrevealedtoher。Sheneithercriedoutnormovedamuscle，untilshehadtakenineverydetailofthescenewhichlaywithintherangeofhervision。
Shesawthatthelionhadkilledtheape，andthathewasdevouringhispreylessthanfiftyfeetfromwhereshelay；butwhatcouldshedo？Herhandsandfeetwerebound。Shemustwaitthen，inwhatpatienceshecouldcommand，untilNumahadeatenanddigestedtheape，when，withoutdoubt，hewouldreturntofeastuponher，unless，inthemeantime，thedreadhyenasshoulddiscoverher，orsomeotherofthenumerousprowlingcarnivoraofthejungle。
Asshelaytormentedbythesefrightfulthoughts，shesuddenlybecameconsciousthatthebondsatherwristsandanklesnolongerhurther，andthenofthefactthatherhandswereseparated，onelyinguponeithersideofher，insteadofbothbeingconfinedatherback。
Wonderinglyshemovedahand。Whatmiraclehadbeenperformed？Itwasnotbound！Stealthilyandnoiselesslyshemovedherotherlimbs，onlytodiscoverthatshewasfree。Shecouldnotknowhowthethinghadhappened，thatTaglat，gnawinguponthemforsinisterpurposesofhisown，hadcutthemthroughbutaninstantbeforeNumahadfrightenedhimfromhisvictim。
ForamomentJaneClaytonwasoverwhelmedwithjoyandthanksgiving；butonlyforamoment。Whatgoodwashernew—foundlibertyinthefaceofthefrightfulbeastcrouchingsoclosebesideher？Ifshecouldhavehadthischanceunderdifferentconditions，howhappilyshewouldhavetakenadvantageofit；butnowitwasgiventoherwhenescapewaspracticallyimpossible。
Thenearesttreewasahundredfeetaway，thelionlessthanfifty。Toriseandattempttoreachthesafetyofthosetantalizingbrancheswouldbebuttoinviteinstantdestruction，forNumawoulddoubtlessbetoojealousofthisfuturemealtopermitittoescapewithease。Andyet，too，therewasanotherpossibility——achancewhichhingedentirelyupontheunknowntemperofthegreatbeast。
Hisbellyalreadypartiallyfilled，hemightwatchwithindifferencethedepartureofthegirl；yetcouldsheaffordtochancesoimprobableacontingency？Shedoubtedit。Upontheotherhandshewasnomoremindedtoallowthisfrailopportunityforlifetoentirelyeludeherwithouttakingorattemptingtotakesomeadvantagefromit。
Shewatchedthelionnarrowly。Hecouldnotseeherwithoutturninghisheadmorethanhalfwayaround。Shewouldattemptaruse。Silentlysherolledoverinthedirectionofthenearesttree，andawayfromthelion，untilshelayagaininthesamepositioninwhichNumahadlefther，butafewfeetfartherfromhim。
Hereshelaybreathlesswatchingthelion；butthebeastgavenoindicationthathehadheardaughttoarousehissuspicions。Againsherolledover，gainingafewmorefeetandagainshelayinrigidcontemplationofthebeast’sback。
Duringwhatseemedhourstohertensenerves，JaneClaytoncontinuedthesetactics，andstillthelionfedoninapparentunconsciousnessthathissecondpreywasescapinghim。Alreadythegirlwasbutafewpacesfromthetree——amomentmoreandshewouldbecloseenoughtochancespringingtoherfeet，throwingcautionasideandmakingasudden，bolddashforsafety。Shewashalfwayoverinherturn，herfaceawayfromthelion，whenhesuddenlyturnedhisgreatheadandfastenedhiseyesuponher。Hesawherrolloveruponhersideawayfromhim，andthenhereyeswereturnedagaintowardhim，andthecoldsweatbrokefromthegirl’severyporeassherealizedthatwithlifealmostwithinhergrasp，deathhadfoundherout。
Foralongtimeneitherthegirlnorthelionmoved。
Thebeastlaymotionless，hisheadturneduponhisshouldersandhisglaringeyesfixedupontherigidvictim，nownearlyfiftyyardsaway。Thegirlstaredbackstraightintothosecruelorbs，daringnottomoveevenamuscle。
Thestrainuponhernerveswasbecomingsounbearablethatshecouldscarcelyrestrainagrowingdesiretoscream，whenNumadeliberatelyturnedbacktothebusinessoffeeding；buthisback—layedearsattestedasinisterregardfortheactionsofthegirlbehindhim。
Realizingthatshecouldnotagainturnwithoutattractinghisimmediateandperhapsfatalattention，JaneClaytonresolvedtoriskallinonelastattempttoreachthetreeandclambertothelowerbranches。
Gatheringherselfstealthilyfortheeffort，sheleapedsuddenlytoherfeet，butalmostsimultaneouslythelionsprangup，wheeledandwithwide—distendedjawsandterrificroars，chargedswiftlydownuponher。
ThosewhohavespentlifetimeshuntingthebiggameofAfricawilltellyouthatscarcelyanyothercreatureintheworldattainsthespeedofacharginglion。
Fortheshortdistancethatthegreatcatcanmaintainit，itresemblesnothingmorecloselythantheonrushingofagiantlocomotiveunderfullspeed，andso，thoughthedistancethatJaneClaytonmustcoverwasrelativelysmall，theterrificspeedofthelionrenderedherhopesofescapealmostnegligible。
Yetfearcanworkwonders，andthoughtheupwardspringofthelionashenearedthetreeintowhichshewasscramblingbroughthistalonsincontactwithherbootssheeludedhisrakinggrasp，andashehurtledagainsttheboleofhersanctuary，thegirldrewherselfintothesafetyofthebranchesabovehisreach。
Forsometimethelionpaced，growlingandmoaning，beneaththetreeinwhichJaneClaytoncrouched，pantingandtrembling。Thegirlwasapreytothenervousreactionfromthefrightfulordealthroughwhichshehadsorecentlypassed，andinheroverwroughtstateitseemedthatneveragainshouldshedaredescendtothegroundamongthefearsomedangerswhichinfestedthebroadstretchofjunglethatsheknewmustliebetweenherselfandthenearestvillageofherfaithfulWaziri。
Itwasalmostdarkbeforethelionfinallyquittheclearing，andevenhadhisplacebesidetheremnantsofthemangledapenotbeenimmediatelyusurpedbyapackofhyenas，JaneClaytonwouldscarcelyhavedaredventurefromherrefugeinthefaceofimpendingnight，andsoshecomposedherselfasbestshecouldforthelongandtiresomewait，untildaylightmightoffersomemeansofescapefromthedreadvicinityinwhichshehadwitnessedsuchterrifyingadventures。
Tirednatureatlastovercameevenherfears，andshedroppedintoadeepslumber，cradledinacomparativelysafe，thoughratheruncomfortable，positionagainsttheboleofthetree，andsupportedbytwolargebrancheswhichgrewoutward，almosthorizontally，butafewinchesapart。
Thesunwashighintheheavenswhensheatlastawoke，andbeneathherwasnosigneitherofNumaorthehyenas。Onlytheclean—pickedbonesoftheape，scatteredabouttheground，attestedthefactofwhathadtranspiredinthisseeminglypeacefulspotbutafewhoursbefore。
Bothhungerandthirstassailedhernow，andrealizingthatshemustdescendordieofstarvation，sheatlastsummonedcouragetoundertaketheordealofcontinuingherjourneythroughthejungle。
Descendingfromthetree，shesetoutinasoutherlydirection，towardthepointwhereshebelievedtheplainsofWazirilay，andthoughsheknewthatonlyruinanddesolationmarkedthespotwhereonceherhappyhomehadstood，shehopedthatbycomingtothebroadplainshemighteventuallyreachoneofthenumerousWazirivillagesthatwerescatteredoverthesurroundingcountry，orchanceuponarovingbandoftheseindefatigablehuntsmen。
Thedaywashalfspentwhentherebrokeunexpectedlyuponherstartledearsthesoundofarifleshotnotfaraheadofher。Asshepausedtolisten，thisfirstshotwasfollowedbyanotherandanotherandanother。
Whatcoulditmean？ThefirstexplanationwhichsprungtohermindattributedthefiringtoanencounterbetweentheArabraidersandapartyofWaziri；butasshedidnotknowuponwhichsidevictorymightrest，orwhethershewerebehindfriendorfoe，shedarednotadvanceneareronthechanceofrevealingherselftoanenemy。
Afterlisteningforseveralminutesshebecameconvincedthatnomorethantwoorthreerifleswereengagedinthefight，sincenothingapproximatingthesoundofavolleyreachedherears；butstillshehesitatedtoapproach，andatlast，determiningtotakenochance，sheclimbedintotheconcealingfoliageofatreebesidethetrailshehadbeenfollowingandtherefearfullyawaitedwhatevermightrevealitself。
Asthefiringbecamelessrapidshecaughtthesoundofmen’svoices，thoughshecoulddistinguishnowords，andatlastthereportsofthegunsceased，andsheheardtwomencallingtoeachotherinloudtones。
Thentherewasalongsilencewhichwasfinallybrokenbythestealthypaddingoffootfallsonthetrailaheadofher，andinanothermomentamanappearedinviewbackingtowardher，ariflereadyinhishands，andhiseyesdirectedincarefulwatchfulnessalongthewaythathehadcome。
AlmostinstantlyJaneClaytonrecognizedthemanasM。
JulesFrecoult，whosorecentlyhadbeenaguestinherhome。Shewasuponthepointofcallingtohimingladreliefwhenshesawhimleapquicklytoonesideandhidehimselfinthethickverdureatthetrail’sside。
Itwasevidentthathewasbeingfollowedbyanenemy，andsoJaneClaytonkeptsilent，lestshedistractFrecoult’sattention，orguidehisfoetohishidingplace。
ScarcelyhadFrecoulthiddenhimselfthanthefigureofawhite—robedArabcreptsilentlyalongthetrailinpursuit。Fromherhidingplace，JaneClaytoncouldseebothmenplainly。SherecognizedAchmetZekastheleaderofthebandofruffianswhohadraidedherhomeandmadeheraprisoner，andasshesawFrecoult，thesupposedfriendandally，raisehisgunandtakecarefulaimattheArab，herheartstoodstillandeverypowerofhersoulwasdirecteduponaferventprayerfortheaccuracyofhisaim。
AchmetZekpausedinthemiddleofthetrail。Hiskeeneyesscannedeverybushandtreewithintheradiusofhisvision。Histallfigurepresentedaperfecttargettotheperfidiousassassin。Therewasasharpreport，andalittlepuffofsmokearosefromthebushthathidtheBelgian，asAchmetZekstumbledforwardandpitched，facedown，uponthetrail。
AsWerpersteppedbackintothetrail，hewasstartledbythesoundofagladcryfromabovehim，andashewheeledabouttodiscovertheauthorofthisunexpectedinterruption，hesawJaneClaytondroplightlyfromanearbytreeandrunforwardwithoutstretchedhandstocongratulatehimuponhisvictory。
20
JaneClaytonAgainaPrisonerThoughherclothesweretornandherhairdisheveled，AlbertWerperrealizedthatheneverbeforehadlookeduponsuchavisionoflovelinessasthatwhichLadyGreystokepresentedinthereliefandjoywhichshefeltincomingsounexpectedlyuponafriendandrescuerwhenhopehadseemedsofaraway。
IftheBelgianhadentertainedanydoubtsastothewoman’sknowledgeofhispartintheperfidiousattackuponherhomeandherself，itwasquicklydissipatedbythegenuinefriendlinessofhergreeting。Shetoldhimquicklyofallthathadbefallenhersincehehaddepartedfromherhome，andasshespokeofthedeathofherhusbandhereyeswereveiledbythetearswhichshecouldnotrepress。
\"Iamshocked，\"saidWerper，inwell—simulatedsympathy；\"butIamnotsurprised。Thatdevilthere，\"
andhepointedtowardthebodyofAchmetZek，\"hasterrorizedtheentirecountry。YourWaziriareeitherexterminated，orhavebeendrivenoutoftheircountry，fartothesouth。ThemenofAchmetZekoccupytheplainaboutyourformerhome——thereisneithersanctuarynorescapeinthatdirection。Ouronlyhopeliesintravelingnorthwardasrapidlyaswemay，ofcomingtothecampoftheraidersbeforetheknowledgeofAchmetZek’sdeathreachesthosewhowereleftthere，andofobtaining，throughsomeruse，anescorttowardthenorth。
\"Ithinkthatthethingcanbeaccomplished，forIwasaguestoftheraider’sbeforeIknewthenatureoftheman，andthoseatthecamparenotawarethatIturnedagainsthimwhenIdiscoveredhisvillainy。
\"Come！WewillmakeallpossiblehastetoreachthecampbeforethosewhoaccompaniedAchmetZekuponhislastraidhavefoundhisbodyandcarriedthenewsofhisdeathtothecut—throatswhoremainedbehind。Itisouronlyhope，LadyGreystoke，andyoumustplaceyourentirefaithinmeifIamtosucceed。WaitformehereamomentwhileItakefromtheArab’sbodythewalletthathestolefromme，\"andWerpersteppedquicklytothedeadman’sside，and，kneeling，soughtwithquickfingersthepouchofjewels。Tohisconsternation，therewasnosignoftheminthegarmentsofAchmetZek。Rising，hewalkedbackalongthetrail，searchingforsometraceofthemissingpouchoritscontents；buthefoundnothing，eventhoughhesearchedcarefullythevicinityofhisdeadhorse，andforafewpacesintothejungleoneitherside。Puzzled，disappointedandangry，heatlastreturnedtothegirl。\"Thewalletisgone，\"heexplained，crisply，\"andIdarenotdelaylongerinsearchofit。Wemustreachthecampbeforethereturningraiders。\"
Unsuspiciousoftheman’struecharacter，JaneClaytonsawnothingpeculiarinhisplans，orinhisspeciousexplanationofhisformerfriendshipfortheraider，andsoshegraspedwithalacritytheseeminghopeforsafetywhichheprofferedher，andturningaboutshesetoutwithAlbertWerpertowardthehostilecampinwhichshesolatelyhadbeenaprisoner。
Itwaslateintheafternoonoftheseconddaybeforetheyreachedtheirdestination，andastheypausedupontheedgeoftheclearingbeforethegatesofthewalledvillage，Werpercautionedthegirltoaccedetowhateverhemightsuggestbyhisconversationwiththeraiders。
\"Ishalltellthem，\"hesaid，\"thatIapprehendedyouafteryouescapedfromthecamp，thatItookyoutoAchmetZek，andthatashewasengagedinastubbornbattlewiththeWaziri，hedirectedmetoreturntocampwithyou，toobtainhereasufficientguard，andtoridenorthwithyouasrapidlyaspossibleanddisposeofyouatthemostadvantageoustermstoacertainslavebrokerwhosenamehegaveme。\"
AgainthegirlwasdeceivedbytheapparentfranknessoftheBelgian。Sherealizedthatdesperatesituationsrequireddesperatehandling，andthoughshetrembledinwardlyatthethoughtofagainenteringthevileandhideousvillageoftheraidersshesawnobettercoursethanthatwhichhercompanionhadsuggested。
Callingaloudtothosewhotendedthegates，Werper，graspingJaneClaytonbythearm，walkedboldlyacrosstheclearing。Thosewhoopenedthegatestohimpermittedtheirsurprisetoshowclearlyintheirexpressions。Thatthediscreditedandhuntedlieutenantshouldbethusreturningfearlesslyofhisownvolition，seemedtodisarmthemquiteaseffectuallyashismannertowardLadyGreystokehaddeceivedher。
ThesentriesatthegatereturnedWerper’ssalutations，andviewedwithastonishmenttheprisonerwhomhebroughtintothevillagewithhim。
ImmediatelytheBelgiansoughttheArabwhohadbeenleftinchargeofthecampduringAchmetZek’sabsence，andagainhisboldnessdisarmedsuspicionandwontheacceptanceofhisfalseexplanationofhisreturn。
Thefactthathehadbroughtbackwithhimthewomanprisonerwhohadescaped，addedstrengthtohisclaims，andMohammedBeydsoonfoundhimselffraternizinggood—naturedlywiththeverymanwhomhewouldhaveslainwithoutcompunctionhadhediscoveredhimaloneinthejungleahalfhourbefore。
JaneClaytonwasagainconfinedtotheprisonhutshehadformerlyoccupied，butassherealizedthatthiswasbutapartofthedeceptionwhichsheandFrecoultwereplayinguponthecredulousraiders，itwaswithquiteadifferentsensationthatsheagainenteredthevileandfilthyinterior，fromthatwhichshehadpreviouslyexperienced，whenhopewassofaraway。
Oncemoreshewasboundandsentriesplacedbeforethedoorofherprison；butbeforeWerperleftherhewhisperedwordsofcheerintoherear。Thenheleft，andmadehiswaybacktothetentofMohammedBeyd。
HehadbeenwonderinghowlongitwouldbebeforetheraiderswhohadriddenoutwithAchmetZekwouldreturnwiththemurderedbodyoftheirchief，andthemorehethoughtuponthematterthegreaterhisfearsbecame，thatwithoutaccompliceshisplanwouldfail。
What，even，ifhegotawayfromthecampinsafetybeforeanyreturnedwiththetruestoryofhisguilt——
ofwhatvaluewouldthisadvantagebeotherthantoprotractforafewdayshismentaltortureandhislife？Thesehardriders，familiarwitheverytrailandbypath，wouldgethimlongbeforehecouldhopetoreachthecoast。
AsthesethoughtspassedthroughhismindheenteredthetentwhereMohammedBeydsatcross—leggeduponarug，smoking。TheArablookedupastheEuropeancameintohispresence。
\"Greetings，OBrother！\"hesaid。
\"Greetings！\"repliedWerper。
Forawhileneitherspokefurther。TheArabwasthefirsttobreakthesilence。
\"Andmymaster，AchmetZek，waswellwhenlastyousawhim？\"heasked。
\"Neverwashesaferfromthesinsanddangersofmortality，\"repliedtheBelgian。
\"Itiswell，\"saidMohammedBeyd，blowingalittlepuffofbluesmokestraightoutbeforehim。
Againtherewassilenceforseveralminutes。
\"Andifheweredead？\"askedtheBelgian，determinedtoleaduptothetruth，andattempttobribeMohammedBeydintohisservice。
TheArab’seyesnarrowedandheleanedforward，hisgazeboringstraightintotheeyesoftheBelgian。
\"Ihavebeenthinkingmuch，Werper，sinceyoureturnedsounexpectedlytothecampofthemanwhomyouhaddeceived，andwhosoughtyouwithdeathinhisheart。
IhavebeenwithAchmetZekformanyyears——hisownmotherneverknewhimsowellasI。Heneverforgives——
muchlesswouldheagaintrustamanwhohadoncebetrayedhim；thatIknow。
\"Ihavethoughtmuch，asIsaid，andtheresultofmythinkinghasassuredmethatAchmetZekisdead——forotherwiseyouwouldneverhavedaredreturntohiscamp，unlessyoubeeitherabravermanorabiggerfoolthanIhaveimagined。And，ifthisevidenceofmyjudgmentisnotsufficient，Ihavebutjustnowreceivedfromyourownlipsevenmoreconfirmatorywitness——fordidyounotsaythatAchmetZekwasnevermoresafefromthesinsanddangersofmortality？
\"AchmetZekisdead——youneednotdenyit。Iwasnothismother，orhismistress，sodonotfearthatmywailingsshalldisturbyou。Tellmewhyyouhavecomebackhere。Tellmewhatyouwant，and，Werper，ifyoustillpossessthejewelsofwhichAchmetZektoldme，thereisnoreasonwhyyouandIshouldnotridenorthtogetheranddividetheransomofthewhitewomanandthecontentsofthepouchyouwearaboutyourperson。Eh？\"
Theevileyesnarrowed，avicious，thin—lippedsmiletorturedthevillainousface，asMohammedBeydgrinnedknowinglyintothefaceoftheBelgian。
WerperwasbothrelievedanddisturbedbytheArab’sattitude。ThecomplacencywithwhichheacceptedthedeathofhischiefliftedaconsiderableburdenofapprehensionfromtheshouldersofAchmetZek’sassassin；buthisdemandforashareofthejewelsbodedillforWerperwhenMohammedBeydshouldhavelearnedthatthepreciousstoneswerenolongerintheBelgian’spossession。
ToacknowledgethathehadlostthejewelsmightbetoarousethewrathorsuspicionoftheArabtosuchanextentaswouldjeopardizehisnew—foundchancesofescape。Hisonehopeseemed，then，tolieinfosteringMohammedBeyd’sbeliefthatthejewelswerestillinhispossession，anddependupontheaccidentsofthefuturetoopenanavenueofescape。
CouldhecontrivetotentwiththeArabuponthemarchnorth，hemightfindopportunityinplentytoremovethismenacetohislifeandliberty——itwasworthtrying，and，further，thereseemednootherwayoutofhisdifficulty。
\"Yes，\"hesaid，\"AchmetZekisdead。HefellinbattlewithacompanyofAbyssiniancavalrythatheldmecaptive。DuringthefightingIescaped；butIdoubtifanyofAchmetZek’smenlive，andthegoldtheysoughtisinthepossessionoftheAbyssinians。Evennowtheyaredoubtlessmarchingonthiscamp，fortheyweresentbyMenelektopunishAchmetZekandhisfollowersforaraiduponanAbyssinianvillage。Therearemanyofthem，andifwedonotmakehastetoescapeweshallallsufferthesamefateasAchmetZek。\"
MohammedBeydlistenedinsilence。Howmuchoftheunbeliever’sstoryhemightsafelybelievehedidnotknow；butasitaffordedhimanexcusefordesertingthevillageandmakingforthenorthhewasnotinclinedtocross—questiontheBelgiantoominutely。
\"AndifIridenorthwithyou，\"heasked，\"halfthejewelsandhalftheransomofthewomanshallbemine？\"
\"Yes，\"repliedWerper。
\"Good，\"saidMohammedBeyd。\"Igonowtogivetheorderforthebreakingofcampearlyonthemorrow，\"
andherosetoleavethetent。
Werperlaidadetaininghanduponhisarm。
\"Wait，\"hesaid，\"letusdeterminehowmanyshallaccompanyus。Itisnotwellthatwebeburdenedbythewomenandchildren，forthenindeedwemightbeovertakenbytheAbyssinians。Itwouldbefarbettertoselectasmallguardofyourbravestmen，andleavewordbehindthatweareridingWEST。Then，whentheAbyssinianscometheywillbeputuponthewrongtrailshouldtheyhaveitintheirheartstopursueus，andiftheydonottheywillatleastridenorthwithlessrapiditythanasthoughtheythoughtthatwewereaheadofthem。\"
\"Theserpentislesswisethanthou，Werper，\"saidMohammedBeydwithasmile。\"Itshallbedoneasyousay。Twentymenshallaccompanyus，andweshallrideWEST——whenweleavethevillage。\"
\"Good，\"criedtheBelgian，andsoitwasarranged。
EarlythenextmorningJaneClayton，afteranalmostsleeplessnight，wasarousedbythesoundofvoicesoutsideherprison，andamomentlater，M。Frecoult，andtwoArabsentered。Thelatterunboundheranklesandliftedhertoherfeet。Thenherwristswereloosed，shewasgivenahandfulofdrybread，andledoutintothefaintlightofdawn。
ShelookedquestioninglyatFrecoult，andatamomentthattheArab’sattentionwasattractedinanotherdirectionthemanleanedtowardherandwhisperedthatallwasworkingoutashehadplanned。Thusassured，theyoungwomanfeltarenewalofthehopewhichthelongandmiserablenightofbondagehadalmostexpunged。
Shortlyafter，shewasliftedtothebackofahorse，andsurroundedbyArabs，wasescortedthroughthegatewayofthevillageandoffintothejungletowardthewest。Halfanhourlaterthepartyturnednorth，andnortherlywastheirdirectionforthebalanceofthemarch。
M。Frecoultspokewithherbutseldom，andsheunderstoodthatincarryingouthisdeceptionhemustmaintainthesemblanceofhercaptor，ratherthanprotector，andsoshesuspectednothingthoughshesawthefriendlyrelationswhichseemedtoexistbetweentheEuropeanandtheArableaderoftheband。
IfWerpersucceededinkeepinghimselffromconversationwiththeyoungwoman，hefailedsignallytoexpelherfromhisthoughts。Ahundredtimesadayhefoundhiseyeswanderinginherdirectionandfeastingthemselvesuponhercharmsoffaceandfigure。
Eachhourhisinfatuationforhergrew，untilhisdesiretopossesshergainedalmosttheproportionsofmadness。
IfeitherthegirlorMohammedBeydcouldhaveguessedwhatpassedinthemindofthemanwhicheachthoughtafriendandally，theapparentharmonyofthelittlecompanywouldhavebeenrudelydisturbed。
WerperhadnotsucceededinarrangingtotentwithMohammedBeyd，andsoherevolvedmanyplansfortheassassinationoftheArabthatwouldhavebeengreatlysimplifiedhadhebeenpermittedtosharetheother’snightlyshelter。
UpontheseconddayoutMohammedBeydreinedhishorsetothesideoftheanimalonwhichthecaptivewasmounted。Itwas，apparently，thefirstnoticewhichtheArabhadtakenofthegirl；butmanytimesduringthesetwodayshadhiscunningeyespeeredgreedilyfrombeneaththehoodofhisburnoosetogloatuponthebeautiesoftheprisoner。
Norwasthishiddeninfatuationofanyrecentorigin。
HehadconceiveditwhenfirstthewifeoftheEnglishmanhadfallenintothehandsofAchmetZek；butwhilethatausterechieftainlived，MohammedBeydhadnotevendaredhopeforarealizationofhisimaginings。
Now，though，itwasdifferent——onlyadespiseddogofaChristianstoodbetweenhimselfandpossessionofthegirl。Howeasyitwouldbetoslaytheunbeliever，andtakeuntohimselfboththewomanandthejewels！Withthelatterinhispossession，theransomwhichmightbeobtainedforthecaptivewouldformnogreatinducementtoherrelinquishmentinthefaceofthepleasuresofsoleownershipofher。Yes，hewouldkillWerper，retainallthejewelsandkeeptheEnglishwoman。
Heturnedhiseyesuponherassherodealongathisside。Howbeautifulshewas！Hisfingersopenedandclosed——skinny，browntalonsitchingtofeelthesoftfleshofthevictimintheirremorselessclutch。
\"Doyouknow，\"heaskedleaningtowardher，\"wherethismanwouldtakeyou？\"
JaneClaytonnoddedaffirmatively。
\"Andyouarewillingtobecometheplaythingofablacksultan？\"
Thegirldrewherselfuptoherfullheight，andturnedherheadaway；butshedidnotreply。ShefearedlestherknowledgeoftherusethatM。FrecoultwasplayingupontheArabmightcausehertobetrayherselfthroughaninsufficientdisplayofterrorandaversion。
\"Youcanescapethisfate，\"continuedtheArab；
\"MohammedBeydwillsaveyou，\"andhereachedoutabrownhandandseizedthefingersofherrighthandinagraspsosuddenandsofiercethatthisbrutalpassionwasrevealedasclearlyintheactasthoughhislipshadconfesseditinwords。JaneClaytonwrenchedherselffromhisgrasp。
\"Youbeast！\"shecried。\"LeavemeorIshallcallM。
Frecoult。\"
MohammedBeyddrewbackwithascowl。Histhin，upperlipcurledupward，revealinghissmooth，whiteteeth。
\"M。Frecoult？\"hejeered。\"Thereisnosuchperson。
Theman’snameisWerper。Heisaliar，athief，andamurderer。HekilledhiscaptainintheCongocountryandfledtotheprotectionofAchmetZek。HeledAchmetZektotheplunderofyourhome。Hefollowedyourhusband，andplannedtostealhisgoldfromhim。
Hehastoldmethatyouthinkhimyourprotector，andhehasplayeduponthistowinyourconfidencethatitmightbeeasiertocarryyounorthandsellyouintosomeblacksultan’sharem。MohammedBeydisyouronlyhope，\"andwiththisassertiontoprovidethecaptivewithfoodforthought，theArabspurredforwardtowardtheheadofthecolumn。
JaneClaytoncouldnotknowhowmuchofMohammedBeyd’sindictmentmightbetrue，orhowmuchfalse；butatleastithadtheeffectofdampeningherhopesandcausinghertoreviewwithsuspicioneverypastactofthemanuponwhomshehadbeenlookingashersoleprotectorinthemidstofaworldofenemiesanddangers。
Onthemarchaseparatetenthadbeenprovidedforthecaptive，andatnightitwaspitchedbetweenthoseofMohammedBeydandWerper。Asentrywaspostedatthefrontandanotherattheback，andwiththeseprecautionsithadnotbeenthoughtnecessarytoconfinetheprisonertobonds。TheeveningfollowingherinterviewwithMohammedBeyd，JaneClaytonsatforsometimeattheopeningofhertentwatchingtheroughactivitiesofthecamp。ShehadeatenthemealthathadbeenbroughtherbyMohammedBeyd’sNegroslave——amealofcassavacakesandanondescriptstewinwhichanew—killedmonkey，acoupleofsquirrelsandtheremainsofazebra，slainthepreviousday，wereimpartiallyandunsavorilycombined；buttheone—timeBaltimorebellehadlongsincesubmergedinthesternbattleforexistence，anestheticismwhichformerlyrevoltedatmuchslighterprovocation。
Asthegirl’seyeswanderedacrossthetrampledjungleclearing，alreadysqualidfromthepresenceofman，shenolongerapprehendedeitherthenearerobjectsoftheforeground，theuncouthmenlaughingorquarrelingamongthemselves，orthejunglebeyond，whichcircumscribedtheextremerangeofhermaterialvision。
Hergazepassedthroughallthese，unseeing，tocenteritselfuponadistantbungalowandscenesofhappysecuritywhichbroughttohereyestearsofmingledjoyandsorrow。Shesawatall，broad—shoulderedmanridinginfromdistantfields；shesawherselfwaitingtogreethimwithanarmfuloffresh—cutrosesfromthebusheswhichflankedthelittlerusticgatebeforeher。
Allthiswasgone，vanishedintothepast，wipedoutbythetorchesandbulletsandhatredofthesehideousanddegeneratemen。Withastifledsob，andalittleshudder，JaneClaytonturnedbackintohertentandsoughtthepileofuncleanblanketswhichwereherbed。
Throwingherselffacedownwarduponthemshesobbedforthhermiseryuntilkindlysleepbroughther，atleasttemporary，relief。
Andwhileshesleptafigurestolefromthetentthatstoodtotherightofhers。Itapproachedthesentrybeforethedoorwayandwhisperedafewwordsintheman’sear。Thelatternodded，andstrodeoffthroughthedarknessinthedirectionofhisownblankets。
ThefigurepassedtotherearofJaneClayton’stentandspokeagaintothesentrythere，andthismanalsoleft，followinginthetrailofthefirst。
Thenhewhohadsentthemawaystolesilentlytothetentflapanduntyingthefasteningsenteredwiththenoiselessnessofadisembodiedspirit。
21
TheFlighttotheJungleSleeplessuponhisblankets，AlbertWerperlethisevilminddwelluponthecharmsofthewomaninthenearbytent。HehadnotedMohammedBeyd’ssuddeninterestinthegirl，andjudgingthemanbyhisownstandards，hadguessedatthebasisoftheArab’ssuddenchangeofattitudetowardtheprisoner。
AndashelethisimaginingsrunriottheyarousedwithinhimabestialjealousyofMohammedBeyd，andagreatfearthattheothermightencompasshisbasedesignsuponthedefenselessgirl。Byastrangeprocessofreasoning，Werper，whosedesignswereidenticalwiththeArab’s，picturedhimselfasJaneClayton’sprotector，andpresentlyconvincedhimselfthattheattentionswhichmightseemhideoustoherifprofferedbyMohammedBeyd，wouldbewelcomedfromAlbertWerper。
Herhusbandwasdead，andWerperfanciedthathecouldreplaceinthegirl’sheartthepositionwhichhadbeenvacatedbytheactofthegrimreaper。HecouldofferJaneClaytonmarriage——athingwhichMohammedBeydwouldnotoffer，andwhichthegirlwouldspurnfromhimwithasdeepdisgustasshewouldhisunholylust。
ItwasnotlongbeforetheBelgianhadsucceededinconvincinghimselfthatthecaptivenotonlyhadeveryreasonforhavingconceivedsentimentsofloveforhim；
butthatshehadbyvariousfemininemethodsacknowledgedhernew—bornaffection。
Andthenasuddenresolutionpossessedhim。Hethrewtheblanketsfromhimandrosetohisfeet。Pullingonhisbootsandbucklinghiscartridgebeltandrevolverabouthishipshesteppedtotheflapofhistentandlookedout。Therewasnosentrybeforetheentrancetotheprisoner’stent！Whatcoulditmean？Fatewasindeedplayingintohishands。
Steppingoutsidehepassedtotherearofthegirl’stent。Therewasnosentrythere，either！Andnow，boldly，hewalkedtotheentranceandsteppedwithin。
Dimlythemoonlightilluminedtheinterior。Acrossthetentafigurebentabovetheblanketsofabed。Therewasawhisperedword，andanotherfigurerosefromtheblanketstoasittingposition。SlowlyAlbertWerper’seyeswerebecomingaccustomedtothehalfdarknessofthetent。Hesawthatthefigureleaningoverthebedwasthatofaman，andheguessedatthetruthofthenocturnalvisitor’sidentity。
Asullen，jealousrageenvelopedhim。Hetookastepinthedirectionofthetwo。Heheardafrightenedcrybreakfromthegirl’slipsassherecognizedthefeaturesofthemanaboveher，andhesawMohammedBeydseizeherbythethroatandbearherbackupontheblankets。
CheatedpassioncastaredblurbeforetheeyesoftheBelgian。No！Themanshouldnothaveher。Shewasforhimandhimalone。Hewouldnotberobbedofhisrights。
QuicklyheranacrossthetentandthrewhimselfuponthebackofMohammedBeyd。Thelatter，thoughsurprisedbythissuddenandunexpectedattack，wasnotonetogiveupwithoutabattle。TheBelgian’sfingerswerefeelingforhisthroat，buttheArabtorethemaway，andrisingwheeleduponhisadversary。AstheyfacedeachotherWerperstrucktheArabaheavyblowintheface，sendinghimstaggeringbackward。IfhehadfolloweduphisadvantagehewouldhavehadMohammedBeydathismercyinanothermoment；butinsteadhetuggedathisrevolvertodrawitfromitsholster，andFateordainedthatatthatparticularmomenttheweaponshouldstickinitsleatherscabbard。
Beforehecoulddisengageit，MohammedBeydhadrecoveredhimselfandwasdashinguponhim。AgainWerperstrucktheotherintheface，andtheArabreturnedtheblow。Strikingateachotherandceaselesslyattemptingtoclinch，thetwobattledaboutthesmallinteriorofthetent，whilethegirl，wide—eyedinterrorandastonishment，watchedtheduelinfrozensilence。
AgainandagainWerperstruggledtodrawhisweapon。
MohammedBeyd，anticipatingnosuchoppositiontohisbasedesires，hadcometothetentunarmed，exceptforalongknifewhichhenowdrewashestoodpantingduringthefirstbriefrestoftheencounter。
\"DogofaChristian，\"hewhispered，\"lookuponthisknifeinthehandsofMohammedBeyd！Lookwell，unbeliever，foritisthelastthinginlifethatyoushallseeorfeel。WithitMohammedBeydwillcutoutyourblackheart。IfyouhaveaGodpraytohimnow——
inaminutemoreyoushallbedead，\"andwiththatherushedviciouslyupontheBelgian，hiskniferaisedhighabovehishead。
Werperwasstilldraggingfutilelyathisweapon。TheArabwasalmostuponhim。IndesperationtheEuropeanwaiteduntilMohammedBeydwasallbutagainsthim，thenhethrewhimselftoonesidetothefloorofthetent，leavingalegextendedinthepathoftheArab。
Thetricksucceeded。MohammedBeyd，carriedonbythemomentumofhischarge，stumbledovertheprojectingobstacleandcrashedtotheground。Instantlyhewasupagainandwheelingtorenewthebattle；butWerperwasonfootaheadofhim，andnowhisrevolver，loosenedfromitsholster，flashedinhishand。
TheArabdoveheadfirsttograpplewithhim，therewasasharpreport，aluridgleamofflameinthedarkness，andMohammedBeydrolledoverandoveruponthefloortocometoafinalrestbesidethebedofthewomanhehadsoughttodishonor。
Almostimmediatelyfollowingthereportcamethesoundofexcitedvoicesinthecampwithout。Menwerecallingbackandforthtooneanotheraskingthemeaningoftheshot。Werpercouldhearthemrunninghitherandthither，investigating。
JaneClaytonhadrisentoherfeetastheArabdied，andnowshecameforwardwithoutstretchedhandstowardWerper。
\"HowcanIeverthankyou，myfriend？\"sheasked。
\"AndtothinkthatonlytodayIhadalmostbelievedtheinfamousstorywhichthisbeasttoldmeofyourperfidyandofyourpast。Forgiveme，M。Frecoult。Imighthaveknownthatawhitemanandagentlemancouldbenaughtelsethantheprotectorofawomanofhisownraceamidthedangersofthissavageland。\"
Werper’shandsdroppedlimplyathissides。Hestoodlookingatthegirl；buthecouldfindnowordstoreplytoher。Herinnocentarraignmentofhistruepurposeswasunanswerable。
Outside，theArabsweresearchingfortheauthorofthedisturbingshot。ThetwosentrieswhohadbeenrelievedandsenttotheirblanketsbyMohammedBeydwerethefirsttosuggestgoingtothetentoftheprisoner。Itoccurredtothemthatpossiblythewomanhadsuccessfullydefendedherselfagainsttheirleader。
Werperheardthemenapproaching。TobeapprehendedastheslayerofMohammedBeydwouldbeequivalenttoasentenceofimmediatedeath。ThefierceandbrutalraiderswouldteartopiecesaChristianwhohaddaredspillthebloodoftheirleader。HemustfindsomeexcusetodelaythefindingofMohammedBeyd’sdeadbody。
Returninghisrevolvertoitsholster，hewalkedquicklytotheentranceofthetent。Partingtheflapshesteppedoutandconfrontedthemen，whowererapidlyapproaching。Somehowhefoundwithinhimthenecessarybravadotoforceasmiletohislips，ashehelduphishandtobartheirfartherprogress。
\"Thewomanresisted，\"hesaid，\"andMohammedBeydwasforcedtoshoother。Sheisnotdead——onlyslightlywounded。Youmaygobacktoyourblankets。MohammedBeydandIwilllookaftertheprisoner；\"thenheturnedandre—enteredthetent，andtheraiders，satisfiedbythisexplanation，gladlyreturnedtotheirbrokenslumbers。
AsheagainfacedJaneClayton，Werperfoundhimselfanimatedbyquitedifferentintentionsthanthosewhichhadluredhimfromhisblanketsbutafewminutesbefore。TheexcitementofhisencounterwithMohammedBeyd，aswellasthedangerswhichhenowfacedatthehandsoftheraiderswhenmorningmustinevitablyrevealthetruthofwhathadoccurredinthetentoftheprisonerthatnight，hadnaturallycooledthehotpassionwhichhaddominatedhimwhenheenteredthetent。
Butanotherandstrongerforcewasexertingitselfinthegirl’sfavor。Howeverlowamanmaysink，honorandchivalry，hasheeverpossessedthem，areneverentirelyeradicatedfromhischaracter，andthoughAlbertWerperhadlongsinceceasedtoevidencetheslightestclaimtoeithertheoneortheother，thespontaneousacknowledgmentofthemwhichthegirl’sspeechhadpresumedhadreawakenedthembothwithinhim。
Forthefirsttimeherealizedthealmosthopelessandfrightfulpositionofthefaircaptive，andthedepthsofignominytowhichhehadsunk，thathadmadeitpossibleforhim，awell—born，Europeangentleman，tohaveentertainedevenforamomentthepartthathehadtakenintheruinofherhome，happiness，andherself。
Toomuchofbasenessalreadylayatthethresholdofhisconscienceforhimevertohopeentirelytoredeemhimself；butinthefirst，suddenburstofcontritionthemanconceivedanhonestintentiontoundo，insofaraslaywithinhispower，theevilthathiscriminalavaricehadbroughtuponthissweetandunoffendingwoman。
Ashestoodapparentlylisteningtotheretreatingfootsteps——JaneClaytonapproachedhim。
\"Whatarewetodonow？\"sheasked。\"Morningwillbringdiscoveryofthis，\"andshepointedtothestillbodyofMohammedBeyd。\"Theywillkillyouwhentheyfindhim。\"
ForatimeWerperdidnotreply，thenheturnedsuddenlytowardthewoman。
\"Ihaveaplan，\"hecried。\"Itwillrequirenerveandcourageonyourpart；butyouhavealreadyshownthatyoupossessboth。Canyouendurestillmore？\"
\"Icanendureanything，\"sherepliedwithabravesmile，\"thatmayofferusevenaslightchanceforescape。\"
\"Youmustsimulatedeath，\"heexplained，\"whileIcarryyoufromthecamp。IwillexplaintothesentriesthatMohammedBeydhasorderedmetotakeyourbodyintothejungle。ThisseeminglyunnecessaryactIshallexplainuponthegroundsthatMohammedBeydhadconceivedaviolentpassionforyouandthathesoregrettedtheactbywhichhehadbecomeyourslayerthathecouldnotendurethesilentreproachofyourlifelessbody。\"
Thegirlheldupherhandtostop。Asmiletouchedherlips。
\"Areyouquitemad？\"sheasked。\"Doyouimaginethatthesentrieswillcreditanysuchridiculoustale？\"
\"Youdonotknowthem，\"hereplied。\"Beneaththeirroughexteriors，despitetheircallousedandcriminalnatures，thereexistsineachawell—definedstrainofromanticemotionalism——youwillfinditamongsuchasthesethroughouttheworld。Itisromancewhichluresmentoleadwildlivesofoutlawryandcrime。Therusewillsucceed——neverfear。\"
JaneClaytonshrugged。\"Wecanbuttryit——andthenwhat？\"
\"Ishallhideyouinthejungle，\"continuedtheBelgian，\"comingforyoualoneandwithtwohorsesinthemorning。\"
\"ButhowwillyouexplainMohammedBeyd’sdeath？\"sheasked。\"Itwillbediscoveredbeforeeveryoucanescapethecampinthemorning。\"
\"Ishallnotexplainit，\"repliedWerper。\"MohammedBeydshallexplainithimself——wemustleavethattohim。Areyoureadyfortheventure？\"
\"Yes。\"
\"Butwait，Imustgetyouaweaponandammunition，\"
andWerperwalkedquicklyfromthetent。
Veryshortlyhereturnedwithanextrarevolverandammunitionbeltstrappedabouthiswaist。
\"Areyouready？\"heasked。
\"Quiteready，\"repliedthegirl。
\"Thencomeandthrowyourselflimplyacrossmyleftshoulder，\"andWerperknelttoreceiveher。
\"There，\"hesaid，asherosetohisfeet。\"Now，letyourarms，yourlegsandyourheadhanglimply。
Rememberthatyouaredead。\"
Amomentlaterthemanwalkedoutintothecamp，thebodyofthewomanacrosshisshoulder。
Athornbomahadbeenthrownupaboutthecamp，todiscouragethebolderofthehungrycarnivora。A
coupleofsentriespacedtoandfrointhelightofafirewhichtheykeptburningbrightly。TheneareroftheselookedupinsurpriseashesawWerperapproaching。
\"Whoareyou？\"hecried。\"Whathaveyouthere？\"
Werperraisedthehoodofhisburnoosethatthefellowmightseehisface。
\"Thisisthebodyofthewoman，\"heexplained。
\"MohammedBeydhasaskedmetotakeitintothejungle，forhecannotbeartolookuponthefaceofherwhomheloved，andwhomnecessitycompelledhimtoslay。Hesuffersgreatly——heisinconsolable。ItwaswithdifficultythatIpreventedhimtakinghisownlife。\"
Acrossthespeaker’sshoulder，limpandfrightened，thegirlwaitedfortheArab’sreply。Hewouldlaughatthispreposterousstory；ofthatshewassure。InaninstanthewouldunmaskthedeceptionthatM。Frecoultwasattemptingtopracticeuponhim，andtheywouldbothbelost。Shetriedtoplanhowbestshemightaidherwould—berescuerinthefightwhichmustmostcertainlyfollowwithinamomentortwo。
ThensheheardthevoiceoftheArabasherepliedtoM。Frecoult。
\"Areyougoingalone，ordoyouwishmetoawakensomeonetoaccompanyyou？\"heasked，andhistonedenotednottheleastsurprisethatMohammedBeydhadsuddenlydiscoveredsuchremarkablysensitivecharacteristics。
\"Ishallgoalone，\"repliedWerper，andhepassedonandoutthroughthenarrowopeningintheboma，bywhichthesentrystood。
Amomentlaterhehadenteredamongthebolesofthetreeswithhisburden，andwhensafelyhiddenfromthesentry’sviewloweredthegirltoherfeet，withalow，\"sh—sh，\"whenshewouldhavespoken。
Thenheledheralittlefartherintotheforest，haltedbeneathalargetreewithspreadingbranches，buckledacartridgebeltandrevolveraboutherwaist，andassistedhertoclamberintothelowerbranches。
\"Tomorrow，\"hewhispered，\"assoonasIcaneludethem，Iwillreturnforyou。Bebrave，LadyGreystoke——wemayyetescape。\"
\"Thankyou，\"sherepliedinalowtone。\"Youhavebeenverykind，andverybrave。\"
Werperdidnotreply，andthedarknessofthenighthidthescarletflushofshamewhichsweptupwardacrosshisface。Quicklyheturnedandmadehiswaybacktocamp。Thesentry，fromhispost，sawhimenterhisowntent；buthedidnotseehimcrawlunderthecanvasattherearandsneakcautiouslytothetentwhichtheprisonerhadoccupied，wherenowlaythedeadbodyofMohammedBeyd。
Raisingtheloweredgeoftherearwall，Werpercreptwithinandapproachedthecorpse。Withoutaninstant’shesitationheseizedthedeadwristsanddraggedthebodyuponitsbacktothepointwherehehadjustentered。Onhandsandkneeshebackedoutashehadcomein，drawingthecorpseafterhim。OnceoutsidetheBelgiancrepttothesideofthetentandsurveyedasmuchofthecampaslaywithinhisvision——noonewaswatching。
Returningtothebody，heliftedittohisshoulder，andriskingallonaquicksally，ranswiftlyacrossthenarrowopeningwhichseparatedtheprisoner’stentfromthatofthedeadman。Behindthesilkenwallhehaltedandloweredhisburdentotheground，andthereheremainedmotionlessforseveralminutes，listening。