he bungalow
the previous night. The sight of them brought a realization of new
responsibilities. To leave them here in the campong would mean the
immediate death of Professor Maxon and the Chinaman. To turn them into
the jungle might mean a similar fate for Virginia Maxon were she
wandering about in search of the encampment-- Number Thirteen could
not believe that she was dead. It seemed too monstrous to believe that
he should never see her again, and he knew so little of death that it
was impossible for him to realize that that beautiful creature ever
could cease to be filled with the vivacity of life.

The young man had determined to leave the camp himself--partly on
account of the cruel words Professor Maxon had hurled at him the night
before, but principally in order that he might search for the lost
girl. Of course he had not the remotest idea where to look for her,
but as von Horn had explained that they were upon a small island he
felt reasonably sure that he should find her in time.

As he looked at the sleeping monsters near him he determined that the
only solution of his problem was to take them all with him. Number
Twelve lay closest to him, and stepping to his side he nudged him with
the butt of the bull whip he still carried. The creature opened his
dull eyes.

"Get up," said Number Thirteen.

Number Twelve rose, looking askance at the bull whip.

"We are not wanted here," said Number Thirteen. "I am going away and
you are all going with me. We shall find a place where we may live in
peace and freedom. Are you not tired of always being penned up?"

"Yes," replied Number Twelve, still looking at the whip.

"You need not fear the whip," said the young man. "I shall not use it
on those who make no trouble. Wake the others and tell them what I
have said. All must come with me--those who refuse shall feel the
whip."

Number Twelve did as he was bid. The creatures mumbled among
themselves for a few minutes. Finally Number Thirteen cracked his long
whip to attract their attention.

"Come!" he said.

Nine of them shuffled after him as he turned toward the outer
gate--only Number Ten and Number Three held back. The young man walked
quickly to where they stood eyeing him sullenly. The others halted to
watch--ready to spring upon their new master should the tide of the
impending battle turn against him. The two mutineers backed away
snarling, their hideous features distorted in rage.