foliage thrummed with the growing downpour which yet did not penetrate
to the earth. As they neared the shore, the forest resounded with the
solemn boom and crash of long-sweeping seas outside the bar; the wind
screamed among the huts; all the women and those men who had returned
from their portion of the search were snugly under cover. The place
seemed deserted.

"Farewell, Rufe," Pascherette whispered at last, when the great black
mass of the council hall loomed against the sky in a lightning flash.
"Count ten score. Thy safety is in my hands."

Then she took Sancho by the hand, and led him through the plashing rain
to the rear of the hall and called softly: "Milo!"

"Here. Hast found him?"

"Take us to the Sultana quickly, Milo. I have told Sancho to trust in
the justice of Dolores."

"He may well do that," returned Milo. "The great Sultana is ever just."

"Yes, have no fear, good Sancho. I am Justice itself!" rejoined the
mellow voice of Dolores in person, who had a few moments before left
Rupert Venner. "Milo, I am minded to give Sancho proof of my mercy,
since he already believes in my justice. Open the great chamber. Sancho,
canst guess the honor I propose to do thee?"

"No, lady," replied Sancho, an awful dryness gripping his throat.

"Hast ever hungered for sight of the great chamber?" She paused smiling
at the uneasy pirate, who could not answer. "Of course thou hast," she
replied for him. "Which of my rogues has not? I am minded to show thee
this mark of my love, since thy conscience permitted thee to return
here. Hast any fear of the saying the Red Chief uttered? That none might
enter the great chamber and live?"

Sancho suddenly sprang to life. His face was distorted; when the
lightning flashed it revealed him a ghastly picture of apprehension.

"I will not go there! I have no wish to see what my eyes are forbidden
to see. I never sought to enter, Sultana. It was the others!"

"Yes, Sancho, the others. That is why I select thee for the honor,
because thou wert patient. Come. I promise thee thy life is safe."

Dolores passed on toward the great stone, where Milo stood guard over
the opened portals. Sancho, trembling violently, was drawn irresistibly
after her, partly fascinated by her calm strength, partly influenced by
the soft fingers and whispered prattle of Pascherette, who strove to set
him aflame with mention of some of the wonders he was to see.

He paused at the rock door, glancing aro