ette, in her cunning scheme of double-dealing,
had played into her lady's hands to an extent unhoped for by Dolores.

"Milo, the wolves are ready to tear," she said. "And they shall
tear--not me, but themselves! Didst note the three strangers? Even they
shall help more than I had hoped." She stepped up behind the altar, and
as she waited for Milo's assistance in climbing to the secret entrance
to the great chamber she asked:

"Thy blow-pipe, hast forgotten its use."

"As soon forget the use of my fingers, Sultana!" replied the giant,
permitting a grim smile to wrinkle his face for an instant.

"Then get thy darts. Have thy pipe ready here, thyself concealed, and
watch thy time to strike. But first light the altar fires. The rogues
believe in my magic no longer; I shall teach them anew, and such magic
as shall convince some of them."

From the camp arose a babel of uproar, men shouting against each other,
curses and threats alike aimed broadcast. And impatient of the delay,
small groups straggled into the grove to wait, Stumpy's party first,
their leader striving fiercely to quiet their noise. Dolores reappeared
soon, dressed in her altar robe, and her flashing eyes told her quickly
that John Pearse wavered between staying with his chosen party and going
in search of his companions. She caught his eye, and smiled brightly at
him, beckoning him to her.

He went up to the altar slowly, his face dark and sullen. She waited for
him, ignoring the mutterings of the pirates, and as he approached her
she gave him her hand.

"My friend, it pleases me to see thee among my faithful ones. Hast made
thy decision?"

"Decision! False woman, the decision was made while yet I was with you.
The decision was yours, not mine."

"False? Why, good John, what does that mean?" she asked, frank surprise
on her face.

"Have you not taken Venner for your man? Is he not your chosen mate, at
the price of my life and Tomlin's?"

"Fool!" she cried, fiercely. "Thy dreams have mixed thy brains. What
nonsense is this? I told thee thou wert my man, at a price. But thy
decision! Time is short. Say quickly what thou wilt do."

"Prove to me that I have heard that which is untrue, and I give you my
answer at the hour you demanded it--at noon."

"If thou remain here, the proof shall be shown thee," she replied, dark
with passion. Not yet had she quite seen through the cunning of
Pascherette. And a growing tumult beyond the trees warned her of g