a number of
the men went on drinking their fiery moonshine.

The pack was growing restive, openly restive now, and after yet another
council among the more important bandits, the leader came over and made
an announcement.

"Ther Clan aims now ter discuss yore case amongst themselves. We air
goin' ter leave four men hyar ter keep watch over ye whilst we're
away--an' them four has orders ter kill ye if ye seeks ter escape."

He raised his hand above his head, and wheeling, marched out through
the shaft's opening, while behind him, trailing in single file and dead
silence, trooped all the henchmen save the four left on guard.
Alexander noted with a certain degree of satisfaction that the
saddle-bags were not removed by those who departed.

The blazing pine torches went out with the small procession, leaving
the cavern gloomily shadowed. The only light came now from two
lanterns--and the girl sickened with the realization that at least one
of her jailers was drunk.

As soon as the withdrawal of the chieftain brought a laxening of
discipline, he lurched over toward her and, crossing the trickle of
running water, bent forward, staring brazenly into her face.

Only his eyes were visible, but they were bestial and lecherous. After
a little he thrust out a hand and stroked the white shoulder which the
torn clothing had left bare. Instantly, in a transport of white-hot
fury, the girl sprang sidewise and sought to drag the mask from his
face. But sodden as he was, the fellow still held to his instincts of
self protection. He twisted and seized her in a violent grip,
pinioning her arms at her sides.

In Alexander's lithe body dwelt a strength quite equal to a fair fight
and had it been a fair fight she would probably have made short work of
him. Now caught unexpectedly into helplessness she still writhed and
twisted, fighting with savage knee-blows until she had freed her right
hand and then she struck out with no feminine uncertainty. The fellow
reeled back, and Alexander followed him up with lightning speed.

She had become a fury animated by a single purpose. She meant to
unmask her assailant and register his face for a future reprisal of
death. The man, recognizing that at all costs he must defeat that
recognition, was compelled to throw both elbows across his face and to
bear without further retaliation the blows she rained upon him--all
blows that were soundly effective.

The thing happened quickly and