r deity, lifted their arms above their heads and cast themselves
into the flames. Some fell clear of the double row of pointed teeth into
the furnace, while others not leaping sufficiently far were impaled upon
the great spikes of steel, and in full view of their companions writhed
in frightful agonies, as slowly they were consumed by the tongue of fire
lapping about them.

The scene was awful, yet the Naya, surrounded by priestly dwarfs, stood
regarding it with satisfaction. Such voluntary sacrifices to Zomara,
were, to them, gratifying in the highest degree.

Suddenly the light in the eyes of the giant figure changed from white to
a deep blood-red, illuminating the strange place with a ruddy glow that
increased its weirdness, and was a signal for a large number of
sacrifices. Indeed, the worshippers now lost their self-control
absolutely, and when the horrible mouth, dripping with blood, again
unclosed, there was such a press of those anxious to immolate themselves,
that many could not struggle forward to cast their bodies into the flames
before the teeth again snapped together.

It was horrible. Nauseated by the sickening sight of men impaled and
absolutely crushed to a pulp by the ascending jaw which must have weighed
many tons, and the sharp teeth of which cut the unfortunate wretch to
pieces, we turned away. We had emerged from the shadow that had concealed
us and stood in the full white light shed by one of the monster's eyes,
hesitating how to seek some means of escape, when two of the dwarfs,
suddenly turning a corner, came full upon me. In an instant I remembered
that on account of the suffocating atmosphere I had unwrapped my haick
from about my mouth, thus allowing my features to remain uncovered. But
ere this thought flashed across my mind the uncanny-looking imps had
detected my features as those of a stranger.

For a second they paused, starting and glancing keenly at me, then they
turned and gazed earnestly at my companions. There was, I knew, no
mistaking Kona's sable yet good-humoured face.

"Lo!" they cried, shouting to the group of their priestly tribe standing
rigid and silent around the bejewelled Naya. "See! There are strangers
present! One is a black savage like those thou hast given unto Zomara,
and the other white, like the people dwelling beyond the great black
water."

Their announcement produced an effect almost electrical. In an instant a
silence fell, and at the same moment the voice