of the men I employed failed. It
is of such construction and mechanism that nothing short of explosives
could make it yield, and these I feared to use. But years afterwards a
gaoler who had obtained the secret from his father, also a gaoler, but
who was dead, imparted it to me on his death-bed in return for some
good-will I had shown him. I believe therefore that I am the only person
who has knowledge of the means by which to open it."

"The knowledge hath, in any case, saved our lives, Goliba," Omar
answered. "But the great cavern and all those horrible rites introduced
into the worship of Zomara, are not they new?"

"No," replied the sage. "They are as old as the foundation of the Kingdom
of Mo. Strangely enough, however, the great cave with its colossus and
its race of sacred dwarfs who live away in a small dark forest that can
only be gained from the opposite side of the cave, were for centuries
forgotten. The way to the Temple of Zomara was unknown and the dwarfs
remained in undisputed possession of the place until three years ago, one
more adventurous than the rest, succeeded in ascending to Mo, when his
capture resulted in the cavern with its great wonderful image being
re-discovered. Since that time the place has never been devoid of
votaries, and the great fire has constantly been fed by those anxious to
immolate themselves to appease the Crocodile-god."

"Ah! he is a great god," Omar observed earnestly.

"Yea, O Master, he is indeed all-powerful," answered the aged councillor.
"He giveth us life, preserveth us from death, and shieldeth us from
evil."

And as they uttered these words both fingered their amulets piously.

CHAPTER XXV.

LIOLA.

AFTER brief consultation it was deemed insecure for us to return to
Goliba's house, as search would undoubtedly be made for us there if any
had detected his presence with us in the great chasm. Therefore, our
guide, taking one of the lamps, led us along a number of narrow unlighted
passages, threading the maze with perfect knowledge of its intricacies
until, opening a door, we found ourselves in a small stone
prison-chamber. Here we remained while he went to another part of the
vaults and obtained for us some food, urging us to remain there until
such time as we might come forth in safety.

Kona extracted from him a promise that he would place his
fellow-tribesmen in a place of security, and Goliba also assured us that
if we remained in that chamber and