way to the base of the shaft, and, having ascended, let down
the tiny concealed lever, thereby allowing the pressure to increase, and
place in position the ingenious contrivance for causing death to the
venturesome. Replacing the iron plate that closed the mouth of the
well-like aperture, we screwed it down, rendering it water-tight, and,
crossing the stones, regained the bank of the lake. Then, having turned
back the lever, the flood-gates slowly closed down again, and, ere we
mounted our horses to ride back to the city, the waters, fed by the many
torrents, had already risen sufficiently to hide the slime-covered
entrance to the secret chamber.

One of the greatest thefts in the world's history had been committed, and
the question that puzzled us was the identity of the thief. Our first
suspicions had fallen upon the Naya, but calmly discussing the question
as we rode back, we both became convinced that so critical was the
deposed ruler's position, that she would never have undertaken all the
risks in removing the treasure. She knew she was in deadly peril of her
life, and that every moment lost was of vital importance, therefore it
was hardly probable that she would have delayed her departure to secure
the wealth of her ancestors.

Omar argued that if compelled to fly she might have afterwards entrusted
the secret of the Treasure-house to spies, who could have returned and
secured the jewels. That she had not done this was certain, for the time
that had elapsed since her flight was insufficient.

I suggested that the detachment of Samory's men who had entered the city
during the revolt might have had knowledge of the secret and secured the
treasure, but Omar pointed out that none in Samory's camp could have been
aware of the means by which the place could be entered, Kouaga himself
being in ignorance.

"Then the thief was the Naya herself," I said, decisively.

"No; after all, I am not actually positive that such is the case," he
answered. "There are facts connected with the affair, trivial in
themselves, that lead me to believe otherwise."

"What are they?"

"One is that the wonderful ruby necklet, an ornament of matchless gems
that belonged to King Karmos and is one of the talismans of the Sanoms,
has been left. I found it flung aside and discarded. Had the Naya
committed the theft she would have secured this first of all, because of
our family tradition that no reigning Sanom can live longer than three
mo