bright.

Beyond the volcano Jim could see what looked like an expanse of ocean.

* * * * *

He groaned, and at the sound a creature came shambling forward,
carrying what looked like a huge melon in either hand. Jim recognized
the Drilgo, Cain.

Chattering and mumbling, Cain placed one of the fruits to Jim's mouth.
It was a sort of bread-fruit, but he was too nauseated to eat, and
rejected it with disgust. Cain offered him the second fruit.

It was a hollow gourd, the interior filled with a clear fluid. Jim
drank greedily as the Drilgo put it to his lips. The contents were
like water, but slightly acid. Jim felt refreshed. He looked about
him.

The Drilgo uttered a chattering call, and immediately a host of the
savages swarmed into the cave. Men--undoubtedly men, in spite of the
brow ridges and the receding foreheads, carrying long spears,
consisting of chipped and pointed heads of stone, with holes bored in
them, through which long bands of creepers passed, fastening them
firmly to the shaft.

Chattering and gesticulating, the Drilgoes surrounded Jim as he lay
helpless on the ground. Their savage faces, their rolling eyes, the
threatening gestures that they made with their spears, convinced Jim
that his end was a foregone conclusion.

But suddenly a distant rumbling sound was heard, increasing rapidly in
volume. The floor of the cave vibrated; masses of rock dropped from
the walls. The light of the volcano across the valley was suddenly
obscured in an immense cloud of black smoke. The twilight within the
cave was succeeded by almost impenetrable darkness.

Shrieking in terror, the Drilgoes bolted, while Jim lay straining at
his ropes, expecting each moment to be crushed by the masses of rock
that were falling all about him.

Suddenly a soft whisper came to Jim through the darkness: "Jim! Are
you safe! Where are you? I can't see you! Speak to me!"

It was Lucille's voice, and Jim called back, husky and tremulous in
the sheer joy that had succeeded his anticipation of instant death.

* * * * *

Then he felt the girl kneeling at his side, and heard her hacking at
his bonds. A whole minute passed before the stone knife was able to
sever the last of the stout withes, however.

Then Jim was swaying on his feet, and Lucille's arms were about him,
and for a few moments their fears were forgotten in the renewal of
their love.

"I heard what that d