from another.

Far off in the cave sounded a strange, wild, weird chant. Then came the
tramp of many feet. A little later a great concourse of people came
rushing into the cave, led by a score of the white-robed men.

"They're coming back after us!" cried Andy. "Here, take a revolver,
Professor, and defend yourself!"

CHAPTER XXV

ADRIFT ON THE ICE

"No shoot! Me save!" exclaimed Dirola, springing in front of Andy. "You
trust me!"

On came the crowd, plainly visible because of the magnetic fire. It came
to a halt a short distance in front of the adventurers, while from the
ranks of the white-robed ones stepped forth a native. He spoke rapidly
to Dirola, who answered him in fierce tones.

For several minutes the conversation was kept up. At length Dirola
appeared to gain her point, for the crowd withdrew and once more the
captives were alone with their Esquimaux friend.

"What did they want?" asked Andy.

"Some people no believe me queen," explained the newly-discovered ruler.
"They come in an' be mad. Then some no satisfy. They want have
sacrifice. I tell 'um no sacrifice of 'um white men what save my life. I
save 'um for they bring me back. People no like, but must do. Me queen!"
and she drew herself up proudly. "Them must do what Dirola say!"

"They may this time," muttered Andy, "but the next time they may not. I
think this isn't a very healthy place for us, Professor."

"I would only be too glad to get away, and back to my ship," said the
inventor. "I am satisfied I have reached and passed the north pole. I
would be glad to go back home again."

"Me take care you," spoke Dirola. "Wait few days. See! You come, me hide
you."

She looked carefully around. There was no one in sight save the party
from the _Monarch_. Then, proceeding with caution, Dirola led the way up
to and behind the big altar of ice. The mysterious fires behind it had
died out somewhat, and once in the rear of the steps the captives could
see a long icy shaft, leading down deep into the earth. There was also
an opening in the roof of the cavern, down which the sunlight and
magnetic currents came.

"Go easy so no fall," cautioned Dirola. "If fall down hole never git
up!"

The prisoners needed no bidding to warn them to be wary of the cruel
looking shaft, and they gave it a wide berth. Dirola led the way past it
to a small chamber or room, hewn out of the ice to the left and rear of
the altar.

"You stay here," she said.