valley and sought its sanctuary. Only the curse of George Lardner has
spoiled our paradise and driven us into animal form. Perhaps you will
see...."

* * * * *

He looked hurriedly at the light that was growing dimmer above them.
The rainbow had faded swiftly and darkness was coming down on the
cavern.

"I am Silvaris, King of the Fox People," he said swiftly. "On the
Flaming Diamond depends our ability to exist. Night is almost upon us
again, but unless the diamond can be restored to the paw of the bear,
there will be no more night or day."

"But you have it!" Drake protested. "Lardner came here to get it back
again...."

"Lardner came by mistake to this valley six months ago," Silvaris said
brokenly. "We welcomed him as we welcome all people. He betrayed our
trust and stole our life source. We took him to our hearts as Sylvia
and I were taken many years ago."

"Then you aren't really of the same race?" Drake's voice was filled
with relief.

Silvaris shook his head.

"We are here by our own choice," he went on. "Sylvia and I, lost
children, found our way here from a trapper's cabin when we were very
young. We never tried to leave. When Lardner stole our precious gem,
she and I alone knew the ways of civilization. It was our task to
return the stone to its rightful place."

"If that diamond is the solution of this mess," Puffy asked in a
puzzled voice, "why don't we clean up the mystery right now?"

"Wait!"

Silvaris went slowly down the long steps to the fox pit. He climbed
the steps to the side of the polar bear and his sister's lifeless
body. From her armpit, he took a huge gem. As he came toward them,
Drake knew it was the Lardner stone, flashing and alive in the
semi-darkness.

He pushed it into Drake's hands.

"Somehow Lardner pawned a paste imitation of the real Flaming Diamond
off on us that night in Chicago," Silvaris said sadly. "The real stone
is the only gem that will make the transformation."

Drake examined the diamond curiously.

"Hey!" Puffy said excitedly. "Wait a minute. How come Lardner is so
almighty hot after us, if he thinks we've only got a paste?"

"That I cannot explain," Silvaris admitted helplessly. "I purposely
disguised myself to mingle with his men. He came to destroy us and yet
he knows our life is short now that the diamond is gone. We cannot
live long as animals."

* * * * *

Far away toward the mouth