.

"You don't know, you don't know," was all he said in answer to me; then
he added; "I can't stand this any longer. I tell you we've got to get
out of here. You don't know how awful--"

"Yes," said Desiree, looking at me.

"But I can scarcely walk," I objected.

"True," said Harry. "I know. But we can help you. There must be
another exit, and we'll start now."

"Very well," I said quite calmly; and I picked up one of the spears
which we had carried with us, and, rising to my knees, placed the butt
of the shaft against the wall near which I lay.

But Harry saw my purpose, and was too quick for me. He sprang across
and snatched the spear from my hand and threw it on the ground a dozen
feet away.

"Are you crazy?" he shouted angrily.

"No," I answered; "but I am little better, and I doubt if I shall be.
Come--why not? I hinder you and become bored with myself."

"You blame me," he said bitterly; "but I tell you you don't know. Very
well--we stay. You must give me your promise not to act the fool."

"In any event, you must go soon," I answered, "or starve to death.
Perhaps in another twenty-four hours I shall be stronger. Come,
Desiree; will that satisfy you?"

She did not answer; her back was turned to us as she stood gazing
across the stream into the depths of the cavern. There was a curious
tenseness in her attitude that made me follow her gaze, and what I saw
left me with no wonder at it--a huge, black, indistinct form that moved
slowly toward us through the darkness.

Harry caught sight of it at the same moment as myself, and on the
instant he turned about, covering his face with his hands, and called
to Desiree and me to do likewise.

Desiree obeyed; I had risen to my knees and remained so, gazing
straight ahead, ready for a combat if it were not a physical one. I
will not say that a certain feeling of dread did not rise in my heart,
but I intended to show Desiree and Harry the childishness of their
terror.

Nothing could be seen but the uncertain outline of the immense bulk;
but the same penetrating, sickening odor that had before all but
suffocated me came faintly across the surface of the stream, growing
stronger with each second that passed. Suddenly the eyes appeared--two
glowing orbs of fire that caught my gaze and held it as with a chain.

I did not attempt to avoid it, but returned the gaze with another as
steadfast. I was telling myself: "Let us see this trick and play one
s