ter hour
passed in this stern tension of her frame, this trance-like stillness
and silence, when at length she fancied she heard a creeping, stealthy
step approaching. Nearly frozen with terror, she listened and watched
more intently than ever. Alone, helpless, in darkness and solitude, what
horrid fate must she meet! The creeping, cautious footstep drew nearer,
nearer!

Oh, Heaven! it was no fancy! The entrance of the cavern was more deeply
darkened for one moment, and then the huge form of Moloch stood within
the cavern and nearly filled it up.

Paralyzed with horror, Sybil could neither move nor cry out--not even
when the monster approached the bed and put his profane hand upon her
face.

CHAPTER VIII.

NELLY TO THE RESCUE.

She never, never failed a friend,
And never feared a foe.--NICHOLL.

Help was at hand. There came a sound as of the rushing of tiny feet, and
suddenly the little Skye terrier rushed into the cavern, and with joyous
barks darted upon her mistress's bed; but instantly these barks of joy
were changed into a howl of rage and pain, as she sprang at the throat
of the robber, and closing her teeth upon his windpipe, hung there like
"grim death."

With a yell of agony, the giant threw up his hands and seized the dog,
to tear her off; but Nelly held fast. He might have torn her in two, but
he could not have made her let go her hold upon his throat. He raised
his huge fist to brain her.

"DON'T hurt the dog," cried Sybil, starting up and seizing his arm; her
palsy of terror dispelled by her love for her faithful little
four-footed friend.

"DOWN, traitor and coward!" shouted another voice.

And all started and looked around to recognize the robber captain
standing before them, with a pistol levelled straight at the head of his
lieutenant.

"Call this brute off, then. She's cutting my throat with her cursed
teeth. Call her off, I say, or I'll wring her in two, like a worm,"
gurgled the half-strangled monster, as he shook off the clasp of Sybil,
and seized the little dog.

"DROP YOUR HAND, you villain, or I'll shoot you where you stand!"
thundered the captain, cocking his pistol.

The bully instantly obeyed.

"Come, Nelly! dear Nelly!" called Sybil, sinking to a sitting posture on
the side of her bed.

The obedient little terrier immediately let go her hold, and leaped down
into her mistress' lap, and with barks of delight began to lick her
hands and face.

Syb