ns of friendship,
and a most valiant defence, they were set upon and slain the same hour
they appeared among the fierce people.

Ariel, the daughter of the king, was but a child, at that time, just
entering her teens. She did not know of the cruel massacre until it
was over, when she surprised all by expressing her sorrow and declaring
that a great wrong had been done the strangers. From that time
forward, those who studied her closely saw that she had formed a strong
distrust, if not dislike, of Waggaman and Burkhardt, though, seeing the
high favor in which they were held in court, she sought to veil her
true feelings.

Ziffak was a younger brother of the king, and bore the title of
head-chieftain. He was next in authority and power, and, because of
his immense size and prowess, led all expeditions against their
enemies, none of whom was held in fear. Occasionally, he headed a
hundred warriors, who made excursions through the neighboring
wilderness and in pure wantoness spread destruction and death on every
hand.

The Aryks, after receiving several such terrible visits, sued for terms
and willingly agreed to consider themselves slaves of the Murhapas.
Their location was favorable to detect the advance of any of the
dreaded white men up the Xingu, and they agreed in consideration of
being left alone, to check any such approach, a fact which will explain
the fierceness and determination with which they contested the ascent
of the river by our friends.

If they allowed the whites to pass above the rapids, they knew that the
mighty Ziffak would sweep down upon them and visit frightful punishment
upon their heads.

Instead of bringing a body of his own warriors, Ziffak, as has been
intimated in another place, came alone down one side of the Xingu, with
Waggaman and Burkhardt on the other, the calculation being to rouse
enough Aryks to destroy the invaders, as they were regarded. Enough
has been told to show how thoroughly the head-chieftain acquitted
himself of this duty.

Several of the powerful reasons for the jealousy of Waggaman and
Burkhardt of their race, was apparent in the fact that there was an
astonishing abundance of diamonds and gold among the Murhapas.
Although none was seen on Ziffak, it was only because he was on the
war-path. He had enough at home to furnish a prince's ransom, while
the possessions of the beautiful princess Ariel were worth a kingdom.

These were obtained from some place amon