l the
princess, and yet they did not blame him, for, as the New Englander
remarked, could they have believed there was any hope for them, they
would have fallen as irrestrainably in love as he.

But they did not, and, therefore, were in a frame of mind to consider
the situation more coolly than the hot-headed lover.

Both agreed that the stroll taken by Ashman was likely to bring about
trouble, but they were powerless to do anything. Ziffak was the only
individual who could manage matters in such an emergency.

It will be remembered that night had fully come at the time of the
chieftain's departure. The interior of the room would have been
wrapped in gloom, had not the mother of Ziffak made her appearance and
started a fire on the hearth at the further end of the apartment.

The white men watched her closely to see how the Murhapas were
accustomed to secure ignition. But they were disappointed. She raked
aside the ashes until some embers were disclosed beneath, which were
readily fanned into a flame. This caused the apartment to shine with a
light like that at mid-day.

She had brought in an earthen vessel of water and began broiling
several thin slices of meat on the coals. They were quickly finished,
and she then handed to each of her guests the prepared meat on an
earthen plate. All ate heartily, using their fingers for knives and
forks, while the cool water could not have been more refreshing.

Bippo and Pedros had been sleeping and resting so long that they
desired to get out doors. Since they were not likely to be recognized
in the night, if they used caution, Grimcke and Long told them to go,
but to take care they did not lose themselves.

They had hardly departed when their hostess also left, passing out by
the rear way. She did not speak, but as she was disappearing, gave the
two men such a strange look that their suspicions were awakened. Both
at that moment were reflecting upon the ominous news brought them by
Ziffak.

By a common impulse, both hastened to the rear to learn all they could
about the building in which they might be compelled to fight for their
lives.

The result was rather pleasing. The structure was heavier and more
compact than the ordinary buildings, and, in addition to the usual
opening in front, had one at the rear, through which the woman
undoubtedly passed on her way to her royal son.

Neither of these openings were provided with anything in the nature of
a door t