that nature.

"We cannot stay there forever," was the practical thought in the mind
of the lover, who felt the next moment as though he would be happy to
dwell forever anywhere with her.

"After we have staid here until pursuit is given up--_if it ever will
be_--then we must leave the country. I will take her to my home in
North America, where I shall love and cherish her and become the envied
of all men."

"We are approaching the rock," he said, addressing her; "what next,
dearest Ariel."

"Paddle right on," was the astonishing reply.

He looked at her with a questioning smile. Could she be in earnest?

"Right on," she repeated, reading his thoughts aright.

"Very well; the slave obeys his mistress," he replied, giving the
paddle another dip in the water.

Gazing ahead, he instantly discovered the cause of her reply. A tunnel
opened into the rock, seemingly near the centre. It was perhaps ten
feet in height and with a width slightly greater. Could it be she
meant he should enter that black forbidding passage? He asked the
question and she replied that such was her wish.

He could not decline to take her whither she desired to go. Gently
swaying the blade, he sent the boat within the dark opening, which
appeared to distend its jaws to swallow the canoe and them from the
world to which they had bidden good-bye.

Ashman was beginning to ask himself how he was to continue the advance
in the darkness, which must become impenetrable as they passed beyond
the limit of the moonlight, when he perceived the water into which he
dipped the paddle.

Not only that, but it grew more distinct as he progressed, until once
more the form of his beloved came out to view, as she sat near him in
the canoe.

Wondering what it all meant, he gazed ahead. The surface of the water
grew plainer, as his eye ranged along the tunnel, until, only a short
distance away, the view was clearer than on the lake itself, beneath
the full moon.

What was the explanation of this wonderful sea of illumination into
which he was guiding the canoe?

CHAPTER XXX.

A GUESS.

Standing in the door of the building, his figure so wrapped in gloom
that it was invisible to the fierce Murhapas, Professor Grimcke
cautiously peered out upon the multitude that were clamorously seeking
the death of himself and comrade.

The horde seemed to be everywhere. They were glaring over the river
bank, behind which they could find secure shelter b