ing than that by which they had entered the cavern. It was hidden
from sight by a projecting table of rock, and when they came to pass
through, the outer opening was seen to be so covered by bushes that it
never could have been found except by the accident which first showed
Ariel the way into the cavern.

But with hearts overflowing with gratitude to heaven, they found
themselves on the earth again, with the sun shining and the pure air of
heaven fanning their fevered faces.

They had emerged at the crest of the mountainous mass, which covered a
portion of the enchanted lake and the cavern of diamonds. Fortunately,
too, they were among the woods, where they could not see far in any
direction. This rendered them less liable to discovery by their
enemies in the neighborhood.

Ashman held his position until the two could study their location and
gain an idea of the points of the compass. The rising sun helped them
to do this, and, by moving carefully about until they gained sight of
the lake and the Upper Xingu, they soon ascertained in what direction
the Murhapa village lay, and the course necessary to take in order to
avoid it.

It was decided to put back in the forest and thread their way through
the dense wilderness, striking the Xingu at a point below the rapids.
There, if they found nothing of their friends, they would manage to
secure a boat in which they could press their flight in the direction
of the Amazon.

The forests abounded with wild animals and huge serpents, but the
ardent lover was admirably armed and confident that he could protect
his beloved from all harm, provided they could escape discovery by the
Murhapas and Aryks.

If Haffgo should venture on an approach to the rocks, where the
fugitives made their stand, he could not fail to find out the
extraordinary manner in which they had eluded him, and he would be
certain to organize instant pursuit.

But this was not likely to take place for a considerable time, though
the possibility led Ashman to push forward with all vigor, often
pausing to listen for sounds of pursuit.

The extreme caution of the lovers led them to trend much further into
the woods than was really necessary, and they were a long time,
therefore, in reaching the Xingu.

Neither had eaten food for an unusual while, but they cared nothing for
that. They were too anxious for any thought except that of getting
forward as fast as possible.

As they progressed, startled n