be agitated by the rising of
the leviathan from its depths, and suddenly a monstrous head, mounted
upon a neck full twenty feet long, rose out of the water. The body of
the creature resembled that of a turtle, only ten times larger than.
the biggest turtle I had ever beheld. Thrice the monster circled the
pool. Then it began slowly to approach the litter upon which Van Luck
lay, more dead than alive with the terror that had come upon him. I
could bear no more, and, throwing prudence to the winds, I ran to help
him. I was just in time to drag him beyond reach of the monster, who
made a rush to the edge of the pool when he saw his prey being taken
from him.

A great shout arose from the savages, who seemed amazed at the act of
sacrilege I had committed. The reed pipes stopped playing. Melannie
rose from her throne pale and trembling. Ackbau advanced towards me
with a threatening gesture.

"This must not be, Ackbau," I said, pointing to where Van Luck lay at
my feet gazing at the monster in mute terror. "I will prevent it."
Ackbau gave some directions, when a number of savages advanced,
evidently with the intention of taking me alive, so that I might be
given to the monster, which continued to swim round the pool lashing
the water into foam, and stretching its neck from side to side in anger
at having been robbed of its prey.

But now a new diversion arose which caused a panic among the savages.
We had all been so engrossed by what was taking place at the pool that
no heed had been given to the mountain. With a mighty roar which shook
the island to its foundations the volcano broke into eruption. The
crust had given way, and the internal fires, held in check, belched
from the crater. Huge rocks and stones glowing red hot were thrown to
incredible heights. The earth rocked and opened, so that many were
engulfed.

Streams of lava began to descend. The pool sank, leaving a deep pit
into which the monster disappeared. The prophecy was about to be
fulfilled. The snake god had been robbed of its tribute, and the island
with all upon it was to be destroyed. In, their terror the savages
raced for the seashore. Nothing was remembered but self-preservation.

I now released Van Luck from his bonds, and bidding him and Melannie
follow me, I led the way along the secret path to where the boat lay,
ready to put to sea. I was rewarded for my rescue of Van Luck by his
ability to help me. Not a breath of wind stirred, so that we c