her with eyes which scarcely reflected any
recognition.

"Don't go, father. Don't you know me? Don't you know your daughter?
See, I am Jo--Jo! Do you understand?"

Even in the midst of this other danger--the noise and imminent peril,
the two men heard and turned away their heads at the sight with
throats straining with emotion. Manning looked back with hardly a
gleam of his true self showing in his eyes. And yet there was
something left which made him pause--which in one flash brought him
back for a second. He stooped and kissed her. Then he raised himself
and facing the two men pointed towards the woods behind them.

"Go," he commanded.

Another blast and he clutched the idol to his breast. He raised his
eyes to the East and the three stood dumbfounded--from his throat
there issued a cry so wild, so weird, that it checked their breathing.
Instantly following there was silence from the shadows. One, two,
three, four seconds passed--still that silence which was nerve-racking
in its intensity. Then a cry rang out from among the trees so piercing
that the girl put her arm up over her eyes as though to ward off a
blow. A hundred forms appeared from the trees. Stubbs and Wilson
raised their rifles. But with a sweeping motion back with his hand,
the Priest bade the two men pause. He disappeared into the shadows
where he was greeted with a sort of paean of joy. Then silence. Then a
few sharp-spoken words. Then silence again.

Wilson, scarcely believing this was not some evil dream, gripped
Stubbs' arm.

"Come," he gasped. "Let's get out. This--this is hell."

He took the half-swooning girl in his arms.

"Get a grip on yourself, Jo--just for a little. We must go--at once."

"But Daddy--Daddy----"

Wilson closed his eyes as though to shut out the sight he had last
seen when looking into the face of that man.

"It is better--as it is."

Stubbs, still with a care for the jewels, helped Wilson on with his
belt and fastened his own into place. He had had a good rest and felt
comparatively fresh, but the others tottered as they walked.

Into the dark among the trees they went, following the faint
trail which led towards the big mountains which were still a
barrier,--on--on--on until the girl dropped in her tracks from
exhaustion and Wilson beside her.

For six hours Stubbs maintained a grim watch over the two, his rifle
across his knees, hoping against hope for one bit of good luck
more--that if so be there was ano