why do you look so pale, Helen?"

"It is so terrible. I thought the sound was like that of one of those
terrible serpents that frequent these parts, the anaconda, creeping
towards us."

"Nay, dearest, it was but your imagination; these reptiles avoid the
near approach to human habitations, and would not be likely to be here."

"There! there it is again," she said convulsively, drawing closely to
his side, while both looked towards the spot from whence at that moment
a sound proceeded.

In a moment more there broke forth from the clustering vines and trees
the figure of a man, with a drawn sword, who hastened with lowering brow
towards them! It was Robert Bramble, incensed beyond endurance at the
sight which met his vision through the vista of the foliage on his
approaching the spot; he paused but for one single moment, then yielding
to the power of his almost ungovernable temper, he drew his sword and
rushed forward, determined to sacrifice his brother's life. Helen seeing
plainly and instantly the state of affairs, threw herself with a scream
of terror before Charles to protect him, unarmed as he was, from the
keen weapon that gleamed in his brother's hand.

But strange are the ways of Providence, and past finding out. At that
instant he staggered, reeled forward, and placing one hand to his
forehead fell nearly at their feet!

Amazed at this, Charles and Helen both hastened to his side, but he was
speechless, and ere he could be removed from the position in which he
fell, life was wholly extinct. What was it that had so strangely, so
suddenly sacrificed him in the midst of his fell intent? Hark! Charles
starts as a shrill, low whizzing sound was heard close to his ear! The
mystery is explained, a poisoned barb had killed his brother, entering
the eye and piercing the brain, while this second one that had just
whistled past his car, had been intended for him. He turned hastily to
the direction from whence the missile had come, and there stood or
rather staggered Maud Leonardo. He hastened now to her side as she
gradually half knelt, half fell to the ground. Her eyes rolled madly in
their pockets, her hands grasped vainly at the air, and she muttered
incoherently.

"Maud, Maud, what have you done?" asked Charles, leaning over her.

"The barb was poisoned, it--it--was meant for you!" she half shrieked.
"I--I--am dying, dying unrevenged--O, this scorching, burning pain!"

"What ails you, Maud--what can we do fo