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achieve a purpose. My brain cleared as by magic, every nerve steadying
itself to meet whatsoever peril might be lurking along the path.
Half-way up the mound I lay close to the earth, peering steadily
through the gloom. There was no cover to crouch behind, the slope
being totally bare of vegetation except for the short, dry grass, yet I
felt reasonably secure from observation unless I entered that bar of
light. Unable to do more than guess, I concluded that the single
flame, splitting the night like the shining blade of a sword, came from
the northern compartment, while the southern half remained wrapped in
silent darkness. Outwardly this Queen's residence was constructed much
like the building used by the priests as a temple. In the latter I
recalled two entrances opening respectively toward east and west. Were
a partition run between, as in this private dwelling, the eastern door
would open into the southern apartment. It was the west door through
which the light streamed, and, daring approach it no closer, my only
recourse lay in trying my fortune on the opposite side.

I began a winding advance along the sloping side of the hill, but sank
suddenly to earth as a spectral figure moved forth from the darkness,
stood a moment in the bright glare, and then strode past, vanishing
within the gloom like a shadow. It was an Indian, spear in hand, one
of the body-guard of the Queen. With renewed caution, my imminent
danger being manifest, I barely lifted my head from the level of the
grass, and began to work onward, reaching out until I got firm grasp on
a bunch of grass, then drawing my body forward the full extent of my
arms. The progress was slow, involving much labor, and it required a
full half-hour to attain the other side of the mound. I could now look
above, perceiving nothing except the black shadow of the house. If
Eloise was within, and if this door led to her prison, it was scarcely
possible that it was unguarded. Naladi had special reasons for looking
carefully after the safe keeping of this captive, and was not likely to
forget. I discovered no outward signs of life, but was too thoroughly
versed in wilderness ways to count upon that, knowing that each dark
shadow along the wall might conceal some crouching stealthy figure,
ready to pounce forth. With utmost care, anxiously scanning the silent
hillside, I drew myself forward, hardly venturing upon a full breath,
until I finally rested on my brea