y, daughter; my wounds are not worthy your tears," broke in
the soft voice; "they are but a small part of my debt to Him who
perished upon the cross. Yet I think I might manage to walk, Monsieur,
without assistance. Surely, with God's help, I can master the pain."

"Make no attempt," I said; "your slight figure will prove no burden to
me. It was of Eloise I thought."

"Then do so in that way no longer," she burst forth eagerly. "I have
been trouble enough to you, Geoffrey. I will not consent to remain
helpless. See! I can stand alone--ay, and walk; even this great
height does not render my head dizzy."

We advanced slowly and cautiously down the path, feeling yet the
exhaustion of the night. The way proved less difficult than we
expected. The tunnel was by far the hardest portion, as we were
compelled to grope the entire distance through intense darkness,
guiding ourselves with hands against the wall. Having little fear that
any of the tribe remained to dispute our passage, we conversed freely
and cheerfully, avoiding all unnecessary reference to the recent
tragedy. We emerged from the dark hole somewhat before noon, making
use of the entrance leading through the altar-house. The sight of the
deserted platform reminded us of the Puritan, and as I glanced aside at
Eloise, her gray eyes were filled with tears. A fire smouldered on the
altar, waiting replenishment from hands that would labor no more; and
we gladly hurried from the gloomy interior to the sunlit slope without.

The desolate, deserted village presented a scene of loneliness
impossible to describe; not a figure was moving among the huts, no sign
of life anywhere. We discovered an abundance of food, and partook of
it in the open. Eloise appeared unwilling to accompany me, so I went
alone to explore the mystery of Naladi's house, leaving her assiduously
ministering to the needs of the priest. My search was rewarded by the
discovery of my lost rifle, with what remained of ammunition, together
with a variety of feminine garments with which to replace those sadly
soiled and tattered ones Madame wore. The desire was in the hearts of
us all to get away as soon as possible, to put behind us that desolate
spot, those deserted houses, and the haunting cliff. The _pere_ had
constructed, during my absence, a pair of rude crutches for his use;
and, so soon as Eloise had more becomingly clothed herself, we
departed, bearing such provisions as we could c