lic
tones. "I will treat each and every one who dareth to oppose me in the
way I will now punish these three savages who have entered our region
forbidden. Watch, and let it be a warning to those who may be tempted by
bribes to entertain disloyal thoughts."

With stately stride she led the way along a dark colonnade from beneath
the wing of the colossal vampire to the enormous closed mouth of the
hideous crocodile, being followed by the high priest and his attendants,
who dragged along the three of our unfortunate companions.

At once a headlong rush was made by the frenzied spectators to obtain a
view of what was to transpire, and we followed leisurely at a respectable
distance, remaining in the shadow of one of the grotesquely-carved
columns of rock.

When all had taken up their places we could see the expressions of abject
fear upon the glistening faces of the wretched blacks, and longed to rush
forth and rescue them, but with knowledge that instant death would result
from such foolhardiness we remained breathlessly silent, compelled to
watch.

Again the high priest, with outstretched hands over the people, cried:

"Give heed unto me! Were Zomara, the god whom we worship, to be
worshipped in perfectness, the whole length of our lives would not
suffice to lie prostrate before him. But the merciful Avenger of Wrong
expecteth not more from us than we are able to pay him. True it is that
we should begin early, and late take rest, and daily and hourly offer up
our praises and petitions to the throne of his handmaiden's grace. But
better is a late repentance than none; and the eleventh hour of the day
for work than perpetual idleness unto the end of our time; and this is
not to be obtained for us but through our mighty Naya, the daughter of
Zomara the Swallower-up of Evil."

Himself facing the hideous gigantic head with its long jaws and gleaming
eyes, he flung himself suddenly upon his knees and commenced a gabbled
prayer. All prostrated themselves in adoration, even to the great Naya
herself, whose magnificent jewels flashed and gleamed with wondrous
brilliancy each time she moved.

In order not to appear strange to this extraordinary proceeding, we, too,
cast ourselves upon our knees and remained with heads bent in devotional
attitude, but allowing no detail of the weird scene to escape us.

Suddenly the priest arose, and with a fire-brand ignited at the brazier
near his hand, he stood before the wonderful figu