or, roof, all were slight, and yet too strong for him to make
any impression upon them, unless he could have had a few minutes to
himself; then he would not have despaired of getting through. Sometimes
he resolved to make a bold dash, run by his guards, and, leaping down by
the entrance, trust to his swiftness to escape; but a few minutes'
consideration taught him that such a plan must result in failure. His
only hope was to elude the men.

Why did not his father try and save him? he asked himself; and then he
sank back despairing again, wondering what he should do.

Then he tried his guard again upon another tack--would he, if he would
not let him escape, bear a message to the residency island?

The man replied by a stern negative; and, as night came on, Ali
determined to escape at all hazards.

The next morning the party would be starting for the hunt--a hunt from
which, he felt sure, they would never return. Then it was certain that
a treacherous attack would be made upon the ship and the island, and yet
here he lay supine, knowing all this, and yet unable to act.

Night fell, and with the intention of making a bold rush through the
outer room when half the watchers were asleep, Ali lay, watching hour
after hour for an opportunity.

Time went on, and it seemed as if the leader would never lie down; he
always seemed to have something more to say to his followers. But at
last he threw himself on the floor, and seemed to sleep.

The time had come.

Three men sat there watching him, their swarthy faces glistening in the
light of the torches. All was dark without, and the low growling noise
of beasts was once more heard in close proximity to the place. Still
they would not keep him back. He could risk an encounter with one of
them, even death, sooner than this fearful torture.

At last he turned softly, and drew up one leg, watching his guards the
while.

They did not hear him, and he drew up the other leg.

Still no notice was taken; and softly rising to his hands and knees, Ali
remained motionless, nerving himself for the supreme effort.

The men were talking in a low voice, the sleepers breathed hard, and now
was the moment. Rising then to his feet, he was about to make a rush
across the room; he had even stooped to give impetus to his spring, when
the chief of his guards leaped up, kris in hand, the others following
the example, and Ali shrank back disheartened, and fully awake now to
the fact th