ing us
from the hut of the chief, led us through the wood to the outskirts of
the village. Here they thrust us into a species of natural cave in a
cliff, and, having barricaded the entrance, left us in total darkness.

After feeling about for some time--for our legs were unshackled, although
our wrists were still bound with thongs--we found a low ledge of rock
running along one side of the cavern. On this we seated ourselves, and
for a long time maintained unbroken silence.

At last I could restrain my feelings no longer. "Alas! dear Jack and
Peterkin," said I, "what is to become of us? I fear that we are doomed
to die."

"I know not," replied Jack, in a tremulous voice, "I know not; Ralph, I
regret deeply the hastiness of my violent temper, which, I must confess,
has been the chief cause of our being brought to this sad condition.
Perhaps the teacher may do something for us. But I have little hope."

"Ah! no," said Peterkin, with a heavy sigh; "I am sure he can't help us.
Tararo doesn't care more for him than for one of his dogs."

"Truly," said I, "there seems no chance of deliverance, unless the
Almighty puts forth his arm to save us. Yet I must say that I have great
hope, my comrades, for we have come to this dark place by no fault of
ours--unless it be a fault to try to succour a woman in distress."

I was interrupted in my remarks by a noise at the entrance to the cavern,
which was caused by the removal of the barricade. Immediately after,
three men entered, and, taking us by the collars of our coats, led us
away through the forest. As we advanced, we heard much shouting and
beating of native drums in the village, and at first we thought that our
guards were conducting us to the hut of Tararo again. But in this we
were mistaken. The beating of drums gradually increased, and soon after
we observed a procession of the natives coming towards us. At the head
of this procession we were placed, and then we all advanced together
towards the temple where human victims were wont to be sacrificed!

A thrill of horror ran through my heart as I recalled to mind the awful
scenes that I had before witnessed at that dreadful spot. But
deliverance came suddenly from a quarter whence we little expected it.
During the whole of that day there had been an unusual degree of heat in
the atmosphere, and the sky assumed that lurid aspect which portends a
thunder-storm. Just as we were approaching the horrid temple, a g