dark cavern; and I was in the mind to agree with him. We would be
certain to have a terrible struggle, and be badly torn; in all
probability one or both of us would fall: but the prospect appeared the
less dreadful on account of the suffering we endured from thirst. I may
add that we were hungry as well; but this was but a secondary
consideration when compared with the pangs of the sister appetite.

Another cause of uneasiness now presented itself. The baboons,
apparently becoming impatient at waiting so long for their vengeance,
seemed to have been forming plans of their own, and began to make fresh
attempts upon the skeleton barricade. In twos and threes they attacked
it with their teeth; and at each assault portions of the dry skin and
bones of the mummies were carried off. It was plain that if this should
continue much longer the whole three malefactors would be demolished,
and we could no longer defend the entrance. Of course after that there
could be but one result--our destruction.

More than ever did we give way to despair; and, hardly deeming it worth
while to exert ourselves, we remained passively awaiting the crisis.

All of a sudden I perceived my companion rouse himself from his
despondent attitude and commence fumbling about over the floor. What
could he be after? I put the question.

"I've got an idea, Will!" was his reply, "shiver my timbers!" continued
he, "if I don't believe I can scatter them apes to the four points o'
the compass."

"How?" I eagerly inquired.

"You'll see, lad! where be the skin o' the lion?"

"I'm sitting upon it," said I, "do you want it?"

"Yes--quick! give it me, Will!"

It was by a mere chance that the lion's hide had been brought inside the
chamber. We had not used it as a cover--on account of its being still
raw--and, previous to the appearance of the baboons, it had been rolled
up, and laid in the entrance of the tree-cave as the fittest place that
offered. In rushing inside, it had been kicked before us; and thus it
was that we happened to be in possession of it.

Without losing a second of time, I pulled it from under me, and handed
it to my companion. I already suspected the use he intended to make of
it; and without further explanation, I went to work to assist him in his
design.

In ten minutes after, the body of Ben Brace was completely enveloped in
the skin of the lion; which was tied and corded around him in such a
manner, that it would have r