l the
nerves of his body, and he experienced a sense of impending death. He
cried out, and sank helplessly on the floor, in a heap. The chamber and
the company vanished--the light went out.

Once more he found himself in the blackness of the cave. He was this
time lying on the ground, but Tydomin was still with him, holding his
hand. He was in horrible bodily agony, but this was only a setting for
the despairing anguish that filled his mind.

Tydomin addressed him in tones of gentle reproach. "Why are you back so
soon? I've not had time yet. You must return."

He caught hold of her, and pulled himself up to his feet. She gave a
low scream, as though in pain. "What does this mean--what are you doing,
Maskull?"

"Krag--" began Maskull, but the effort to produce his words choked him,
so that he was obliged to stop.

"Krag--what of Krag? Tell me quickly what has happened. Free my arm."

He gripped her arm tighter.

"Yes, I've seen Krag. I'm awake."

"Oh! You are awake, awake."

"And you must die," said Maskull, in an awful voice.

"But why? What has happened?..."

"You must die, and I must kill you. Because I am awake, and for no other
reason. You blood-stained dancing mistress!"

Tydomin breathed hard for a little time. Then she seemed suddenly to
regain her self-possession.

"You won't offer me violence, surely, in this black cave?"

"No, the sun shall look on, for it is not a murder. But rest assured
that you must die--you must expiate your fearful crimes."

"You have already said so, and I see you have the power. You have
escaped me. It is very curious. Well, then, Maskull, let us come
outside. I am not afraid. But kill me courteously, for I have also been
courteous to you. I make no other supplication."

Chapter 11. ON DISSCOURN

BY THE TIME that they regained the mouth of the cavern, Blodsombre was
at its height. In front of them the scenery sloped downward--a long
succession of mountain islands in a sea of clouds. Behind them the
bright, stupendous crags of Disscourn loomed up for a thousand feet or
more. Maskull's eyes were red, and his face looked stupid; he was still
holding the woman by the arm. She made no attempt to speak, or to get
away. She seemed perfectly gentle and composed.

After gazing at the country for along time in silence, he turned toward
her. "Whereabouts is the fiery lake you spoke of?"

"It lies on the other side of the mountain. But why do you ask?"

"It is just as