. On the rock floor almost
immediately beneath us lay remains which, from their torn clothes and
hair, we knew must be human. As somebody explained, I think it was
Shadrach, they were those of the man whom Orme had shot upon the tail of
the sphinx, and of his companions who had been tilted off the ladder.

For awhile we gazed at this horrible hole in silence. Then Oliver took
out his watch, which was a repeater, and struck it.

"Higgs told me," he said, "that he was to be thrown to the lions two
hours after moonrise, which is within fifteen minutes or so. Sergeant, I
think we had better be getting ready."

"Yes, Captain," answered Quick; "but everything is quite ready,
including those brutes, to judge by the noise they make, excepting
perhaps Samuel Quick, who never felt less ready for anything in his
life. Now then, Pussy, run out that ladder. Here's your rifle, Captain,
and six reload clips of cartridges, five hollow-nosed bullets in each.
You'll never want more than that, and it's no use carrying extra weight.
In your right-hand pocket, Captain, don't forget. I've the same in mine.
Doctor, here's a pile for you; laid upon that stone. If you lie there,
you'll have a good light and rest for your elbow, and at this range
ought to make very pretty shooting, even in the moonlight. Best keep
your pistol on the safe, Captain; at least, I'm doing so, as we might
get a fall, and these new-fangled weapons are very hair-triggered.
Here's Japhet ready, too, so give us your marching orders, sir, and we
will go to business; the Doctor will translate to Japhet."

"We descend the ladder," said Orme, "and advance about fifty paces into
the shadow, where we can see without being seen; where also, according
to Shadrach, the food-basket is let down. There we shall stand and await
the arrival of this basket. If it contains the Professor, he whom the
Fung and the Abati know as Black Windows, Japhet, you are to seize him
and lead, or if necessary carry, him to the ladder, up which some of the
mountaineers must be ready to help him. Your duty, Sergeant, and mine,
also that of the Doctor firing from above, will be to keep off the lions
as best we can, should any lions appear, retreating as we fire. If the
brutes get one of us he must be left, since it is foolish that both
lives should be sacrificed needlessly. For the rest, you, Sergeant,
and you, Japhet, must be guided by circumstances and act upon your own
discretion. Do not wait for sp