he always live in this cave?"

"Yes, he is a sacred animal with us, and long ago was worshipped and
consulted by our forefathers, and those who preceded them in the
island."

"Is he very old?"

"None can tell how old. Some say he is immortal. Others think he is only
the offspring of the snake worshipped by our forefathers. He is guardian
of the sacred fountain whose waters we are about to drink."

When she had spoken, Alumion tripped to the flowing spring, and, taking
a cup which was standing on the edge of the basin, filled it from the
pellucid stream.

"Give me your hand," she murmured, holding out her own, and lifting her
celestial eyes, so full of love and tenderness, to mine. It was a dainty
hand, plump, lilywhite, and dimpled, with tapering fingers; and as I
felt her warm and silk-soft touch for the first time, my soul melted
within me, and my whole being thrilled with delight. Her rosy lips
parted with pleasure, and a delicate blush mantled her blooming cheeks
and full white throat.

I gazed in rapture on her divine countenance, so like a speaking flower,
the image of a beautiful soul on which neither sorrow, care, nor passion
had ever left a trace.

She raised the cup, and having sipped of the water, handed it to me in
silence. I sought the place where her lips had touched the brim and
drank. Now whether it was phantasy or some foreign ingredient I cannot
tell, but the water seemed to taste like nectar, and to run through all
my veins like wine.

The glamour of the lights and the perfume of the waters wrought upon my
senses, and, yielding to the intoxication of my love, I caught Alumion
to my arms.

Suddenly the most appalling noise rent the air, and caused me to spring
back from my bride in terror. It came from the rattlesnake. His grisly
body swayed to and fro, his gaping mouth displayed all its horrid fangs,
and his large eyes burned like two red-hot coals.

"Siloo, Siloo!" cried Alumion hastily in a tone of command. "Down,
Siloo!"

The serpent at once obeyed her voice and retired again to his dish.

"He thought I was going to harm you," I exclaimed, not without a sense
of relief. "Or perhaps he was jealous of me."

"Remember this is holy ground," responded Alumion.

"Forgive me," I said, feeling her reproof. "My love--your beauty--must
be my excuse."

"We must part now," she continued, with a blinding glance and a
ravishing smile. "I have some last offices to perform here. We shall
meet