n at the keepers who are torturing his mate to death, while he is
barred within the cage and cannot rush to her help.

Then, wheeling about, he broke into a run straight for his home, whence
came the shots that left no doubt that Professor Grimcke, Jared Long,
and perchance their servants were fighting for their lives.

The chieftain had not far to go, and half the distance was passed, when
he paused as suddenly as he had started. A new and startling decision
had formed itself in his mind.

Again he wheeled and dashed toward the spot where he had left the
lovers a minute before.

They saw him coming, and Ashman released his beloved and started to
join the chieftain, who he suspected had come for him.

"Back!" he commanded, waving his immense arms; "neither of you must go
to the village!"

"But what shall we do?" asked Ariel, pausing in front of the excited
giant.

"Flee at once! Delay not a moment! If you do not, Haffgo will slay
both of you! They are searching for Ariel! They suspect she is with
you! They will soon know it and death awaits each!"

CHAPTER XXVI.

THE FLIGHT.

Never had Ziffak shown such fearful excitement. He swung his arms, and
in his wild agitation uttered some of his words in Murhapa, but his
meaning was caught by Ashman, who was infected by his overwhelming
emotion. He was distraught for the moment, and stood undecided what to
do.

It was the lovely Ariel who showed the most self-command.

"Whither shall we go, Ziffak?" she asked in English.

"To the enchanted lake; to the burning mountain! You know the way!
Nothing else will save you, and you are lost if you wait another
minute!"

And laying hands on the young man, he whirled him about and gave him a
shove which nearly threw him off his feet. Then he reached to catch
her, but she eluded him and slipped like a bird to the side of her
lover.

"We will go!" said she; "leave us alone!"

Ashman turned his head and seizing the hand of his companion, said,

"You are my guide now! Lead on, and I will follow you to the death!"

She made no answer, but moved rapidly through the wood until they came
to the open space along the river. Here, since there were no
obstructions, they increased their pace almost to a run. He sought to
maintain his place beside her, but she moved so fast, with little
apparent effort that it was hard to do so.

He had his Winchester and revolver, and he glanced behind to learn
whether they