hey
are cornered!"

The words were yet ringing in his mouth, when he came to a stop.

He had reached the edge of the abyss and might well pause before trying
to leap across.

The fierce king called to him to make the jump. It had been done not
only by the man, but by the girl who preceded him; why should he
hesitate?

Spurred by the taunt, the white man withdrew a few paces, and, like
Ashman, ran swiftly, the next instant his body rising in air, as he
made the fatal effort.

The American stood coolly watching the result. If the miscreant
succeeded, where it looked impossible, he meant to shoot him. Thus the
prospect before the convict could not have been worse.

It was a tremendous leap indeed, and the fellow struck the opposite
ledge with his chest, his feet dropping below.

In his furious efforts to save himself, he let go of his weapon, which
went ringing down the chasm, and seized the ledge with both hands.

Even then, had the ground been firm, he might have succeeded, but it
gave way like rotten ice, and, with a shriek of agony, he vanished
forever from the sight of men.

The frightful occurrence brought the pursuers to a halt and gave the
fugitives a minute or two in which to prepare for the end.

Ariel, by command of her lover, placed herself behind the rocks and
bowlders, where she was secure against any of the missiles, that were
sure to be soon flying through the air. Ashman also placed himself so
that all of his body was hidden, except his head and shoulders, but his
Winchester was thrust out, ready for instant use. He was resolved that
no one of the party should leap that chasm and live after reaching the
other side.

There were two exceptions, be it remembered, to this resolution.

Ziffak, being next to Waggaman, approached the chasm, where he also
stopped and peered into the impenetrable depth, his dusky face showing
a horrified expression at the awful fate that had befallen the foremost
of the little party.

Ashman, who was closely watching the chieftain with a natural wonder us
to how he would conduct himself (for he did not waver in his faith that
the giant was still loyal to him), saw him suddenly raise his eyes and
gaze at the opposite ledge, which was fully two feet above that upon
which he was standing.

Haffgo was immediately behind him, and peering under his arms at the
opening. There being no room for the two to stand beside each other,
this was the nearest position he co