places by openings between the blocks, while in other places they are
profoundly dark and of unknown extent. See also, if you look at the
stream below, they form a splendid bridge. At this distance they do not
seem large, but some of these blocks are not less than a hundred feet
long. This whole region is infested by robbers, but the recent act of
the Queen in sending troops out to scour the country for fugitive
Christians seems to have driven them away. But if they had been here we
should have had little to fear, for robbers are not usually fond of
attacking even small parties of men who are well able to defend
themselves; besides, they do not injure the outlawed Christians much.
Perhaps they have a sort of fellow-feeling for us!"

At this point Laihova spoke a few words to the guide in the native
tongue. The latter nodded approval, and turning to Mark, said--

"We have been consulting about our route. There are two roads--one
rugged, round-about, and safe, which would take us a longer time,
however, to reach the capital than the other, which is the regular
beaten path, through the villages. But this latter way lays us open to
the danger of meeting with soldiers, and of my being captured along with
my friend Laihova. There would be no danger to you and your friends,
for you are strangers."

"Ravonino," said Mark, quickly, "do what is best for rescuing
Rafaravavy. We have no will but yours. We will follow wherever you
choose to lead."

A quiet look of satisfaction played on the guide's features as he turned
to his friend.

"What says Laihova? The Englishmen are willing to do whatever we wish."

"Let us go by the villages. Let us push on by night as well as by day,"
said Laihova. "Time flies! Ranavalona is mad! Rafaravavy is in
danger!"

It was finally arranged that, at this place, which was considerably to
the south of Antananarivo, they should diverge to the right, so as to
avoid certain points of danger, and arrive ultimately at the eastern
side of the capital.

Having settled this point, the three men rejoined their comrades, who
were still conversing amicably beside the spring. Thereafter they all
descended into the valley by a steep and rugged pathway.

CHAPTER TWELVE.

A NARROW ESCAPE AND THREATENING CLOUDS.

Their progress after leaving the spot described in the last chapter was
not so rapid as could have been desired by anxious men, for it was
absolutely necessary to proceed wit