ly for night, and the hours seemed long
indeed before he heard the whisper of Nessus above. Directly the Arab
received the reply, assuring him that Malchus was still there, he again
set to work.

In an hour the grating was removed and the rope lowered. Malchus
fastened it under his arms, knotting it in front, and then whispered to
Nessus that he was ready. The Arab drew him slowly and steadily up until
his head was in the entrance of the narrow passage. Malchus had grasped
the rope as high as possible above his head and hung by his hands,
thereby drawing the shoulders upwards, and reducing their width as
much as possible. He then managed to swing himself so that his body was
diagonally across the opening, and when thus placed he found to his joy
that the passage was large enough for him to pass through without much
difficulty.

Slowly and steadily Nessus drew him up until his shoulders were
above the level of the ground, when Malchus, placing his hands on the
pavement, sprang noiselessly out. The grating was replaced, and without
a word being spoken they glided from the temple. Not a word was said
until they had gone some little distance.

"You have saved my life again, Nessus," Malchus said, laying his hand
upon his shoulder. "Another twelve hours and it would have been too
late. I was to have been put to death in the morning."

Nessus gave a fierce exclamation and placed his hand on his knife.

"Had they slain my lord," he said, "I would have avenged you. I would
have dogged your enemies night and day till, one by one, my knife should
have found its way to their hearts!"

"Have you found a hiding place, Nessus?"

"There is but one place of safety, my lord, that I can think of. I have
talked it over with two or three faithful friends, and they agree that
so rigid will be the search that it will be well nigh impossible for
anyone within the walls of the citadel to escape detection. The spies
of Hanno are everywhere, and men fear within these walls even to whisper
what they think. At any rate, no more secure hiding place could be found
than that which we have decided upon."

"And where is that, Nessus?"

"It is in the reservoirs. With four water skins and some planks we
have prepared a raft. My two friends are waiting for us at one of the
entrances. They will have fitted the raft together, and all will be in
readiness. They are not likely to search for you there."

"The idea is excellent, Nessus."

The rese