ly there was a hideous
baying and barking at the door by which the men had entered, and almost
before the children were aware of what had happened, the two men were
flying up the stairs in the hope of avoiding pursuit. The dogs had been
let loose, and were on the track of the invaders.

In a panic Alan fled up the stairs, the two girls before him, only just
so far ahead as to keep out of sight, aided happily by the darkness, for
the lantern had been put out.

How long they could keep ahead had yet to be seen.

(_Continued on page_ 74.)

[Illustration: "The men began a tour of inspection."]

[Illustration: "Marjorie was bending over Estelle."]

THE GIANT OF THE TREASURE CAVES.

(_Continued from page 71._)

CHAPTER IV.

The three children fled upstairs. The terror which lent wings to their
feet grew into a panic as they flew. Perhaps the one who felt it most
was Estelle. Her imagination pictured all sorts of terrible things. She
was sure that the dogs, in their fury, would not recognise them, and
that they would be torn to pieces. Marjorie, though her heart beat
quickly, kept her senses under control, and even showed coolness enough
to whisper back: 'Give them some place to escape to, Alan; they will
follow us if you don't.'

The wisdom of this advice was soon shown. Acting upon it, Alan flung
open the door of a room he knew to be unfurnished and empty. It did not
delay him a second of time, but it gave him a courage which surprised
himself. Slackening his pace so as just to keep out of sight, he stopped
now and again to take a glance behind him: he was determined to see what
the two men intended to do. Meantime, the door into the cellars had been
forced, men and dogs tumbling over each other as the lock gave way to
the united strength of the party outside. The children could hear the
bay of the hounds as they bounded towards the stairs. The two girls fled
on in breathless haste, but Alan had no fears that the dogs would not
recognise him. Besides, he was intent on the actions of Thomas and his
friend.

The howls of the dogs acted like magic on the two men. They rushed up
the stairs, without a single glance behind. The danger was too pressing
to allow any delay for making plans of escape. The door Alan had thrown
open seemed to them the way to safety; the cheerful light of day, which
shone through the begrimed windows, gave a friendly look to the empty
room. Alan saw them rush in, close the door soft