are not so far from the
borders of Abyssinia, after all. It is no uncommon thing for them to
raid on the Gallas."

The dagger passed from hand to hand, and was inspected with much
curiosity, until Canaris pointed toward the east and said: "Morning has
come, and the sun will soon be up. Let us climb the rock and make a
survey of the country."

Daylight came on with marvelous rapidity, and as the range of vision
gradually became clear for a distance of several miles, the Greek rose
to his feet and scanned the surroundings with a sweeping gaze.

His countenance expressed first perplexity, then delighted surprise, and
turning to his companions he cried:

"We have reached our destination. See! There is the stone kraal, those
scattered columns of rock to the south that rise from the jungle. Yes,
the old Englishman was right, for yonder lies the Elephant Peak and the
Lion's Head."

It was indeed as the Greek said. The broad valley was dotted with a
curious rock formation that bore a strong likeness to a native village
of huts, and on either side of the valley, from the rugged chains of
mountains, rose two lofty peaks, one fashioned like a recumbent
elephant, the other a perfect semblance of a lion's shaggy head.

A murmur of surprise burst from the trio as they gazed along on this
strange verification of their hopes.

The mountain peaks were at least four miles distant, for the breadth of
the valley was about eight.

For the moment the recent passage of the warlike Abyssinians was
forgotten. Then a very significant occurrence recalled it forcibly to
their minds.

From the base of the Lion's Head suddenly rose a column of yellow
smoke, and two or three gun shots echoed distinctly across the valley.

"The Abyssinians have attacked the town of the Gallas," cried Canaris.
"It lies at the foot of that peak, and is the same kraal at which the
Englishman was kept in slavery when he discovered the underground
river."

"I hope they'll eat each other up like the Kilkenny cats," observed Guy
coolly.

"But you don't understand," cried the Greek in strange excitement. "They
will scatter over the valley, they will flee to those rocks yonder for
protection, and unless we find the entrance to that river at once we are
lost."

"Canaris is right," spoke up Melton. "We must make immediate search for
the rock with the cross. It is our only hope."

"Yes, our only hope," echoed the Greek. "Come quickly, there is no time
to lose.