keep back--leave me to deal with these barbarians!"
Panteleone said hurriedly, and in a minute a deadly fight began
between the Indians and the soldiers.

But what was their strength against more than five hundred strong
warriors? Ere long the brave party was captured, and while Konmia
dragged the terrified girl towards the funereal-pile, the Indians
shrieked aloud in triumphant gladness.

"To-morrow Siva will receive a sacrifice that will remain forever in
the memory of those now living. To-day, our chief's widow; to-morrow,
the Portuguese prisoners!"

* * * * *

After his daughter had gone, Don Garcia was filled with deep regret at
having succumbed so readily to her wishes.

A presentiment of evil he could not control made him walk restlessly
up and down the room.

A timid knock at the door roused him from his painful musings.

"Come in!" he cried quickly.

The door opened, and a tall, remarkably handsome man, dressed in the
garb of a sea-captain, entered.

"What, Falcam, is it you, my boy?" the don cried gladly, wringing the
young man's hand.

"Yes, senor. I have some papers from Tonza. There has been a slight
rising at Diu, but, fortunately, we were able to suppress it in time,"
handing the don a sealed packet.

After casting his eyes rapidly over the contents, Don Garcia smiled
and turned with a pleased look towards the captain.

"Manuel tells me of your bravery in saving Diu, and asks me to promote
you. I will do all I can. I am proud to call you friend."

Luiz flushed, and a bashful light filled his eyes; but, ere he could
answer, the don continued:

"However, you have come in time to be of service to me. My daughter,
much against my wishes, has gone on an expedition to the Temple of
Siva. From what I have since heard, I am afraid danger threatens my
Lianor. Will you help me to rescue her?"

"Will I lay down my life to keep her from harm! Oh, senor, how can you
ask? Let me start immediately, and ere long I will bring your child
back in safety," fervently.

Don Garcia was surprised at the young man's eagerness, but refrained
from speaking, only to thank him for his kind offer.

Five minutes later Luiz Falcam, accompanied by a troop of brave
sailors, started off towards the Temple of Siva.

As he neared, sounds of strife, mingled with heartrending shrieks,
broke upon his ears. Urging his trusty band, he dashed onward until he
arrived at the scene of terror.

Star