am
therefore almost forced to regard the man as a monomaniac."

Arthur thought that Atollo had probably made some further desperate
attempt against his brother at Tewa, and, having failed in it, had fled
hither with a part of his followers, among whom some quarrel had since
arisen, in the prosecution of which they had been engaged, when we
witnessed the flight and pursuit along the shore. This, however, was
mere conjecture: they had talked but little in his presence, and he had
not been able to learn any thing from the conversation which he had
overheard, as to the cause of their coming hither. Eiulo had been
questioned minutely by them, and from him they had ascertained that
there were four more of us upon the island.

Morton inquired of Arthur, whether he apprehended that any serious
effort would be made by the savages to find us, and what kind of
treatment we should probably receive in case we should fall into their
power.

"That search will be made for us," answered the latter, "I have not the
slightest doubt; and I do not think that we can look for any mercy, if
we fall into their hands, since to-day's affray and escape."

"This feud among themselves," said Browne, "may keep them so busy as to
afford no leisure for troubling themselves about us. I have some hope
that they will use those ugly-looking clubs upon one another, to such
purpose, as to rid us of them altogether."

"That old giant," said Max, "who ran away, with such an awkward air, as
if he wasn't at all used to it, will certainly do some mischief if they
once come to blows."

"Ay," pursued Browne, "though he didn't look quite so wicked and like a
warlock, as the gaunt, wild-eyed heathen that led the chase, I will
warrant him his full match in fair and equal fight, man to man."

"Well," said Arthur, who during the latter part of this conversation had
been apparently engaged in serious and perplexed thought, "for to-night,
at least, we are in no danger. Let us now take our necessary rest, and
to-morrow we shall be fresher and better prepared to decide upon the
course of action to be adopted."

CHAPTER THIRTY TWO.

THE SINGLE COMBAT.

PREPARATIONS FOR DEFENCE--A DEMAND AND REFUSAL--THE TWO CHAMPIONS.

"On many a bloody field before--
Man of the dark and evil heart!--
We've met--pledged enemies of yore,
But now we meet no more to part--
Till to my gracious liege and lord,
By thee of broad domains bereft,
From thy red ha