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.
Startled by the sudden apparition, the Indians lost, for a time, their self-control, and the sailors found it easy to subdue them.
Luiz had flown at once to Lianor's side, clasping her frail form tightly in his arms, while Panteleone wrenched Savitre from her aunt, as she was about to fling her on the now burning pile.
Even at the same moment, Satzavan, a smile of revengeful triumph on his face, wound a thick scarf over Konmia's head, and threw her with remorseless force into the flames, leaving her to meet the fate destined for his sister.
Those Indians who had not been taken had fled; so the band was free to wend its way homeward, though nearly half had been killed in the strife.