The more the young fellow thought over what had just occurred the stronger became his determination that he would allow the farce, as he considered it, to go no further.
The part he had already played had been quite enough for him, and he made up his mind that if Azurma could not have him, no one else should.
Just as the queen was getting the box ready, he stepped forward and exclaimed:
“Stop! I have had enough of this. I will allow no further drawing for me, as I have made up my mind not to marry at all!”
[CHAPTER XIV.
AZURMA SUFFERS THE PENALTY OF HER CRIME.]
The next morning the swamp explorers were up bright and early.
They had been invited to be present at the execution of the murderess, Azurma, and though none of them were bloodthirsty enough to long for such sights, the novelty of the thing caused them to make up their minds to see it out.
That Leo was very much put out about the affair was certain. He considered that he was the direct cause of the whole trouble, and while the fair girl deserved punishment for her rash and bloody act, he made up his mind that a jury in any civilized portion of the world would hardly find her guilty of murder in the first degree. She might receive a sentence of imprisonment for life, and probably not as bad as that.
He concluded to speak to the queen about it, and got Dick to accompany him to the palace just before the procession was ready to start for the place of execution.