She granted him an audience readily enough, but would not listen to his appeal that she might be a little more lenient with Azurma.
“No,” said she, with a decided shake of her head; “she must die as I have ordered. I cannot; nor would not if I could, countermand my orders. We are ready to start now, tell the rest of your companions to fall in line, and be sure to go with us to see the vile murderess take her death ride into the Devil’s Kingdom!”
There was no getting over it, so our friends promptly fell into line with nearly the entire population of Hez.
Azurma was then brought forth by two men, and she cast a look of defiance at Queen Olive and the rest of the women.
The word was given, and the procession filed away, the swamp explorers keeping near the doomed girl, and marveling at the fortitude she possessed.
Torches were lighted, and they passed through the dark passage into the magic chamber.
Here Azurma turned her gaze upon Leo, and said:
“It was in this place that I first met you, my Leo. Then I thought you would be mine, but they robbed me of you. But I promise, that though they kill me, I will meet you in another world, and then we will be happy. This I swear!”
At this point the girl was hustled on, and deeply impressed by her words, Leo and his companions followed with the crowd.
In a short time the spot that overlooked the place dubbed the Devil’s Kingdom was reached, and the party came to a halt.