But the place was deserted now, and Azurma followed the dog through the opening at the other side, and stepped into the single street of the strange, little city.
The scene that met the girl’s eyes was so entirely different to what she had anticipated that for a moment she was completely bewildered.
But not so with the dog.
He gave a single bark and dashed away with the speed of the wind toward the further end of the street, where a large number of people were congregated.
It was at this identical moment that the contest of strength between Reginald Lacy and Philander Owens was about to take place.
Jupiter reached the spot just as the enraged Owens was about to plunge the gleaming blade into his master’s heart.
With a mighty bound the animal sprang upon the would-be assassin and bore him to the ground.
Then, but for the interposition of a number of the Naztecs, he would have literally torn him to pieces.
As it was, Owens’ shoulder was so badly lacerated by the dog’s teeth that he had to be carried from the place in a semi-conscious condition.
Lacy staggered to the side of Jupiter and hugged him as a mother would her child.