“’Tis well. I shall ever remember it. Mine is Azurma. I am a member of the royal family.”
The girl kissed his hand fervently and then left the spot, while Leo groped his way to the side of his companions, to whom he related what had occurred.
Prof. Easy then informed Philander Owens as to who he and his companions were, and why they had chosen to brave the dangers of the great swamp, after which all hands lapsed into silence.
Finally Dick broke it by exclaiming:
“I don’t see any use of our remaining in this dark place until that girl comes back. I, for one, am going back into the place called the magic chamber and light a torch and see what it is like in there.”
“Hold on!” exclaimed the professor. “Haven’t you already seen that it does not pay to be rash? Just have a little patience and sit down and wait.”
“I am sorry, but I can’t comply with your request,” returned the adventurous boy. “I am deeply interested in the cave where the dance of death took place. Come on; who is going with me?”
“Gosh hang it!” exclaimed Haypole; “I’ll go.”
“Better wait, Dick,” said Leo, who was anxious to be there when Azurma came back.
“Oh, that’s all right, old fellow. We won’t run into any danger. We’ll see you later.”