The man, who has been spoken of as Reginald Lacy, paused near the edge of the pool and looked at his surroundings with an air of extreme surprise.
He patted the dog upon the head in an affectionate way and said:
“Well, Jupiter, we have struck a wonderful country. But we are not safe, old fellow—not by any means. Owens is still upon our track, and he evidently means business. But he shall never kill me, Jupiter; I may deserve it, but I will never die at his hands.”
The dog wagged his tail and crouched at his master’s feet, who, surveying the clear water before him, went on:
“That water looks cool and tempting; I believe I will take a bath.”
With that Reginald Lacy began removing his tattered garments, preparatory to taking a plunge in the crystal pool.
In a very short time he was ready, and, walking down to the edge of the pool, he placed his hand in the water to test its temperature.
It must have been perfectly satisfactory, for without further hesitation he plunged in.
The dog gazed at his master for a moment and then followed suit.
The effect upon the man and dog seemed to be startling.