“He professes to know nothing of two white prisoners, but he says that all captives are sacrificed to the sacred beast of his people in the temple of Ramouni.”
“Then tell him to lead on to this yer temple, quick as he knows how,” the Yankee snapped, “if he wants to keep his skin entire.”
The baronet interpreted the words in their full significance, and at once the savage started off across the bed of the ravine at a trot.
Up the opposite ridge he clambered, at a pace that severely taxed the powers of the rescuers. Within a few moments they topped the crest.
Before them the plain stretched level as a table for half a league; and beyond rose the fungi-clad heights they had first sighted from the boat.
Onward they pressed until they stood at the foot of the range; and here, deciding to seek a few hours’ rest ere entering upon the final stage of their perilous journey, the two friends passed into a small cave amid the rocks. And with them, closely watched by the alert American, went Gehari—the wily one.
[CHAPTER XIII.]
THE FATE OF MERVYN.
BUT what of Professor Mervyn? How was he faring the while his friends were making such strenuous efforts to effect his rescue?
For a time his terror at finding himself in so perilous a position completely overcame him.