Meriem saw and recognized him the instant that he entered the apartment. Her heart leaped in pride and joy at the sight of the noble figure for which it had hungered for so long.
“Korak!” she cried.
“Meriem!” He uttered the single word as he hurled himself upon the astonished Ali ben Kadin. The three Negresses leaped from their sleeping mats, screaming. Meriem tried to prevent them from escaping; but before she could succeed the terrified blacks had darted through the hole in the tent wall made by Korak’s knife, and were gone screaming through the village.
The Killer’s fingers closed once upon the throat of the hideous Ali. Once his knife plunged into the putrid heart—and Ali ben Kadin lay dead upon the floor of his tent. Korak turned toward Meriem and at the same moment a bloody and disheveled apparition leaped into the apartment.
“Morison!” cried the girl.
Korak turned and looked at the new comer. He had been about to take Meriem in his arms, forgetful of all that might have transpired since last he had seen her. Then the coming of the young Englishman recalled the scene he had witnessed in the little clearing, and a wave of misery swept over the ape man.
Already from without came the sounds of the alarm that the three Negresses had started. Men were running toward the tent of Ali ben Kadin. There was no time to be lost.
“Quick!” cried Korak, turning toward Baynes, who had scarce yet realized whether he was facing a friend or foe. “Take her to the palisade, following the rear of the tents. Here is my rope. With it you can scale the wall and make your escape.”
“But you, Korak?” cried Meriem.
“I will remain,” replied the ape-man. “I have business with The Sheik.”