“What has happened?” exclaimed he, pale enough now.
“And she promised to love you always?” Zarga went on, looking him deep in the eyes.
“What is all this?” he demanded, a menace beginning to growl through his tones.
“Don’t be angry with me!” she entreated tremulously. “I wouldn’t hurt you for the world! I’m sorry—I will say nothing more!”
“I ask your pardon,” he said, controlling himself. “Please tell me all you know. I had heard that Torpeon was pursuing her; she is to be my wife; you can imagine my anxiety! The only glimpse I’ve had of her was when you—”
“I understand! I thought perhaps Argon or Lamara would have told you. But why did they not tell you? Why should they leave it to me?”
“I haven’t seen them since they left the palace to go to the island. Then—you know how it was; there was a sudden storm of fire and darkness, and when I could see again, everything had disappeared, and—you were in my arms!”
“Yes, yes! Oh, I was frightened! The fire got into my brain. Yes, I ran away, forgetting you wouldn’t know where to go. But Miriam was rescued by Aunion and taken to Lamara’s island.”
“She is safe, then?” cried Jack joyfully.
“Now I shall have to hurt you,” she replied sadly. “She is there no longer. Torpeon sent her a message; she met him, and they went off together to Tor.”