“I also vouch for the truth of the statement,” said another.
“And I,” added the third.
“If any citizen should still doubt me,” continued the priest, “the record will be shown to him. I have no personal enmity against this girl, who, alas, is now nameless. It was my duty to expose her at this time and I have done so only to promote the future welfare of the Tcha.”
Ama, who had stood proudly erect until now, suddenly reeled and would have fallen had not both Chaka and Paul leaped upon the platform and supported her. As they led her away Katalat smiled his evil smile and turned to Pagatka.
“Arrest those intruders and confine them securely in the House of Seclusion,” he commanded.
“If he tries that dodge we’ll paralyze him!” I shouted, angrily.
But the waba advanced calmly toward us, and a file of his men followed him.
“Come, boys; let’s beat a retreat,” whispered Paul. “We must get Ama back to her palace.”
We turned to obey, Paul and Chaka going first and hurrying the half fainting girl between them. Ned and Archie backed them up, with Nux and Bryonia just behind. Pedro had no electrite, so Joe and I took charge of the rear.
I had scarcely taken three steps when the waba leaped forward and seized my arm. Whirling around I flashed my electrite and tumbled him into a heap. But the current spread and shot far beyond Pagatka, catching unawares old Katalat as he stood grinning on the platform. He threw up his arms and made a dive into the arena, where he lay as one dead.