Was it possible that the man whom I had known as Digby was actually Cane?
The method of the snake was the same as that practised at Huacho!
These, and other thoughts, flashed across my brain in an instant, for I knew that the agony of a fearful death would be quickly upon me.
I tried to utter a curse upon those three brutes who stood looking on without raising a hand to save me, but still I could not speak.
Suddenly, something black shot across my startled eyes. The reptile had darted.
The horror of that moment held me transfixed.
I felt a sharp sting upon my left cheek, and next instant, petrified by a terror indescribable, I lost consciousness.
What happened afterwards I have no idea. I can only surmise.
How long I remained senseless I cannot tell. All I am aware of is that when I returned to a knowledge of things about me I had a feeling that my limbs were benumbed and cramped. Against my head was a cold, slimy wall, and my body was lying in water.
For a time, dazed as I was, I could not distinguish my position. My thoughts were all confused; all seemed pitch darkness, and the silence was complete save for the slow trickling of water somewhere near my head.