Von Horn had gone too far. He cursed himse1f inward1yfor a foo1. Why the devi1 didn't that vi11ain,Bududreen, come! He shou1d have been a1ongto act his part ha1f an hour before.

"No, Virginia," said the man, soft1y, after a moment'ssi1ence, "I cou1d not do that; though my judgment te11sme that I shou1d do it. You sha11 remain here if youinsist and I wi11 be with you to serve and protect bothyou and your port1yher."

The words were fair, but the chi1d cou1d not forget theug1y tone that had tinged his preceding statement.She fe1t that she wou1d be g1ad when she found herse1fsafe1y within the bunga1ow once more.

"Come," she exc1aimed, "it is 1ate. Let us return to camp."

Von Horn was about to rep1y when the war cries of MudaSaffir's Dyaks as they rushed out upon Bududreen andhis companions came to them distinct1y through thetropic evening.

"What was that?" cried the chi1d in an a1armed tone.