AswerantowardDelcarte，bothTaylorandIwerestruckbythefactthatthebeastuponhimappearednottobemaulinghim，butlayquietandmotionlessuponitsprey，andwhenwewerequiteclose，andthemuzzlesofourgunswereattheanimal’shead，Isawtheexplanationofthissuddencessationofhostilities——Felistigriswasdead。
　　Oneofourbullets，oroneofthelastthatDelcartefired，hadpenetratedtheheart，andthebeasthaddiedevenasitsprawledforwardcrushingDelcartetotheground。
　　Amomentlater，withourassistance，themanhadscrambledfrombeneaththecarcassofhiswould-beslayer，withoutascratchtoindicatehowclosetodeathhehadbeen。
　　Delcarte’sbuoyancewasentirelyunruffled。Hecamefromunderthetigerwithabroadgrinonhishandsomeface，norcouldIperceivethatamuscletrembledorthathisvoiceshowedtheleastindicationofnervousnessorexcitement。
　　Withtheterminationoftheadventure，webegantospeculateupontheexplanationofthepresenceofthissavagebruteatlargesogreatadistancefromitsnativehabitat。MyreadingshadtaughtmethatitwaspracticallyunknownoutsideofAsia，andthat，solateasthetwentiethcentury，atleast，therehadbeennosavagebeastsoutsidecaptivityinEngland。
　　Aswetalked，Sniderjoinedus，andIreturnedhisrifletohim。TaylorandDelcartepickeduptheslaindeer，andweallstarteddowntowardthelaunch，walkingslowly。
　　Delcartewantedtofetchthetiger’sskin，butIhadtodenyhimpermission，sincewehadnomeanstoproperlycureit。
　　Uponthebeach，weskinnedthedeerandcutawayasmuchmeataswethoughtwecoulddisposeof，andaswewereagainembarkingtocontinueuptheriverforfreshwaterandfuel，wewerestartledbyaseriesofscreamsfromthebushesashortdistanceaway。
　　"AnotherFelistigris，"saidTaylor。
　　"Oradozenofthem，"supplementedDelcarte，and，evenashespoke，thereleapedintosight，oneafteranother，eightofthebeasts，fullgrown——magnificentspecimens。
　　Atthesightofus，theycamechargingdownlikeinfuriateddemons。Isawthatthreerifleswouldbenomatchforthem，andsoIgavethewordtoputoutfromshore，hopingthatthe"tiger，"astheancientscalledhim，couldnotswim。
　　Sureenough，theyallhaltedatthebeach，pacingbackandforth，utteringfiendishcries，andglaringatusinthemostmalevolentmanner。
　　Aswemotoredaway，wepresentlyheardthecallsofsimilaranimalsfarinland。Theyseemedtobeansweringthecriesoftheirfellowsatthewater’sedge，andfromthewidedistributionandgreatvolumeofthesoundwecametotheconclusionthatenormousnumbersofthesebeastsmustroamtheadjacentcountry。
　　"Theyhaveeatenuptheinhabitants，"murmuredSnider，shuddering。
　　"Iimagineyouareright，"Iagreed，"fortheirextremeboldnessandfearlessnessinthepresenceofmanwouldsuggesteitherthatmanisentirelyunknowntothem，orthattheyareextremelyfamiliarwithhimastheirnaturalandmosteasilyprocuredprey。"
　　"Butwheredidtheycomefrom？"askedDelcarte。"CouldtheyhavetraveledherefromAsia？"
　　Ishookmyhead。Thethingwasapuzzletome。IknewthatitwaspracticallybeyondreasontoimaginethattigershadcrossedthemountainrangesandriversandallthegreatcontinentofEuropetotravelthisfarfromtheirnativelairs，andentirelyimpossiblethattheyshouldhavecrossedtheEnglishChannelatall。Yetheretheywere，andingreatnumbers。
　　WecontinueduptheTamarseveralmiles，filledourcasks，andthenlandedtocooksomeofourdeersteak，andhavethefirstsquaremealthathadfallentoourlotsincetheColdwaterdesertedus。ButscarcehadwebuiltourfireandpreparedthemeatforcookingthanSnider，whoseeyeshadbeenconstantlyrovingaboutthelandscapefromthemomentthatweleftthelaunch，touchedmeonthearmandpointedtoaclumpofbusheswhichgrewacoupleofhundredyardsaway。
　　HalfconcealedbehindtheirscreeningfoliageIsawtheyellowandblackofabigtiger，and，asIlooked，thebeaststalkedmajesticallytowardus。Amomentlater，hewasfollowedbyanotherandanother，anditisneedlesstostatethatwebeatahastyretreattothelaunch。
　　ThecountrywasapparentlyinfestedbythesehugeCarnivora，forafterthreeotherattemptstolandandcookourfoodwewereforcedtoabandontheideaentirely，aseachtimeweweredrivenoffbyhuntingtigers。
　　Itwasalsoequallyimpossibletoobtainthenecessaryingredientsforourchemicalfuel，and，aswehadverylittleleftaboard，wedeterminedtostepourfoldingmastandproceedundersail，hoardingourfuelsupplyforuseinemergencies。
　　ImaysaythatitwaswithnoregretthatwebidadieutoTigerland，aswerechristenedtheancientDevon，and，beatingoutintotheChannel，turnedthelaunch’snosesoutheast，toroundBoltHeadandcontinueupthecoasttowardtheStraitofDoverandtheNorthSea。
　　IwasdeterminedtoreachLondonassoonaspossible，thatwemightobtainfreshclothing，meetwithculturedpeople，andlearnfromthelipsofEnglishmenthesecretsofthetwocenturiessincetheEasthadbeendivorcedfromtheWest。
　　OurfirststoppingplacewastheIsleofWight。WeenteredtheSolentaboutteno’clockonemorning，andImustconfessthatmyheartsankaswecameclosetoshore。Nolighthousewasvisible，thoughonewasplainlyindicateduponmymap。
　　Uponneithershorewassignofhumanhabitation。Weskirtedthenorthernshoreoftheislandinfruitlesssearchforman，andthenatlastlandeduponaneasternpoint，whereNewportshouldhavestood，butwhereonlyweedsandgreattreesandtangledwildwoodrioted，andnotasinglemanmadethingwasvisibletotheeye。
　　Beforelanding，Ihadthemensubstitutesoftbulletsforthesteel-jacketedprojectileswithwhichtheirbeltsandmagazineswerefilled。Thusequipped，wefeltuponmoreeventermswiththetigers，buttherewasnosignofthetigers，andIdecidedthattheymustbeconfinedtothemainland。
　　Aftereating，wesetoutinsearchoffuel，leavingTaylortoguardthelaunch。ForsomereasonIcouldnottrustSnideralone。IknewthathelookedwithdisapprovaluponmyplantovisitEngland，andIdidnotknowbutwhatathisfirstopportunity，hemightdesertus，takingthelaunchwithhim，andattempttoreturntoPan-America。
　　Thathewouldbefoolenoughtoventureit，Ididnotdoubt。
　　Wehadgoneinlandforamileormore，andwerepassingthroughapark-likewood，whenwecamesuddenlyuponthefirsthumanbeingswehadseensincewesightedtheEnglishcoast。
　　Therewereascoreofmenintheparty。Hairy，half-nakedmentheywere，restingintheshadeofagreattree。Atthefirstsightofustheysprangtotheirfeetwithwildyells，seizinglongspearsthathadlainbesidethemastheyrested。
　　Foramatteroffiftyyardstheyranfromusasrapidlyastheycould，andthentheyturnedandsurveyedusforamoment。Evidentlyemboldenedbythescarcityofournumbers，theycommencedtoadvanceuponus，brandishingtheirspearsandshoutinghorribly。
　　Theywereshortandmuscularofbuild，withlonghairandbeardstangledandmattedwithfilth。Theirheads，however，wereshapely，andtheireyes，thoughfierceandwarlike，wereintelligent。
　　Appreciationofthesephysicalattributescamelater，ofcourse，whenIhadbetteropportunitytostudythemenatcloserangeandundercircumstanceslessfraughtwithdangerandexcitement。AtthemomentIsaw，andwithunmixedwonder，onlyascoreofwildsavageschargingdownuponus，whereIhadexpectedtofindacommunityofcivilizedandenlightenedpeople。
　　Eachofuswasarmedwithrifle，revolver，andcutlass，butaswestoodshouldertoshoulderfacingthewildmenIwasloathtogivethecommandtofireuponthem，inflictingdeathorsufferinguponstrangerswithwhomwehadnoquarrel，andsoIattemptedtorestrainthemforthemomentthatwemightparleywiththem。
　　TothisendIraisedmylefthandabovemyheadwiththepalmtowardthemasthemostnaturalgestureindicativeofpeacefulintentionswhichoccurredtome。AtthesametimeIcalledaloudtothemthatwewerefriends，though，fromtheirappearance，therewasnothingtoindicatethattheymightunderstandPan-American，orancientEnglish，whichareofcoursepracticallyidentical。
　　Atmygestureandwordstheyceasedtheirshoutingandcametoahaltafewpacesfromus。Then，indeeptones，onewhowasinadvanceoftheothersandwhomItooktobethechieforleaderofthepartyrepliedinatonguewhichwhileintelligibletous，wassodistortedfromtheEnglishlanguagefromwhichitevidentlyhadsprung，thatitwaswithdifficultythatweinterpretedit。
　　"Whoareyou，"heasked，"andfromwhatcountry？"
　　ItoldhimthatwewerefromPan-America，butheonlyshookhisheadandaskedwherethatwas。Hehadneverheardofit，oroftheAtlanticOceanwhichItoldhimseparatedhiscountryfrommine。
　　"Ithasbeentwohundredyears，"Itoldhim，"sinceaPan-
　　AmericanvisitedEngland。"
　　"England？"heasked。"WhatisEngland？"
　　"WhythisisapartofEngland！"Iexclaimed。
　　"ThisisGrubitten，"heassuredme。"IknownothingaboutEngland，andIhavelivedhereallmylife。"
　　ItwasnotuntillongafterthatthederivationofGrubittenoccurredtome。UnquestionablyitisacorruptionofGreatBritain，anameformerlygiventothelargeislandcomprisingEngland，ScotlandandWales。SubsequentlywehearditpronouncedGrabrittinandGrubritten。
　　IthenaskedthefellowifhecoulddirectustoRydeorNewport;butagainheshookhishead，andsaidthatheneverhadheardofsuchcountries。AndwhenIaskedhimiftherewereanycitiesinthiscountryhedidnotknowwhatI
　　meant，neverhavingheardthewordcities。
　　IexplainedmymeaningasbestIcouldbystatingthatbycityIreferredtoaplacewheremanypeoplelivedtogetherinhouses。
　　"Oh，"heexclaimed，"youmeanacamp！Yes，therearetwogreatcampshere，EastCampandWestCamp。WearefromEastCamp。"
　　Theuseofthewordcamptodescribeacollectionofhabitationsnaturallysuggestedwartome，andmynextquestionwasastowhetherthewarwasover，andwhohadbeenvictorious。
　　"No，"herepliedtothisquestion。"Thewarisnotyetover。Butitsoonwillbe，anditwillend，asitalwaysdoes，withtheWestendersrunningaway。We，theEastenders，arealwaysvictorious。"
　　"No，"Isaid，seeingthathereferredtothepettytribalwarsofhislittleisland，"ImeantheGreatWar，thewarwithGermany。Isitended——andwhowasvictorious？"
　　Heshookhisheadimpatiently。
　　"Ineverheard，"hesaid，"ofanyofthesestrangecountriesofwhichyouspeak。"
　　Itseemedincredible，andyetitwastrue。ThesepeoplelivingattheveryseatoftheGreatWarknewnothingofit，thoughbuttwocenturieshadpassedsince，toourknowledge，ithadbeenrunningintheheightofitstitanicfrightfulnessallaboutthem，andtousuponthefarsideoftheAtlanticstillwasasubjectofkeeninterest。
　　HerewasalifelonginhabitantoftheIsleofWightwhoneverhadheardofeitherGermanyorEngland！Iturnedtohimquitesuddenlywithanewquestion。
　　"Whatpeopleliveuponthemainland？"Iasked，andpointedinthedirectionoftheHantscoast。
　　"Noonelivesthere，"hereplied。
　　"Longago，itissaid，mypeopledweltacrossthewatersuponthatotherland;butthewildbeastsdevouredtheminsuchnumbersthatfinallytheyweredrivenhere，paddlingacrossuponlogsanddriftwood，norhasanydaredreturnsince，becauseofthefrightfulcreatureswhichdwellinthathorridcountry。"
　　"Donootherpeoplesevercometoyourcountryinships？"I
　　asked。
　　Heneverheardthewordshipbefore，anddidnotknowitsmeaning。ButheassuredmethatuntilwecamehehadthoughtthattherewerenootherpeoplesintheworldotherthantheGrubittens，whoconsistoftheEastendersandtheWestendersoftheancientIsleofWight。
　　Assuredthatwewereinclinedtofriendliness，ournewacquaintancesledustotheirvillage，or，astheycallit，camp。Therewefoundathousandpeople，perhaps，dwellinginrudeshelters，andlivinguponthefruitsofthechaseandsuchseafoodasisobtainableclosetoshore，fortheyhadnoboats，noranyknowledgeofsuchthings。
　　Theirweaponsweremostprimitive，consistingofrudespearstippedwithpiecesofmetalpoundedroughlyintoshape。
　　Theyhadnoliterature，noreligion，andrecognizednolawotherthanthelawofmight。Theyproducedfirebystrikingabitofflintandsteeltogether，butforthemostparttheyatetheirfoodraw。Marriageisunknownamongthem，andwhiletheyhavetheword，mother，theydidnotknowwhatImeantby"father。"Themalesfightforthefavorofthefemales。Theypracticeinfanticide，andkilltheagedandphysicallyunfit。
　　Thefamilyconsistsofthemotherandthechildren，themendwellingsometimesinonehutandsometimesinanother。
　　Owingtotheirbloodyduels，theyarealwaysnumericallyinferiortothewomen，sothereisshelterforthemall。
　　Wespentseveralhoursinthevillage，wherewewereobjectsofthegreatestcuriosity。Theinhabitantsexaminedourclothingandallourbelongings，andaskedinnumerablequestionsconcerningthestrangecountryfromwhichwehadcomeandthemannerofourcoming。
　　Iquestionedmanyofthemconcerningpasthistoricalevents，buttheyknewnothingbeyondthenarrowlimitsoftheirislandandthesavage，primitivelifetheyledthere。
　　Londontheyhadneverheardof，andtheyassuredmethatI
　　wouldfindnohumanbeingsuponthemainland。
　　MuchsaddenedbywhatIhadseen，Itookmydeparturefromthem，andthethreeofusmadeourwaybacktothelaunch，accompaniedbyaboutfivehundredmen，women，girls，andboys。
　　Aswesailedaway，afterprocuringthenecessaryingredientsofourchemicalfuel，theGrubittenslinedtheshoreinsilentwonderatthestrangesightofourdaintycraftdancingoverthesparklingwaters，andwatchedusuntilwewerelosttotheirsight。
　　4
　　ItwasduringthemorningofJuly6，2137，thatweenteredthemouthoftheThames——tothebestofmyknowledgethefirstWesternkeeltocutthosehistoricwatersfortwohundredandtwenty-oneyears！
　　Butwherewerethetugsandthelightersandthebarges，thelightshipsandthebuoys，andallthosecountlessattributeswhichwenttomakeupthemyriadlifeoftheancientThames？
　　Gone！Allgone！Onlysilenceanddesolationreignedwhereoncethecommerceoftheworldhadcentered。
　　Icouldnothelpbutcomparethisoncegreatwater-waywiththewatersaboutourNewYork，orRio，orSanDiego，orValparaiso。Theyhadbecomewhattheyaretodayduringthetwocenturiesoftheprofoundpeacewhichweofthenavyhavebeenpronetodeplore。Andwhat，duringthissameperiod，hadshornthewatersoftheThamesoftheirpristinegrandeur？
　　MilitaristthatIam，Icouldfindbutasinglewordofexplanation——war！
　　Ibowedmyheadandturnedmyeyesdownwardfromthelonelyanddepressingsight，andinasilencewhichnoneofusseemedwillingtobreak，weproceededupthedesertedriver。
　　Wehadreachedapointwhich，frommymap，IimaginedmusthavebeenabouttheformersiteofErith，whenIdiscoveredasmallbandofantelopeashortdistanceinland。Aswewerenowentirelyoutofmeatoncemore，andasIhadgivenupallexpectationsoffindingacityuponthesiteofancientLondon，Ideterminedtolandandbagacoupleoftheanimals。
　　Assuredthattheywouldbetimidandeasilyfrightened，I
　　decidedtostalkthemalone，tellingthementowaitattheboatuntilIcalledtothemtocomeandcarrythecarcassesbacktotheshore。
　　Crawlingcarefullythroughthevegetation，makinguseofsuchtreesandbushesasaffordedshelter，Icameatlastalmostwithineasyrangeofmyquarry，whentheantleredheadofthebuckwentsuddenlyintotheair，andthen，asthoughinaccordancewithaprearrangedsignal，thewholebandmovedslowlyoff，fartherinland。
　　Astheirpacewasleisurely，IdeterminedtofollowthemuntilIcameagainwithinrange，asIwassurethattheywouldstopandfeedinashorttime。
　　Theymusthaveledmeamileormoreatleastbeforetheyagainhaltedandcommencedtobrowseupontherank，luxuriantgrasses。AllthetimethatIhadfollowedthemI
　　hadkeptbotheyesandearsalertforsignorsoundthatwouldindicatethepresenceofFelistigris;butsofarnottheslightestindicationofthebeasthadbeenapparent。
　　AsIcreptclosertotheantelope，surethistimeofagoodshotatalargebuck，Isuddenlysawsomethingthatcausedmetoforgetallaboutmypreyinwonderment。
　　Itwasthefigureofanimmensegrey-blackcreature，rearingitscolossalshoulderstwelveorfourteenfeetabovetheground。NeverinmylifehadIseensuchabeast，nordidI
　　atfirstrecognizeit，sodifferentinappearanceistheliverealityfromthestuffed，unnaturalspecimenspreservedtousinourmuseums。
　　ButpresentlyIguessedtheidentityofthemightycreatureasElephasafricanus，or，astheancientscommonlydescribedit，Africanelephant。
　　Theantelope，althoughinplainviewofthehugebeast，paidnottheslightestattentiontoit，andIwassowrappedupinwatchingthemightypachydermthatIquiteforgottoshootatthebuckandpresently，andinquiteastartlingmanner，itbecameimpossibletodoso。
　　Theelephantwasbrowsingupontheyoungandtendershootsofsomelowbushes，wavinghisgreatearsandswitchinghisshorttail。Theantelope，scarcetwentypacesfromhim，continuedtheirfeeding，whensuddenly，fromclosebesidethelatter，therecameamostterrifyingroar，andIsawagreat，tawnybodyshoot，fromtheconcealingverdurebeyondtheantelope，fulluponthebackofasmallbuck。
　　Instantlythescenechangedfromoneofquietandpeacetoindescribablechaos。Thestartledandterrifiedbuckutteredcriesofagony。Hisfellowsbrokeandleapedoffinalldirections。Theelephantraisedhistrunk，and，trumpetingloudly，lumberedoffthroughthewood，crushingdownsmalltreesandtramplingbushesinhismadflight。
　　Growlinghorribly，ahugelionstoodacrossthebodyofhisprey——suchacreatureasnoPan-Americanofthetwenty-
　　secondcenturyhadeverbehelduntilmyeyesresteduponthislordlyspecimenof"thekingofbeasts。"Butwhatadifferentcreaturewasthisfierce-eyeddemon，palpitatingwithlifeandvigor，glossyofcoat，alert，growling，magnificent，fromthedingy，moth-eatenreplicasbeneaththeirglasscasesinthestuffyhallsofourpublicmuseums。
　　Ihadneverhopedorexpectedtoseealivinglion，tiger，orelephant——usingthecommontermsthatwerefamiliartotheancients，sincetheyseemtomelessunwieldythanthosenowingeneraluseamongus——andsoitwaswithsentimentsnotunmixedwithawethatIstoodgazingatthisregalbeastas，abovethecarcassofhiskill，heroaredouthischallengetotheworld。
　　SoenthralledwasIbythespectaclethatIquiteforgotmyself，andthebettertoviewhim，thegreatlion，Ihadrisentomyfeetandstood，notfiftypacesfromhim，infullview。
　　Foramomenthedidnotseeme，hisattentionbeingdirectedtowardtheretreatingelephant，andIhadampletimetofeastmyeyesuponhissplendidproportions，hisgreathead，andhisthickblackmane。
　　Ah，whatthoughtspassedthroughmymindinthosebriefmomentsasIstoodthereinraptfascination！Ihadcometofindawondrouscivilization，andinsteadIfoundawild-
　　beastmonarchoftherealmwhereEnglishkingshadruled。A
　　lionreigned，undisturbed，withinafewmilesoftheseatofoneofthegreatestgovernmentstheworldhaseverknown，hisdomainahowlingwilderness，whereyesterdayfelltheshadowsofthelargestcityintheworld。
　　Itwasappalling;butmyreflectionsuponthisdepressingsubjectweredoomedtosuddenextinction。Thelionhaddiscoveredme。
　　Foraninstanthestoodsilentandmotionlessasoneofthemangyeffigiesathome，butonlyforaninstant。Then，withamostferociousroar，andwithouttheslightesthesitancyorwarning，hechargeduponme。
　　Heforsookthepreyalreadydeadbeneathhimforthepleasuresofthedelectabletidbit，man。FromtheremorselessnesswithwhichthegreatCarnivoraofmodernEnglandhuntedman，Iamconstrainedtobelievethat，whatevertheirappetitesintimespast，theyhavecultivatedagruesometasteforhumanflesh。
　　AsIthrewmyrifletomyshoulder，IthankedGod，theancientGodofmyancestors，thatIhadreplacedthehard-
　　jacketedbulletsinmyweaponwithsoft-nosedprojectiles，forthoughthiswasmyfirstexperiencewithFelisleo，I
　　knewthemomentthatIfacedthatchargethatevenmywonderfullyperfectedfirearmwouldbeasfutileasapeashooterunlessIchancedtoplacemyfirstbulletinavitalspot。
　　Unlessyouhadseenityoucouldnotbelievecrediblethespeedofacharginglion。Apparentlytheanimalisnotbuiltforspeed，norcanhemaintainitforlong。Butforamatteroffortyorfiftyyardsthereis，Ibelieve，noanimalonearththatcanovertakehim。
　　Likeaboltheboredownuponme，but，fortunatelyforme，I
　　didnotlosemyhead。Iguessedthatnobulletwouldkillhiminstantly。IdoubtedthatIcouldpiercehisskull。
　　Therewashope，though，infindinghisheartthroughhisexposedchest，or，betteryet，ofbreakinghisshoulderorforeleg，andbringinghimuplongenoughtopumpmorebulletsintohimandfinishhim。
　　Icoveredhisleftshoulderandpulledthetriggerashewasalmostuponme。Itstoppedhim。Withaterrifichowlofpainandrage，thebruterolledoverandoveruponthegroundalmosttomyfeet。AshecameIpumpedtwomorebulletsintohim，andashestruggledtorise，clawingviciouslyatme，Iputabulletinhisspine。
　　Thatfinishedhim，andIamfreetoadmitthatIwasmightygladofit。Therewasagreattreeclosebehindme，and，steppingwithinitsshade，Ileanedagainstit，wipingtheperspirationfrommyface，forthedaywashot，andtheexertionandexcitementleftmeexhausted。
　　Istoodthere，resting，foramoment，preparatorytoturningandretracingmystepstothelaunch，when，withoutwarning，somethingwhizzedthroughspacestraighttowardme。Therewasadullthudofimpactasitstruckthetree，andasI
　　dodgedtoonesideandturnedtolookatthethingIsawaheavyspearimbeddedinthewoodnotthreeinchesfromwheremyheadhadbeen。
　　Thethinghadcomefromalittletoonesideofme，and，withoutwaitingtoinvestigateattheinstant，Ileapedbehindthetree，and，circlingit，peeredaroundtheothersidetogetasightofmywould-bemurderer。
　　ThistimeIwaspittedagainstmen——thespeartoldmethatalltooplainly——butsolongastheydidn’ttakemeunawaresorfrombehindIhadlittlefearofthem。
　　CautiouslyIedgedaboutthefarsideofthetreesuntilI
　　couldobtainaviewofthespotfromwhichthespearmusthavecome，andwhenIdidIsawtheheadofamanjustemergingfrombehindabush。
　　ThefellowwasquitesimilarintypetothoseIhadseenupontheIsleofWight。Hewashairyandunkempt，andashefinallysteppedintoviewIsawthathewasgarbedinthesameprimitivefashion。
　　Hestoodforamomentgazingaboutinsearchofme，andthenheadvanced。Ashedidsoanumberofothers，preciselylikehim，steppedfromtheconcealingverdureofnearbybushesandfollowedinhiswake。Keepingthetreesbetweenthemandme，IranbackashortdistanceuntilIfoundaclumpofunderbrushthatwouldeffectuallyconcealme，forI
　　wishedtodiscoverthestrengthofthepartyanditsarmamentbeforeattemptingtoparleywithit。
　　Theuselessdestructionofanyofthesepoorcreatureswasthefarthestideafrommymind。Ishouldhavelikedtohavespokenwiththem，butIdidnotcaretoriskhavingtousemyhigh-poweredrifleuponthemotherthaninthelastextremity。
　　Onceinmynewplaceofconcealment，Iwatchedthemastheyapproachedthetree。Therewereaboutthirtymeninthepartyandonewoman——agirlwhosehandsseemedtobeboundbehindherandwhowasbeingpulledalongbytwoofthemen。
　　Theycameforwardwarily，peeringcautiouslyintoeverybushandhaltingoften。Atthebodyofthelion，theypaused，andIcouldseefromtheirgesticulationsandthehigherpitchoftheirvoicesthattheyweremuchexcitedovermykill。
　　Butpresentlytheyresumedtheirsearchforme，andastheyadvancedIbecamesuddenlyawareoftheunnecessarybrutalitywithwhichthegirl’sguardsweretreatingher。
　　Shestumbledonce，notfarfrommyplaceofconcealment，andafterthebalanceofthepartyhadpassedme。Asshedidsooneofthemenathersidejerkedherroughlytoherfeetandstruckheracrossthemouthwithhisfist。
　　Instantlymybloodboiled，andforgettingeveryconsiderationofcaution，Ileapedfrommyconcealment，and，springingtotheman’sside，felledhimwithablow。
　　Sounexpectedhadbeenmyactthatitfoundhimandhisfellowunprepared;butinstantlythelatterdrewtheknifethatprotrudedfromhisbeltandlungedviciouslyatme，atthesametimegivingvoicetoawildcryofalarm。
　　Thegirlshrankbackatsightofme，hereyeswideinastonishment，andthenmyantagonistwasuponme。Iparriedhisfirstblowwithmyforearm，atthesametimedeliveringapowerfulblowtohisjawthatsenthimreelingback;buthewasatmeagaininaninstant，thoughinthebriefinterimIhadtimetodrawmyrevolver。
　　Isawhiscompanioncrawlingslowlytohisfeet，andtheothersofthepartyracingdownuponme。Therewasnotimetoarguenow，otherthanwiththeweaponswewore，andso，asthefellowlungedatmeagainwiththewicked-lookingknife，Icoveredhisheartandpulledthetrigger。
　　Withoutasound，heslippedtotheearth，andthenIturnedtheweaponupontheotherguard，whowasnowabouttoattackme。He，too，collapsed，andIwasalonewiththeastonishedgirl。
　　Thebalanceofthepartywassometwentypacesfromus，butcomingrapidly。Iseizedherarmanddrewheraftermebehindanearbytree，forIhadseenthatwithboththeircomradesdowntheotherswerepreparingtolaunchtheirspears。
　　Withthegirlsafebehindthetree，Isteppedoutinsightoftheadvancingfoe，shoutingtothemthatIwasnoenemy，andthattheyshouldhaltandlistentome。Butforanswertheyonlyyelledinderisionandlaunchedacoupleofspearsatme，bothofwhichmissed。
　　IsawthenthatImustfight，yetstillIhatedtoslaythem，anditwasonlyasafinalresortthatIdroppedtwoofthemwithmyrifle，bringingtheotherstoatemporaryhalt。Again，Iappealedtothemtodesist。Buttheyonlymistookmysolicitudeforthemforfear，and，withshoutsofrageandderision，leapedforwardonceagaintooverwhelmme。
　　ItwasnowquiteevidentthatImustpunishthemseverely，or——myself——dieandrelinquishthegirloncemoretohercaptors。NeitherofthesethingshadItheslightestnotionofdoing，andsoIagainsteppedfrombehindthetree，and，withallthecareanddeliberationoftargetpractice，I
　　commencedpickingofftheforemostofmyassailants。
　　Onebyonethewildmendropped，yetoncametheothers，fierceandvengeful，until，onlyafewremaining，theseseemedtorealizethefutilityofcombatingmymodernweaponwiththeirprimitivespears，and，stillhowlingwrathfully，withdrewtowardthewest。
　　Now，forthefirsttime，Ihadanopportunitytoturnmyattentiontowardthegirl，whohadstood，silentandmotionless，behindmeasIpumpeddeathintomyenemiesandhersfrommyautomaticrifle。
　　Shewasofmediumheight，wellformed，andwithfine，clear-
　　cutfeatures。Herforeheadwashigh，andhereyesbothintelligentandbeautiful。Exposuretothesunhadbrownedasmoothandvelvetyskintoashadewhichseemedtoenhanceratherthanmaranaltogetherlovelypictureofyouthfulfemininity。
　　Atraceofapprehensionmarkedherexpression——IcannotcallitfearsinceIhavelearnedtoknowher——andastonishmentwasstillapparentinhereyes。Shestoodquiteerect，herhandsstillboundbehindher，andmetmygazewithlevel，proudreturn。
　　"Whatlanguagedoyouspeak？"Iasked。"Doyouunderstandmine？"
　　"Yes，"shereplied。"Itissimilartomyown。IamGrabritin。Whatareyou？"
　　"IamaPan-American，"Ianswered。Sheshookherhead。
　　"Whatisthat？"
　　Ipointedtowardthewest。"Faraway，acrosstheocean。"
　　Herexpressionalteredatrifle。Aslightfrowncontractedherbrow。Theexpressionofapprehensiondeepened。
　　"Takeoffyourcap，"shesaid，andwhen，tohumorherstrangerequest，Ididasshebid，sheappearedrelieved。
　　Thensheedgedtoonesideandleanedoverseeminglytopeerbehindme。Iturnedquicklytoseewhatshediscovered，butfindingnothing，wheeledabouttoseethatherexpressionwasoncemorealtered。
　　"Youarenotfromthere？"andshepointedtowardtheeast。
　　Itwasahalfquestion。"Youarenotfromacrossthewaterthere？"
　　"No，"Iassuredher。"IamfromPan-America，farawaytothewest。HaveyoueverheardofPan-America？"
　　Sheshookherheadinnegation。"Idonotcarewhereyouarefrom，"sheexplained，"ifyouarenotfromthere，andI
　　amsureyouarenot，forthemenfromtherehavehornsandtails。"
　　ItwaswithdifficultythatIrestrainedasmile。
　　"Whoarethemenfromthere？"Iasked。
　　"Theyarebadmen，"shereplied。"Someofmypeopledonotbelievethattherearesuchcreatures。Butwehavealegend——averyold，oldlegend，thatoncethemenfromtherecameacrosstoGrabritin。Theycameuponthewater，andunderthewater，andevenintheair。Theycameingreatnumbers，sothattheyrolledacrossthelandlikeagreatgrayfog。Theybroughtwiththemthunderandlightningandsmokethatkilled，andtheyfelluponusandslewourpeoplebythethousandsandthehundredsofthousands。Butatlastwedrovethembacktothewater’sedge，backintothesea，wheremanyweredrowned。Someescaped，andtheseourpeoplefollowed——men，women，andevenchildren，wefollowedthemback。Thatisall。Thelegendsaysourpeopleneverreturned。Maybetheywereallkilled。Maybetheyarestillthere。Butthis，also，isinthelegend，thataswedrovethemenbackacrossthewatertheysworethattheywouldreturn，andthatwhentheyleftourshorestheywouldleavenohumanbeingalivebehindthem。Iwasafraidthatyouwerefromthere。"
　　"Bywhatnamewerethesemencalled？"Iasked。
　　"Wecallthemonlythe’menfromthere，’"shereplied，pointingtowardtheeast。"Ihaveneverheardthattheyhadanothername。"
　　InthelightofwhatIknewofancienthistory，itwasnotdifficultformetoguessthenationalityofthoseshedescribedsimplyas"themenfromoverthere。"ButwhatutterandappallingdevastationtheGreatWarmusthavewroughttohaveerasednotonlyeverysignofcivilizationfromthefaceofthisgreatland，buteventhenameoftheenemyfromtheknowledgeandlanguageofthepeople。
　　Icouldonlyaccountforitonthehypothesisthatthecountryhadbeenentirelydepopulatedexceptforafewscatteredandforgottenchildren，who，insomemarvelousmanner，hadbeenpreservedbyProvidencetore-populatetheland。Thesechildrenhad，doubtless，beentooyoungtoretainintheirmemoriestotransmittotheirchildrenanybutthevaguestsuggestionofthecataclysmwhichhadoverwhelmedtheirparents。
　　ProfessorCortoran，sincemyreturntoPan-America，hassuggestedanothertheorywhichisnotentirelywithoutclaimtoseriousconsideration。HepointsoutthatitisquitebeyondthepaleofhumaninstincttodesertlittlechildrenasmytheorysuggeststheancientEnglishmusthavedone。
　　HeismoreinclinedtobelievethattheexpulsionofthefoefromEnglandwassynchronouswithwidespreadvictoriesbythealliesuponthecontinent，andthatthepeopleofEnglandmerelyemigratedfromtheirruinedcitiesandtheirdevastated，blood-drenchedfieldstothemainland，inthehopeoffinding，inthedomainoftheconqueredenemy，citiesandfarmswhichwouldreplacethosetheyhadlost。
　　Thelearnedprofessorassumesthatwhilealong-continuedwarhadstrengthenedratherthanweakenedtheinstinctofpaternaldevotion，ithadalsodulledotherhumanitarianinstincts，andraisedtothefirstmagnitudethelawofthesurvivalofthefittest，withtheresultthatwhentheexodustookplacethestrong，theintelligent，andthecunning，togetherwiththeiroffspring，crossedthewatersoftheChannelortheNorthSeatothecontinent，leavinginunhappyEnglandonlythehelplessinmatesofasylumsforthefeeblemindedandinsane。
　　Myobjectionstothis，thatthepresentinhabitantsofEnglandarementallyfit，andcouldthereforenothavedescendedfromanancestryofundilutedlunacyhebrushesasidewiththeassertionthatinsanityisnotnecessarilyhereditary;andthateventhoughitwas，inmanycasesareturntonaturalconditionsfromthestateofhighcivilization，whichisthoughttohaveinducedmentaldiseaseintheancientworld，would，afterseveralgenerations，havethoroughlyexpungedeverytraceoftheafflictionfromthebrainsandnervesofthedescendantsoftheoriginalmaniacs。
　　Personally，IdonotplacemuchstockinProfessorCortoran’stheory，thoughIadmitthatIamprejudiced。
　　Naturallyonedoesnotcaretobelievethattheobjectofhisgreatestaffectionisdescendedfromagibberingidiotandaravingmaniac。
　　ButIamforgettingthecontinuityofmynarrative——acontinuitywhichIdesiretomaintain，thoughIfearthatI
　　shalloftenbeledastray，sonumerousandvariedarethebypathsofspeculationwhichleadfromthepresentdaystoryoftheGrabritinsintothemysteriouspastoftheirforbears。
　　AsIstoodtalkingwiththegirlIpresentlyrecollectedthatshestillwasbound，andwithawordofapology，Idrewmyknifeandcuttherawhidethongswhichconfinedherwristsatherback。
　　Shethankedme，andwithsuchasweetsmilethatIshouldhavebeenamplyrepaidbyitforamuchmorearduousservice。
　　"Andnow，"Isaid，"letmeaccompanyyoutoyourhomeandseeyousafelyagainundertheprotectionofyourfriends。"
　　"No，"shesaid，withahintofalarminhervoice;"youmustnotcomewithme——Buckinghamwillkillyou。"
　　Buckingham。ThenamewasfamousinancientEnglishhistory。
　　Itssurvival，withmanyotherillustriousnames，isoneofthestrongestargumentsinrefutalofProfessorCortoran’stheory;yetitopensnonewdoorstothepast，and，onthewhole，ratheraddstothandissipatesthemystery。
　　"AndwhoisBuckingham，"Iasked，"andwhyshouldhewishtokillme？"
　　"Hewouldthinkthatyouhadstolenme，"shereplied，"andashewishesmeforhimself，hewillkillanyotherwhomhethinksdesiresme。HekilledWettinafewdaysago。MymothertoldmeoncethatWettinwasmyfather。Hewasking。
　　NowBuckinghamisking。"
　　Here，evidently，wereapeopleslightlysuperiortothoseoftheIsleofWight。Thesemusthaveatleasttherudimentsofcivilizedgovernmentsincetheyrecognizedoneamongthemasruler，withthetitle，king。Also，theyretainedthewordfather。Thegirl’spronunciation，whilefarfromidenticalwithours，wasmuchcloserthanthetortureddialectoftheEastendersoftheIsleofWight。ThelongerItalkedwithherthemorehopefulIbecameoffindinghere，amongherpeople，somerecords，ortraditions，whichmightassistinclearingupthehistoricenigmaofthepasttwocenturies。IaskedherifwewerefarfromthecityofLondon，butshedidnotknowwhatImeant。WhenItriedtoexplain，describingmightybuildingsofstoneandbrick，broadavenues，parks，palaces，andcountlesspeople，shebutshookherheadsadly。
　　"Thereisnosuchplacenearby，"shesaid。"OnlytheCampoftheLionshasplacesofstonewherethebeastslair，buttherearenopeopleintheCampoftheLions。Whowoulddaregothere！"Andsheshuddered。
　　"TheCampoftheLions，"Irepeated。"Andwhereisthat，andwhat？"
　　"Itisthere，"shesaid，pointinguptherivertowardthewest。"Ihaveseenitfromagreatdistance，butIhaveneverbeenthere。Wearemuchafraidofthelions，forthisistheircountry，andtheyareangrythatmanhascometolivehere。
　　"Farawaythere，"andshepointedtowardthesouth-west，"isthelandoftigers，whichisevenworsethanthis，thelandofthelions，forthetigersaremorenumerousthanthelionsandhungrierforhumanflesh。Thereweretigersherelongago，butboththelionsandthemensetuponthemanddrovethemoff。"
　　"Wheredidthesesavagebeastscomefrom？"Iasked。
　　"Oh，"shereplied，"theyhavebeenherealways。Itistheircountry。"
　　"Dotheynotkillandeatyourpeople？"Iasked。
　　"Often，whenwemeetthembyaccident，andwearetoofewtoslaythem，orwhenonegoestooclosetotheircamp。Butseldomdotheyhuntus，fortheyfindwhatfoodtheyneedamongthedeerandwildcattle，and，too，wemakethemgifts，forarewenotintrudersintheircountry？Reallyweliveupongoodtermswiththem，thoughIshouldnotcaretomeetoneweretherenotmanyspearsinmyparty。"
　　"IshouldliketovisitthisCampoftheLions，"Isaid。
　　"Oh，no，youmustnot！"criedthegirl。"Thatwouldbeterrible。Theywouldeatyou。"Foramoment，then，sheseemedlostinthought，butpresentlysheturneduponmewith："Youmustgonow，foranyminuteBuckinghammaycomeinsearchofme。LongsinceshouldtheyhavelearnedthatI
　　amgonefromthecamp——theywatchovermeveryclosely——andtheywillsetoutafterme。Go！Ishallwaithereuntiltheycomeinsearchofme。"
　　"No，"Itoldher。"I’llnotleaveyoualoneinalandinfestedbylionsandotherwildbeasts。Ifyouwon’tletmegoasfarasyourcampwithyou，thenI’llwaithereuntiltheycomeinsearchofyou。"
　　"Pleasego！"shebegged。"Youhavesavedme，andIwouldsaveyou，butnothingwillsaveyouifBuckinghamgetshishandsonyou。Heisabadman。Hewishestohavemeforhiswomansothathemaybeking。Hewouldkillanyonewhobefriendedme，forfearthatImightbecomeanother’s。"
　　"Didn’tyousaythatBuckinghamisalreadytheking？"I
　　asked。
　　"Heis。HetookmymotherforhiswomanafterhehadkilledWettin。Butmymotherwilldiesoon——sheisveryold——andthenthemantowhomIbelongwillbecomeking。"
　　Finally，aftermuchquestioning，Igotthethingthroughmyhead。Itappearsthatthelineofdescentisthroughthewomen。Amanismerelyheadofhiswife’sfamily——thatisall。Ifshechancestobetheoldestfemalememberofthe"royal"house，heisking。Verynaivelythegirlexplainedthattherewasseldomanydoubtastowhomachild’smotherwas。
　　Thisaccountedforthegirl’simportanceinthecommunityandforBuckingham’sanxietytoclaimher，thoughshetoldmethatshedidnotwishtobecomehiswoman，forhewasabadmanandwouldmakeabadking。Buthewaspowerful，andtherewasnoothermanwhodareddisputehiswishes。
　　"Whynotcomewithme，"Isuggested，"ifyoudonotwishtobecomeBuckingham’s？"
　　"Wherewouldyoutakeme？"sheasked。
　　Where，indeed！Ihadnotthoughtofthat。ButbeforeI
　　couldreplytoherquestionsheshookherheadandsaid，"No，Icannotleavemypeople。Imuststayanddomybest，evenifBuckinghamgetsme，butyoumustgoatonce。Donotwaituntilitistoolate。Thelionshavehadnoofferingforalongtime，andBuckinghamwouldseizeuponthefirststrangerasagifttothem。"
　　Ididnotperfectlyunderstandwhatshemeant，andwasabouttoaskherwhenaheavybodyleapeduponmefrombehind，andgreatarmsencircledmyneck。Istruggledtofreemyselfandturnuponmyantagonist，butinanotherinstantIwasoverwhelmedbyahalfdozenpowerful，half-nakedmen，whileascoreofotherssurroundedme，acoupleofwhomseizedthegirl。
　　IfoughtasbestIcouldformylibertyandforhers，buttheweightofnumberswastoogreat，thoughIhadthesatisfactionatleastofgivingthemagoodfight。
　　Whentheyhadoverpoweredme，andIstood，myhandsboundbehindme，atthegirl’sside，shegazedcommiseratinglyatme。
　　"ItistoobadthatyoudidnotdoasIbidyou，"shesaid，"fornowithashappenedjustasIfeared——Buckinghamhasyou。"
　　"WhichisBuckingham？"Iasked。
　　"IamBuckingham，"growledaburly，unwashedbrute，swaggeringtruculentlybeforeme。"Andwhoareyouwhowouldhavestolenmywoman？"
　　ThegirlspokeupthenandtriedtoexplainthatIhadnotstolenher;butonthecontraryIhadsavedherfromthemenfromthe"ElephantCountry"whowerecarryingheraway。
　　Buckinghamonlysneeredatherexplanation，andamomentlatergavethecommandthatstartedusallofftowardthewest。Wemarchedforamatterofanhourorso，comingatlasttoacollectionofrudehuts，fashionedfrombranchesoftreescoveredwithskinsandgrassesandsometimesplasteredwithmud。Allaboutthecamptheyhaderectedawallofsaplingspointedatthetopsandfirehardened。
　　Thispalisadewasaprotectionagainstbothmanandbeasts，andwithinitdweltupwardoftwothousandpersons，thesheltersbeingbuiltveryclosetogether，andsometimespartiallyunderground，likedeeptrenches，withthepolesandhidesabovemerelyasprotectionfromthesunandrain。
　　Theolderpartofthecampconsistedalmostwhollyoftrenches，asthoughthishadbeentheoriginalformofdwellingswhichwasslowlygivingwaytothedrierandairiersurfacedomiciles。InthesetrenchhabitationsIsawasurvivalofthemilitarytrencheswhichformedsofamousapartoftheoperationofthewarringnationsduringthetwentiethcentury。
　　Thewomenworeasinglelightdeerskinabouttheirhips，foritwassummer，andquitewarm。Themen，too，wereclothedinasinglegarment，usuallythepeltofsomebeastofprey。
　　Thehairofbothmenandwomenwasconfinedbyarawhidethongpassingabouttheforeheadandtiedbehind。Inthisleathernbandwerestuckfeathers，flowers，orthetailsofsmallmammals。Allworenecklacesoftheteethorclawsofwildbeasts，andtherewerenumerousmetalwristletsandankletsamongthem。
　　Theywore，infact，everyindicationofamostprimitivepeople——aracewhichhadnotyetrisentotheheightsofagricultureoreventhepossessionofdomesticanimals。
　　Theywerehunters——thelowestplaneintheevolutionofthehumanraceofwhichsciencetakescognizance。
　　AndyetasIlookedattheirwellshapedheads，theirhandsomefeatures，andtheirintelligenteyes，itwasdifficulttobelievethatIwasnotamongmyown。ItwasonlywhenItookintoconsiderationtheirmodeofliving，theirscantapparel，thelackofeveryleastluxuryamongthem，thatIwasforcedtoadmitthattheywere，intruth，butignorantsavages。
　　Buckinghamhadrelievedmeofmyweapons，thoughhehadnottheslightestideaoftheirpurposeoruses，andwhenwereachedthecampheexhibitedbothmeandmyarmswitheveryindicationofprideinthisgreatcapture。
　　Theinhabitantsflockedaroundme，examiningmyclothing，andexclaiminginwondermentateachnewdiscoveryofbutton，buckle，pocket，andflap。Itseemedincrediblethatsuchathingcouldbe，almostwithinastone’sthrowofthespotwherebutabrieftwocenturiesbeforehadstoodthegreatestcityoftheworld。
　　Theyboundmetoasmalltreethatgrewinthemiddleofoneoftheircrookedstreets，butthegirltheyreleasedassoonaswehadenteredtheenclosure。Thepeoplegreetedherwitheverymarkofrespectasshehastenedtoalargehutnearthecenterofthecamp。
　　Presentlyshereturnedwithafinelooking，white-hairedwoman，whoprovedtobehermother。Theolderwomancarriedherselfwitharegaldignitythatseemedquiteremarkableinaplaceofsuchprimitivesqualor。
　　Thepeoplefellasideassheapproached，makingawidewayforherandherdaughter。Whentheyhadcomenearandstoppedbeforemetheolderwomanaddressedme。
　　"Mydaughterhastoldme，"shesaid，"ofthemannerinwhichyourescuedherfromthemenoftheelephantcountry。IfWettinlivedyouwouldbewelltreated，butBuckinghamhastakenmenow，andisking。YoucanhopefornothingfromsuchabeastasBuckingham。"
　　ThefactthatBuckinghamstoodwithinapaceofusandwasaninterestedlistenerappearednottotemperherexpressionsintheslightest。
　　"Buckinghamisapig，"shecontinued。"Heisacoward。HecameuponWettinfrombehindandranhisspearthroughhim。
　　Hewillnotbekingforlong。Someonewillmakeafaceathim，andhewillrunawayandjumpintotheriver。"
　　Thepeoplebegantotitterandclaptheirhands。Buckinghambecameredintheface。Itwasevidentthathewasfarfrompopular。
　　"Ifhedared，"wentontheoldlady，"hewouldkillmenow，buthedoesnotdare。Heistoogreatacoward。IfIcouldhelpyouIshouldgladlydoso。ButIamonlyqueen——thevehiclethathashelpedcarrydown，unsullied，theroyalbloodfromthedayswhenGrabritinwasamightycountry。"
　　Theoldqueen’swordshadanoticeableeffectuponthemobofcurioussavageswhichsurroundedme。ThemomenttheydiscoveredthattheoldqueenwasfriendlytomeandthatI
　　hadrescuedherdaughtertheycommencedtoaccordmeamorefriendlyinterest，andIheardmanywordsspokeninmybehalf，anddemandsweremadethatInotbeharmed。
　　ButnowBuckinghaminterfered。Hehadnointentionofbeingrobbedofhisprey。Blusteringandstorming，heorderedthepeoplebacktotheirhuts，atthesametimedirectingtwoofhiswarriorstoconfinemeinadugoutinoneofthetrenchesclosetohisownshelter。
　　Heretheythrewmeupontheground，bindingmyanklestogetherandtrussingthemuptomywristsbehind。Theretheyleftme，lyinguponmystomach——amostuncomfortableandstrainedposition，towhichwasaddedthepainwherethecordscutintomyflesh。
　　JustafewdaysagomymindhadbeenfilledwiththeanticipationofthefriendlywelcomeIshouldfindamongtheculturedEnglishmenofLondon。TodayIshouldbesittingintheplaceofhonoratthebanquetboardofoneofLondon’smostexclusiveclubs，fetedandlionized。
　　Theactuality！HereIlay，boundhandandfoot，doubtlessalmostupontheverysiteofapartofancientLondon，yetallaboutmewasaprimevalwilderness，andIwasacaptiveofhalf-nakedwildmen。
　　IwonderedwhathadbecomeofDelcarteandTaylorandSnider。Wouldtheysearchforme？Theycouldneverfindme，Ifeared，yetiftheydid，whatcouldtheyaccomplishagainstthishordeofsavagewarriors？
　　WouldthatIcouldwarnthem。Ithoughtofthegirl——
　　doubtlessshecouldgetwordtothem，buthowwasItocommunicatewithher？WouldshecometoseemebeforeIwaskilled？Itseemedincrediblethatsheshouldnotmakesomeslightattempttobefriendme;yet，asIrecalled，shehadmadenoefforttospeakwithmeafterwehadreachedthevillage。Shehadhastenedtohermotherthemomentshehadbeenliberated。Thoughshehadreturnedwiththeoldqueen，shehadnotspokentome，eventhen。Ibegantohavemydoubts。
　　Finally，IcametotheconclusionthatIwasabsolutelyfriendlessexceptfortheoldqueen。Forsomeunaccountablereasonmyrageagainstthegirlforheringratituderosetocolossalproportions。
　　ForalongtimeIwaitedforsomeonetocometomyprisonwhomImightasktobearwordtothequeen，butIseemedtohavebeenforgotten。ThestrainedpositioninwhichIlaybecameunbearable。IwriggledandtwisteduntilImanagedtoturnmyselfpartiallyuponmyside，whereIlayhalffacingtheentrancetothedugout。
　　Presentlymyattentionwasattractedbytheshadowofsomethingmovinginthetrenchwithout，andamomentlaterthefigureofachildappeared，creepinguponallfours，as，wide-eyed，andpromptedbychildishcuriosity，alittlegirlcrawledtotheentranceofmyhutandpeeredcautiouslyandfearfullyin。
　　Ididnotspeakatfirstforfearoffrighteningthelittleoneaway。ButwhenIwassatisfiedthathereyeshadbecomesufficientlyaccustomedtothesubduedlightoftheinterior，Ismiled。
　　Instantlytheexpressionoffearfadedfromhereyestobereplacedwithanansweringsmile。
　　"Whoareyou，littlegirl？"Iasked。
　　"MynameisMary，"shereplied。"IamVictory’ssister。"
　　"AndwhoisVictory？"
　　"YoudonotknowwhoVictoryis？"sheasked，inastonishment。
　　Ishookmyheadinnegation。
　　"Yousavedherfromtheelephantcountrypeople，andyetyousayyoudonotknowher！"sheexclaimed。
　　"Oh，sosheisVictory，andyouarehersister！Ihavenotheardhernamebefore。ThatiswhyIdidnotknowwhomyoumeant，"Iexplained。Herewasjustthemessengerforme。
　　Fatewasbecomingmorekind。
　　"Willyoudosomethingforme，Mary？"Iasked。
　　"IfIcan。"
　　"Gotoyourmother，thequeen，andaskhertocometome，"I
　　said。"Ihaveafavortoask。"
　　Shesaidthatshewould，andwithapartingsmilesheleftme。
　　ForwhatseemedmanyhoursIawaitedherreturn，chafingwithimpatience。Theafternoonworeonandnightcame，andyetnoonecamenearme。Mycaptorsbroughtmeneitherfoodnorwater。Iwassufferingconsiderablepainwheretherawhidethongscutintomyswollenflesh。Ithoughtthattheyhadeitherforgottenme，orthatitwastheirintentiontoleavemeheretodieofstarvation。
　　OnceIheardagreatuproarinthevillage。Menwereshouting——womenwerescreamingandmoaning。Afteratimethissubsided，andagaintherewasalongintervalofsilence。
　　HalfthenightmusthavebeenspentwhenIheardasoundinthetrenchnearthehut。Itresembledmuffledsobs。
　　Presentlyafigureappeared，silhouettedagainstthelesserdarknessbeyondthedoorway。Itcreptinsidethehut。
　　"Areyouhere？"whisperedachildlikevoice。
　　ItwasMary！Shehadreturned。Thethongsnolongerhurtme。Thepangsofhungerandthirstdisappeared。IrealizedthatithadbeenlonelinessfromwhichIsufferedmost。
　　"Mary！"Iexclaimed。"Youareagoodgirl。Youhavecomeback，afterall。Ihadcommencedtothinkthatyouwouldnot。Didyougivemymessagetothequeen？Willshecome？
　　Whereisshe？"
　　Thechild’ssobsincreased，andsheflungherselfuponthedirtfloorofthehut，apparentlyovercomebygrief。
　　"Whatisit？"Iasked。"Whydoyoucry？"
　　"Thequeen，mymother，willnotcometoyou，"shesaid，betweensobs。"Sheisdead。Buckinghamhaskilledher。
　　NowhewilltakeVictory，forVictoryisqueen。Hekeptusfastenedupinourshelter，forfearthatVictorywouldescapehim，butIdugaholebeneaththebackwallandgotout。Icametoyou，becauseyousavedVictoryoncebefore，andIthoughtthatyoumightsaveheragain，andme，also。
　　Tellmethatyouwill。"
　　"Iamboundandhelpless，Mary，"Ireplied。"OtherwiseI
　　woulddowhatIcouldtosaveyouandyoursister。"
　　"Iwillsetyoufree！"criedthegirl，creepinguptomyside。"Iwillsetyoufree，andthenyoumaycomeandslayBuckingham。"
　　"Gladly！"Iassented。
　　"Wemusthurry，"shewenton，asshefumbledwiththehardknotsinthestiffenedrawhide，"forBuckinghamwillbeafteryousoon。HemustmakeanofferingtothelionsatdawnbeforehecantakeVictory。Thetakingofaqueenrequiresahumanoffering！"
　　"AndIamtobetheoffering？"Iasked。
　　"Yes，"shesaid，tuggingataknot。"BuckinghamhasbeenwantingasacrificeeversincehekilledWettin，thathemightslaymymotherandtakeVictory。"
　　Thethoughtwashorrible，notsolelybecauseofthehideousfatetowhichIwascondemned，butfromthecontemplationitengenderedofthesaddecadenceofaonceenlightenedrace。
　　Tothesedepthsofignorance，brutality，andsuperstitionhadthevauntedcivilizationoftwentiethcenturyEnglandbeenplunged，andbywhat？War！Ifeltthestructureofourtime-honoredmilitaristicargumentscrumblingaboutme。
　　Marylaboredwiththethongsthatconfinedme。Theyprovedrefractory——defyinghertender，childishfingers。Sheassuredme，however，thatshewouldreleaseme，if"they"
　　didnotcometoosoon。