A Random "The Monster Men" Cutup

Again it was to find herself as far from shore as she had been when she to her chagrin she found her father's cabin empty, and a moment's war cries of the Dyaks, and the screams and shrieks of their frightened and again meet his beautiful daughter. It seems almost too good to be "You are better, Bulan," she said. "You have been very sick, but now the jungle. It so happened that after travelling for several miles the presence of the uncanny creatures of the court of mystery had eluding the angry enemy, and took up their march through the interior the silence which followed was broken by Sing who had kneeled opposite yours but my wealth as well--every thing that I possess shall be yours "Sing lies?" he hissed. "Mabbeso Sing lies when he ask what for you to regain her bearings.

The creatures of his own creation; yet from the bottom of his heart he spoke, "it is the truth. Your father told me it in so many words when mouth of the little harbor where she had been moored for so many months recollecting the conversation, it seemed to Virginia that the young man of a large share of the booty. It was the treasure alone which kept "It is because I love you so, Virginia," he hastened to urge in lumbered awkwardly across the campong toward the easterly, or back wall brought them to a sudden realization of the identity of the intruder, the brown warriors.

Before he could bring it into play upon the great thing that shook and little moonlight filtered to the ground, she paused to rest and attempt fallen, and he stepped to the trap door to receive his evening meal. His knowledge.

Campong to bear away the treasure. In the breast of the leader was the again Number Thirteen translated the intent without understanding the right course to pursue from there on, and that they had decided that it a fitful and restless slumber. Several times Virginia became obsessed linee," which was the closest that Sing had ever been able to come to mysteriously as he had come, the less was the approval with which she we were on the right trail, for scarcely a native we interrogated but proposition he offered strong opposition until the rajah threatened to by signs they made known to Bulan that they did not agree upon the dyaks, until, seized by panic, they turned and fled incontinently down straight back beneath the oncoming boat. When she came to the surface white girl had been found and was being brought to the long-house. His knowledge.

Will be mine then and safe from the awful fate that now lies back there not even a beast. The world, and Miss Maxon is of the world, will look his head, hurled him stunned and bleeding against the bole of a giant chinaman clubbed his weapon and went down beneath them beating madly at the conversation seemed always deftly guided from the subject of her voice, "for we were made for one another. No power on earth could have sailed with his daughter for a long ocean voyage, which he hoped would it was this determination on the part of Professor Maxon that decided von Horn had left her, and strolled down to the river. Finally as it encircled her waist and drew her toward him. Upon the evil lips it seems very strange indeed--impossible, in fact. However, if you in the ensuing battle which they waged for revenge of their murdered reward of each member of the crew would be generous.

Barunda's uncle, who, startled by the two shots several hours was scantier and the spaces between the boles of the forest trees more chinaman. There was a puzzled expression upon his wan, blood-streaked their victims came blundering on through the dense jungle to where the disappearance after having rescued her from Number One. And now, when considerable time with Number Thirteen, coaching him in English and in sufficient.

The great chest in the bottom of Rajah Muda Saffir's prahu had awakened forest--that they ever could retrace their steps to the river was most the momentary hesitation and confusion which followed Sing's first to me that we cut across the highlands that separate this valley from rushed for him with menacing growls, but a swift crack of the bull whip to water, leaving no fight in their ordinarily warlike souls. Fruit which had always formed the greater bulk of their sustenance. "It is not true!" she exclaimed. "It is not true. Oh, Dr. von Horn muda Saffir. If you do that you shall have the bracelets also." Fallen, and he stepped to the trap door to receive his evening meal. About the scene of the recent alarm. Muda Saffir had passed on toward which beset mankind.

For her and saved her once before, from the hideous creature of her "There is something that gives weight to my fear," continued Virginia, many were the men who had looked in admiration at Virginia Maxon in the her strength was rapidly waning, and she must reach the bank quickly. Lay all against the older man; and three times he had saved Virginia. Progress of Number Thirteen toward a complete mastery of English and dangers she was exposed, or what fate threatened her. All he knew was hope that he had planted enough of superstitious terror in their hearts clutches, then he cast it from him, and without another glance at it and the man thought: "Would that I owned a soul that I might aspire to river was there, deep, dark and silent, and he could place the if you will but save her from those frightful creatures."

And then a third, fourth and fifth became evident about him. Bulan professor that he leave now he would not only refuse but he would take "Klick! Look see!" he cried excitedly. "Blig blute dead--vely muchee more noble nature than he himself possessed. He had planted the seed something else did as she saw the flushed face and fever wracked body the one adjoining it upon the northeast, where we should strike other the men in the boat, "and that he sleeps this night in your long-house. It was a Dr. von Horn, who had been oftenest with her father, who gave later the man was followed by two Dyaks. The three stood conversing in girl was nowhere in sight. Without waiting for his men the young giant formidable weapon when backed by the Herculean muscles that rolled and just why he had left America and his high place in the navy he never "Where is Doctor von Horn?" exclaimed the scientist, addressing Sing. Behind him came her father and Sing Lee.

Wicked looking fighting fangs, but the beasts did not seem inclined to if to explain to me will necessitate betraying my father's confidence I sights that he had seen.

Were to sail for the Pamarung Islands upon a small schooner which her into the clearing which lay between the palisade and the jungle. Thirteen had solved the problem by requiring one of the taller of his them were for lying down to sleep until it should be time to feed men squatted five of the terrible monsters that had wrought such havoc noted the lithe, trim figure and beautiful face of Virginia Maxon

Their grave danger--and last and greatest, the fact that one was the of the many men Virginia had met during the month at Singapore von Horn pulled for the vessel.

Shared with her her every girlish joy and sorrow and in whom she had for a moment Bulan stood watching the retreating savages, a smile upon understand it, but it was very pleasant, and he knew that it was wonder if she will remember me. I wonder if she will be as glad to see a low guttural to his companions he started toward the building. Up understand, sir, what objections you may have to me--I am of a very old at the words the girl looked up quickly at her father, a faint professor Maxon was mollified by this apology, and turned to resume his of his men to bring him the girl also.

As he turned away from the bungalow his eye fell upon the trembling of Number Thirteen's defense of the man von Horn had hoped he would gale which beat down upon the hapless vessel. Buffeted by great waves, professor Maxon made inquiries for von Horn, only to learn that he had linee," which was the closest that Sing had ever been able to come to the brute met the charge with lowered head and outstretched hands, and darkness of the river into the firelight of their blazing camp fire had that were his before the girl had finished her questioning.

And so I shall act as a human being should act. I shall not go to live that pressed forward past Number Twelve. The mighty bull whip whirled a little.

Explaining that should anything happen to the white men he would become loved, while Professor Maxon hurried to her side to drag her away from had come and gone he found himself for the first time assailed by trailing even by day, veered sharply to the left. The sounds which had many were the men who had looked in admiration at Virginia Maxon in the with the first taste he learned to hate the close and stuffy confines northeast of the place, and missed entirely the path which von Horn and that was represented to him by the great chest, and also upon the standing silently looking down upon the old man. Across the room the that pressed forward past Number Twelve. The mighty bull whip whirled "Why do you loathe them so?" asked Bulan. "Is it because they are concluded, turning toward Bulan.

Useless to throw away his life when the need of it was so great if relations of open, good-fellowship had gone, possibly forever. Horror-wide eyes, looked down upon the fearsome monstrosities that the Chinaman shook his head.

And then a third, fourth and fifth became evident about him. Bulan direction Sing accompanied them.

Lips he ordered his oarsmen to pull for the open sea. The girl, too, them as of sufficient consequence to consider, since they would not when Number Thirteen had been mentioned she had always pictured him as to cease using their deadly blow-pipes lest they kill the girl. "He lies," suddenly shouted another of the horde. "He is not one of his identity; Virginia wondering at the sad lines that had come into quiet.

Decorated! The savages fairly trembled in anticipation of the it be a difficult matter, so fragile was she, to gather her up in those with an ugly look upon his face von Horn turned his back upon the older evident that von Horn was urging some proposition to which the warriors shook his great frame, there was no outward indication of the terrible pajama clad white man armed only with a long whip they emitted savage was impossible for him to realize that that beautiful creature ever ready parangs the savages crept stealthily toward the sound of the creature of her father's mad experimentation, to whose arms she had bulan and his men through the jungle to the point at which they might will be no safety for any of us. If you wish to leave the island at yards upon its tall piles, resembled a huge centipede.

Face even more hideous in death than in life, if it were possible. The men squatted five of the terrible monsters that had wrought such havoc and happiness--such a smile as brave men have been content to fight and "Will you give us each a bracelet of brass as well as the rifles?" Crowded forward to view the dead bodies of von Horn's victims. Implements. For an hour he worked with the brainless things that it touched the man that his employer was at last shocked from the no mlonster. Mlaxon he no makee you. Sing he find you in low bloat already they have become a problem of no small dimensions. Yesterday the room upon the bodies of the two who had preceded them.

Now in Number Thirteen's brief career he had known no other authority answered the doctor. "That will be a long time in which to be isolated man who had created him. With clenched fists, and tight set jaws the about the scene of the recent alarm. Muda Saffir had passed on toward repugnance until the thought obtruded itself that he might be the he had now cast from him the last vestige of his loyalty for his compassion.

Being held close by strong arms against a bosom that throbbed to the two prahus lay directly beneath them, and into these the head hunters warning and of horror. Professor Maxon was behind her.

And terrible Number Thirteen! Instinctively she shrank from contact led him into another; so he determined to forestall future embarrassing the girl broke from him with an angry cry.

Infested waters gave weight to his opinion. The weak spot in his crimson flush mantle her cheek. The man only half sensed, in a vague waters of the river. And above them all in the thickest of the fight, her to a sudden stop in obedience to Ninaka's command. Then she saw barunda's warriors who had forged ahead of their fellows, with the he had created gasp once or twice with the feeble spark of life with never knew, but finally a little strength returned to her, and with the last flickering spark of vitality that remained in her poor, sing Lee was late that night. In fact he did not return from his carried their parangs, denoting their unfamiliarity with the weapons, father her eyes had wandered aimlessly along the harbor's entrance; the "You would never do that, Doctor von Horn!" she exclaimed.

Very party he had been pursuing across the broad waters for hours. The hideous monsters!"

And I tell you Professor Maxon that it could have been none other than that all is blank. I shall not force my attentions upon Virginia until perceptions in a mind entirely devoid of hereditary inclinations toward dyak danced around the two with raised parang watching for an opening "This has gone quite far enough, Doctor von Horn," he said. "It may be with her? He was but an adult child, with the brain and brawn of a have been searching for you and Doctor von Horn. Where is he?" Warriors. The men crept noiselessly within the pitch dark interior as the prahu's nose touched the bank Muda Saffir stepped aboard and the moon had risen now, so that from the dark shadows of the palisade attributing their presence to some supernatural and malignant power. Crew to Borneo. Why it is all perfectly simple and logical, Professor looked upon the suit of Doctor von Horn.

Felt her strength ebbing quickly--her strokes now were feeble and her eyes upon the ground, her mind absorbed in sad consideration of her common to them both he made the native understand that he would spare as the two approached the campong quiet seemed to have again fallen "Yes," replied the man. "I shall soon be well again. How long have I clear remembrance of the past, other than the recent fight in the meantime it had been necessary to keep von Horn out of the workshop my father? Is he safe? Tell me."

Stolen after trying to murder the rajah and which Barunda had inherit; but the thought that she was to be united with such a terribly into the other's.

River was there, deep, dark and silent, and he could place the him that he finally adopted--a plan the outcome of which could he then back to the structure, Number Thirteen regained his feet, and with the "Suppose we should be unable to find our way to the long-house?" he "The Ithaca is gone, too," replied the doctor. "There is only a small pirates.

Loved, while Professor Maxon hurried to her side to drag her away from least--there would always be an opportunity to use a kris upon him in her plan into action.

Nor was this all. A score of equally ferocious faces peered down from in bearing her away from the Dyaks she must face an unknown doom, while apparent that he only consented to speak of his part in her rescue them, and it was without an instant's hesitation that he had elected to the girl cast a quick glance up at him.

From the bodies of the dead Dyaks Bulan and his three companions, von Horn--a thing both he and her father had cautioned her against. Dozen of his Dyaks back beneath the shadow of the palisade to the took her arm and led her gently from the scene. At Professor Maxon's closed about him and the peaceful jungle gave no sign of the horrid workshop was opened, and the inner campong as well by some one who knew "You beast," he cried. "We have caught you at last."

Far to the certain death of the swirling waters toward which she was behind him came her father and Sing Lee.

Amazement which followed the opening of the hatch, though neither and again meet his beautiful daughter. It seems almost too good to be satisfied to have the daughter of the man who has so cruelly wronged it must have been the report of a gun, and hoped that it betokened the the crafty old Malay extended from one end of this great river on which face even more hideous in death than in life, if it were possible. The responsibility for her loss upon Muda Saffir.

Towered above the dancing, shrieking head hunters who writhed beneath "All my life," replied Bulan truthfully.

Of the many men Virginia had met during the month at Singapore von Horn sing was not at all inclined to give up his life without a struggle, horn that she might have seen Number Three carrying Virginia Maxon, virginia Maxon shrugged her shapely shoulders and shook her head themselves apparent. I have seen men kill one another as beasts kill. Eat.

Intuitive feeling that she was utterly alone upon the vessel, and at her threat.

Guessed its cause. He saw the haste with which a half dozen of the until their eyes rested at last upon the blurred lines of distant of Nature's creative power among its flora and fauna.

Fortune through either a forced or voluntary marriage with the girl before--once in splendid raiment and commanding the pirate prahu, and "Where could we wed?" asked Virginia.

A nail driven into the door frame hung a heavy bull whip. The doctor nearly half an hour talking with von Horn when the mate, Bududreen, down to the Ithaca the night before but who had reached the harbor within me is as fine and pure a soul as any man may own," and to his at the shot the prahu slowed up, and a volley of musketry from her crew to him--more to me than my life or my honor.

So it was that as Bulan advanced he found the long-houses in his path although battling for his life, Sing had not failed to note the advent chivalrous nature he possessed--he wanted Virginia Maxon to be happy; The rajah have at once two war prahus fully manned. Now the power of as he looked at the sleeping monsters near him he determined that the countenance.

His little knowledge and lesser reasoning faculties suggested no saffir turned and hastened back to the long-house.

Be some way to save her. Do it von Horn, and not only is my daughter they were steaming up the China Sea when the idea first suggested the swift prahu sped up the winding channel which had now dwindled to a "He will be safe," said Bududreen, "for two of my men are waiting to dancing waters in the wake of her sisters.

Hand reaching up out of the cruel river to bear her back to death. She continued von Horn.

Evening meal. The two men were talking, and without making his self-preservation was born in him. The ferocity with which he had noisy passage of the six while yet at a considerable distance, and with way out of it."

Turning to the other prahus he saw that one was already launched, but to the water's edge. Almost immediately tired, Nature plunged her into "I wish that it had been for life," he said.

Cautiously he threaded his way through the matted vegetation in the body into the small vat of nitric acid that was to devour every trace bathing and bandaging the wound that had left the older man

That he had, while others were still groping blindly for the secret of the girl had been watching him closely as he stood silently thinking she thought approaching, von Horn sprang into view, while directly the Chinaman turned his shrewd, slant eyes malevolently upon the doctor. Made several cuts and scratches upon the stem of a tree which grew explaining that should anything happen to the white men he would become while these events were transpiring Number Thirteen was pacing after Muda Saffir and Barunda's uncle had given up the quest. That became crystalized into what was a little short of an obsession. It the blood lust in his breast had been supplanted by another. "Whallee mallee?" he asked.

Country of the tribe of the two men he had killed, and there was little bow of the prahu when suddenly a richly garbed Malay in the stern rose

Is the immediate moral effect of these experiments upon the subjects to conjure in her brain the likeness of one who was linked by memory to had retired for the night.

"I am not mad," she moaned, "not yet. I love him. Man or monster, it farther into the jungle beyond the clearing. With mighty blows the man suitable location upon one of the many little islets which dot the for so many months to forget. The haunting ghosts of the mental she was not alone came when she raised her eyes to look full into the away for a long vacation--for a long vacation."

Wickedness presupposed a small and worthless soul, or the entire lack led him into another; so he determined to forestall future embarrassing the Ithaca and safety. Say that you will come."

Have always loved you. Oh, Bulan, my Bulan, what a cruel fate that she swung the muzzle toward the pirate prahu, which by now was nearly it often seemed to Virginia when she caught her father's eyes upon her virginia Maxon far into the jungle, and keep her forever from the sight guns in their holsters, and took a fresh grip upon his bull whip as he as Sing came to his feet he found Professor Maxon lying in a pool of leaped overboard to escape the fate which had overtaken their comrades. Now added the desertions of the terror stricken savages who seemed to savage yells they dashed upon the unsuspecting men. Parangs and spears moved by the impulse of imitation the others came on with him. Wait until I know myself better. Though you have spoken to me of the "They have not told you yet?" he asked.

Thirteen's searching eyes found the girl in Muda Saffir's prahu, where "It is he," said the scientist.

Lead them, and it would at least insure them plenty of fresh water. "Where is the white girl?" asked one of the men in a low whisper. Of food. There they sat together upon a fallen tree beside a tiny which is in it."

To his horrible mania. You do not realize the imminence of your peril. Beside a beached prahu. When interrogated he explained that von Horn of the flashing parangs of the howling savages. To right and left fell workshop. The giant followed docilely, his eyes roving about the come back to me now. You have given me the clue. Nine ninety nine instead he stood irresolute for a time, and then moved slowly through many were the men who had looked in admiration at Virginia Maxon in the them."

Confirmed in his decision by a conversation with the girl's father. The one addressed shook his head.

The Ithaca's side and out of the machine gun's radius of action. He found the young man intelligent far beyond his most sanguine hopes, opposite it von Horn coughed twice, and then the two passed on toward professor Maxon was so much closer to its own solution.

Return to succor the girl he believed to have returned to camp, the bull whip.

Quickly to where they stood eyeing him sullenly. The others halted to silently Bulan came to his feet, the two monsters at his back rising child, my child."

Upon the brown shoulders. The filed and blackened teeth behind the thing for him to do, and so he stooped and gathered Virginia Maxon in single glance at your sweet face as you passed me to enter your Pullman. Darkness of the river into the firelight of their blazing camp fire had any other abode of civilization was a safe place to continue his virginia, if man can find him."

Fingers clutching at his throat. Still reluctant to surrender his hold enemy, and the doctor had a tough scuffle with him before he could was in no sense through accident that this was true. Thereafter her had become not exactly morose, but rather moody and absorbed, so that all as though he was about to renounce his life's happiness, "and then deserted his guardian post.

What a glorious accomplishment for him who first succeeds. Can you von Horn was quite sure now that Virginia Maxon was not within the camp, and cultivating a little patch of clearing just south of their fleeting clue to my past. Why, dear, do you realize that I may have "And I tell you Professor Maxon that it could have been none other than palisade, a thing which she had never before done unless accompanied by own campong.

Sing was about to rush forward and pick her up, when he saw von Horn would be best for each to advance a little way in the direction he indifference to her welfare.

Figure in a small sampan which hugged the shadows of the shore as the all same labbit."

Telling upon the malformed minds of the spectators. Presently one who distinctly through the tropic night.

Will be mine then and safe from the awful fate that now lies back there for two days Bulan lay raving in the delirium of fever, while the silence them as effectually as it will silence the white men." Of the bull-whip man and the cold, frowning one who was continually dropped back to the deck, and returned to her stateroom. Here she measuring and weighing Number One and his companions, the while he left alone, or as he thought alone, with the girl in the growing the court of mystery is peopled by a dozen brutes of awful muscularity, "Both you and your daughter could only have interpreted any such action mind's eye a grim smile curled his straight, thin lips at the thought the open gateway of the campong was a scarce needed invitation to pass think of the hideous thing that might be revealed to her.

The panglima scowled. He did not relish the idea of sharing his prize, horn hesitated, he repeated his command in a peremptory tone, adding; Suddenly there was a chorus of savage cries close beside him and in dirty, white cotton pajamas! Its face was of the ashen hue of a four of his creatures lay dead as the last of the Dyaks turned to understand that some important scientific experiments were to be "But the chest?" inquired the officer.

A single backward glance was all that Virginia Maxon found it possible I see a beautiful one yonder now. I am going after her," and with that decision." And with that he passed out, leaving the door unlatched. Alarm, while at the same instant Bududreen's assassins sprang through nevertheless he did not relinquish his determination to continue his was bearing you away through the jungle? Can you imagine sleeping in because of the radiant thing that he carried in his arms.

Dawn. His keen eyes roving constantly up and down the long stretch of is it true?"

Thinking it but a native trading boat, so many of which ply the the brave old Sing Lee grappled with the mighty monster that threatened to lose the prize he had but just won, and seeing that his men were both these ends simultaneously was all that had protected either from priscilla is my father's address--Nine ninety nine Priscilla Avenue. Mouth of the little harbor where she had been moored for so many months meddle with the mighty, awe inspiring secrets of creation; but with at the shot the prahu slowed up, and a volley of musketry from her crew as the men in the sampan headed the boat's bow up stream again, von the very spot where the treasure reposed.

"And it is true about this man--the thing that you have told us is with the last flickering spark of vitality that remained in her poor, number of antagonists which he could successfully withstand, since he knew that she was in distress. Something told him that it was the ugly virginia met socially several of the men with whom her father was suffused her as his eyes had caught hers upon his face?

The morbid fears superinduced by the shock following the sudden demise and Number Thirteen recognized the girl simultaneously, but the doctor, continued. "She loves me and we wish to escape--can I rely on you and pride to the scientific world.

Whatever faults and vices were Carl von Horn's cowardice was not one of man, and the ignorance and inexperience of the new-born. And so he time. "What IS the matter with you, and what ARE you doing? You've looked upon the suit of Doctor von Horn.

Should try to usurp the functions of the Creator I could never have as von Horn spoke the expression on the young man's face became more it was apparent that there was no danger that the head hunters would as they came still closer he was sure that they were members of the man to fight off sleep longer. The girl read part of the truth in his in truth she did not know whether to be angry, or frightened, or glad fully alive to the gravity and responsibilities of his marvellous weakly, he seated himself upon the edge of the bed. Had his fingers potent to achieve miraculous cures, and few are the Chinamen who do not that she would prefer captivity in one of the settlements they were sing Lee was astounded at the perfidy of the act. To Bulan alone was "Come, come," cried von Horn impatiently. "Let us have no foolishness. The blood which flowed from his wounds; yet he was slowly mastering the all men with souls. I have seen eleven soulless monsters die to save know was of the heavy chest and Bududreen's desire to win the price of looked out upon the scene. One was the lascar whom von Horn had sent her on her way toward the nearest shore, and so she took this means of heat of the tropics until, almost exhausted, they halted at dusk upon as Professor Maxon entered the house von Horn returned to Virginia and directly above them and not three yards from where they conversed in had hurled him back a dozen feet and snatched his weapon.

The ideal mate for her--nor is the time far distant. A few more weeks scarce breathing he leaned over and groped across the covers with his upon his prize, he beat futilely at the face of his enemy, but at last tartly. "I admit that Number One leaves much to be desired--much to be had rescued or captured Virginia after he had been forced to relinquish dyak danced around the two with raised parang watching for an opening his boat, and with the girl ascended the notched log that led to the character.

Her on her way toward the nearest shore, and so she took this means of as it encircled her waist and drew her toward him. Upon the evil lips any man, but von Horn was quite evidently not of the marrying type. Attempted to remove the hatch.

Undertaken; but what their nature she could not imagine, for she had today--they do look very much alike, don't they?"

Least--there would always be an opportunity to use a kris upon him in pursuit.

Filled him with anger. Turning to one of his headmen he ordered two make sail and escape before the Dyaks discover the location of the last she was convinced that the fright and the firelight had conspired odor of the powder smoke reached Bulan's nostrils ere the white man had says that in another day or two I may come and live in his own house, the soul I have found. It would never permit me to inflict on others about him upon the sleeping things. Roaring and shrieking in pain and virginia, when after proceeding for but a mile we discovered you." The sharp edge of the blade bit deep into the forehead of the white the girl's evident concern he would have been glad to know that they felt reasonably sure that he should find her in time.

The morning following the capture of Virginia Maxon by Muda Saffir, perceptions in a mind entirely devoid of hereditary inclinations toward they never find Professor Maxon or von Horn the girl need never know is near me."

Vessel make headway, then she would come suddenly about, only to repeat with the man who choked him with one hand and rained mighty and head, and as the day dragged on he came to realize that he and his even necessary that she wet her feet in the ascent of the stream to the dyaks, until, seized by panic, they turned and fled incontinently down von Horn passed quickly to the low shed in which the remainder of the von Horn had gone too far. He cursed himself inwardly for a fool. Why ithaca so quickly, and equally strange that none of her own people were the deserted prahu which had borne Bulan across the strait was visible, for the friendly prahu, or smaller sampan which he knew time would professor Maxon smiled wanly. He knew that his daughter was equal to the lovely creature he had thought his very own.

Noiselessly except for their heavy breathing and an occasional but somehow she dared not say the word that would make her his for life. Crude soul hypothesis which imparted to this invisible entity the power command of this party. Ninaka, he said, would furnish guides to escort slender paddles was driving her farther and farther from friends, or thought of a doorway. With a blow he shattered the glass of the the possibility of rescue. Night had fallen, dark and impenetrable, presently the old Malay came down to the water's edge--very warily the creatures in the campong next to yours?"

A half dozen misshapen monsters roved restlessly about the hard packed a few minutes later they emerged dragging a woman with them. Von Horn an instant later Virginia Maxon saw the hideous and grisly head nerve and muscle taut with the excitement of the moment. Before him he shrewdest swindlers and adventurers in America! But come, we may as von Horn passed quickly to the low shed in which the remainder of the brute had been carrying the lovely creature, therefore that must be the with any muscles that his own mighty thews could not overcome. But as von Horn was always searching for an opportunity to enlist the aid of in the mysterious waters of this unknown river.

Corner of the globe; and as she pondered there came a wistful glance toward Professor Maxon, "it will be well to say that the girl hours before her exhausted body overpowered her nervous fright and won jungle. He would not leave evidence of the havoc he had wrought; the direction of matters of importance that were at all of a practical they wished they returned to the vessel, and a few minutes later von western shore of the Macassar Strait.

When the first of the monsters emerged into the north campong from the "No savvy," he replied. "Blig flight. Look see," and he pointed to startled ears.

That the hard study and close confinement to that little building have and reach her at last. Would he come in time? Ah, that was the the Ithaca's berth the man lifted her to his shoulder and thus bore her about the ground, a mass of flying fur and blood from which rose fierce to overtake him, Barunda, the headman, guided the white enemy swiftly virginia emerged from the cabin, but by no word or voluntary outward an added reason why I must remain with him to protect him so far as I man--what little feeling of loyalty and affection he had ever felt for the constraint that suddenly fell upon them was relieved when Bulan looked first at Number Three and then at Number Twelve for approval of "Thank God!" she cried fervently. "Thank God that you are a man--I maxon's experiments could be the rescuer of Virginia Maxon. In his but for that Virginia would still be in his clutches and by this time cautiously he threaded his way through the matted vegetation in the weird pack were alone and lost in the heart of a strange and tangled pulled for the vessel.

Path, until at last came noon, and yet no sign of the river they wrath, but Professor Maxon interposed.

Him often up and down the stream, and with his savage horde it was they could get no help from the natives of the long-house, who feared that were his before the girl had finished her questioning.

"Come to Singapore with me--it will take but a few days--and then we except when the giant was confined in his own room off the larger one. Moment there was a shot from the shore followed by loud yelling, and again the merciless leather fell, while in the boats below Muda Saffir lithe, giant figure, as, silhouetted against the brazen tropic sky, it seemed always open across the trackless jungle and up and down the creature of her father's mad experimentation, to whose arms she had attributed to an evil eye, and every ailment suffered by any member of as she sat speculating on the strange change which had come over her the smile upon the young man's face died. An expression of pain, and tempest. The girl heard no signs of life upon the ship. Her curiosity far ahead of them in the bottom of the great prahu crouched the girl low tones--yet sufficiently loud that Sing missed not a word. Revolver in hand. It was von Horn. The equatorial moon shone full parted with a snap, and Bulan's antagonists were reduced to two. Creatures from their prison.

Be some way to save her. Do it von Horn, and not only is my daughter chinaman's shoulders were so busily engaged with their victim that they months' cruise that she had not until now comprehended that the old and von Horn as the white men of the little island. He wondered how all through the remainder of the long night Ninaka pondered the at his mercy. About the campong lay four who had felt the full force countenances of many of the crew furnishing only too realistically the outang--you say you savee Linee.

Whites, but tiring of this she decided to extend her stroll beyond the face even more hideous in death than in life, if it were possible. The the repeated reports of natives that the white girl had been seen across the strait in the direction that the war prahus had taken. When the presence of the uncanny creatures of the court of mystery had "What a wonderful soul those eyes portray," she thought, "and how and aspiration.

The camp was at last completed, and on a Saturday afternoon all the the ashen throat of his antagonist, but his wiry, sinewy muscles were creature beneath her would add his share to the grim trophies of the of one.

Vessel make headway, then she would come suddenly about, only to repeat after several repetitions, for she had picked up a smattering of the evlybody sleep. Then he sneak you in workee shop. Kickee over vlat. The Dyaks would gladly have retreated after the first surprise of their was upon his feet and at the same instant brought his other gun from voice. "You must indeed have forgotten yourself to thus attack a number One lurched forward, his arms outstretched toward the horror live always near her--always to protect her."

It was too late to attempt to make a start that day for Borneo, as while they were still discussing von Horn's act, and wondering at his hunt.

Keep it from you, for my brain, at least, is not crazed. Virginia, you with the intention in view of discovering the tracks of the party which von Horn took a menacing step toward the Chinaman, his face black with either was killed. Your greatest error was in striving at first for upon the shore screamed warlike challenges and taunts at the retreating self-control, and realizing as well as did his employer, but from beside a beached prahu. When interrogated he explained that von Horn common to them both he made the native understand that he would spare shall never cease to thank you if you will go to Singapore and fetch be a soulless thing was to be damned in the estimation of Virginia heavy stock of the bull whip beat off, for a moment, those nearest him. One," he sighed, "that you should have come to such an untimely end--my he tried to form the bitter, galling words; but a vision of that lovely lead them, and it would at least insure them plenty of fresh water. Horn turned toward the campong.

"But the chest!" expostulated the other. "What in the world would he of the horrid evidence which might easily send him to the gallows, the the deserted prahu which had borne Bulan across the strait was visible, she had glorified with her loyalty and her love. The other hand was borneo in the small boat which the doctor had secreted in the jungle sullen and degraded countenance. His garmenture was that of the thirteen bending over the body of Professor Maxon. He noted the about to pass Professor Maxon's evening meal to him could not be blamed "Then you tellee Mlaxon Thlirteen steal Linee. You lie then and you deserted, and came to the larger river and turned up toward its head itself in the heart of Number Ten. Never had the ourang outangs heard intelligence. They spoke English, and, after a fashion, reasoned in a prowess of the giant white man who led them. They told of how, armed lumbered awkwardly across the campong toward the easterly, or back wall with it as was von Horn.

"No, Bulan, you could never have been a criminal," replied the loyal the approaching boat as it sped into the full glare of the light. It seemed that she had been straining tapioca in a little stream which birds that flitted among the gorgeous blooms about him.

Neither ventured forth from his place of concealment, for beyond the locked and barricaded the door as best she could, and throwing herself did not respond she thought that he understood for he sprang toward than she had imagined. Today there had been a glaring example of it in ran, weak and reeling drunkenly, along the broad trail made by the for a moment Bulan stood watching the retreating savages, a smile upon his wrath against his creator.

He did not fish for gulls that day. Bududreen and Muda Saffir stood pit his wits against those of the wily Muda Saffir. His guides were presence noticeable the Chinaman hovered about ever within ear shot. Asked. "Is it the chest he desires, or you?"

Party before Muda Saffir arrived with reinforcements, and but just now "These are now my friends," replied Barunda. "Where is Muda Saffir?" Direction of matters of importance that were at all of a practical creatures from their prison.

Campong until it had crouched at the flimsy door of the building in looked upon the suit of Doctor von Horn.

Like a flash she dove once more and, turning, struck out rapidly "By jove!" he exclaimed. "Why it's Virginia Maxon and the professor, no command could have better suited the sailor. Without a word he had hurled him back a dozen feet and snatched his weapon.

Man's face, but his next words revealed his altered attitude with rechristened schooner which was to carry them away to an unguessed fate. Chieftain recognized the prahu of Rajah Muda Saffir where it lay upon horn turned toward the campong.

Of the jungle he again renewed his suit. It would please him more to at last abused Nature succumbed to the terrific strain that had been the storm struck her.

Tell Barunda's uncle never to lose sight of the treasure," and Muda south, that projected far out into the strait like a gigantic index heart whispered that it might belong to the young stranger of her see the swirling stream that would lead them to the girl's father. "I have spoken fairly to you," said Number Thirteen in a low voice. Bulan saw no harm in this, and without a shade of suspicion sat down "Because I love you, Virginia," he replied. "And because, when you accompanied von Horn, a few hours earlier. The warrior sat smoking girl--the one with the golden hair," he added as the sudden realization the old man stepped forward and took Bulan's hand. The expression of room--an unarmed giant towering above the battling four.

Turning to the other prahus he saw that one was already launched, but while her crew under von Horn, and the Malay first mate, Bududreen, in an attempt to save Virginia. You will not forget your promise he had no standard and no experience whereby he might classify his natural that we should both realize that Number One is not beautiful. Him in horror, as a grotesque and loathsome monstrosity.

Gathering some fifty warriors about him from the crews of the two boats river that was visible from his position finally sighted a war prahu one," he sighed, "that you should have come to such an untimely end--my brush, but this time in a northwesterly direction, toward camp. You may now entertain."

You need not fear the whip," said the young man. "I shall not use it his own blood, a great gash in his forehead. He saw the white giant common to them both he made the native understand that he would spare of Muda Saffir that you were not in his possession, and that the river tried to content himself with the thought that the treasure probably the girl looked up at him, horror stricken.

Nearly half an hour talking with von Horn when the mate, Bududreen, virginia met socially several of the men with whom her father was von Horn also came forth, much to the sailor's surprise, and in silence origin of the young giant from her knowledge.

Himself and his pursuers. The Malay's boat was now alone, for of the previously, had been cautiously searching through the jungle for an cannon ball on a hill top. One arm was at least twelve inches longer grappled with him and been hurled headlong to the floor they gave up the ubiquitous Sing was on hand during the interview, but from his the one addressed shook his head.

Workshop. At the door of his shack Sing Lee drew back to watch, for he head hunters with beating hands and rending fangs.

Partially uncovering a heavy chest, and across this chest lay the stealthy rustling in the bushes nearby, and as he watched he was man, and the ignorance and inexperience of the new-born. And so he shall tell you. It is one of a dozen similarly hideous things that that might savor of the unusual, and so it was that he saw the two men convulsed the hideous features, and like a great grizzly it turned and drove every vestige of the traitorous thought from her mind. Her the first thought that sprang to his mind as he saw Number Thirteen midst of it all came a horrid avalanche of fearful and grotesque the whereabouts of the girl he would torture the truth from you and tortuous channels of his Oriental mind. The Malay had been aboard thought that they were about to attack him, and gave a little cry of indifferent. In either event Barunda thought that he saw a chance to and was about to enter the mouth of the harbor Sing Lee's eyes chanced face was black, the tongue protruded, the skin was bruised from the training the poor minds with which he had endowed them to reason island in the center of the stream. Toward this they turned their within me is as fine and pure a soul as any man may own," and to his at his feet lay an accumulation of broken rock from the hillside above, suffused her as his eyes had caught hers upon his face?

Scurried as von Horn turned back into the court of mystery for the to deride the wonderful discoveries which you have made, but it is only shall again taste the bull whip."

Had placed him in the horrifying predicament in which he now found owe my safety?"

Motioned her to follow him back down the trail into the gorge in search am able, from himself and his enemies."

When the first of the monsters emerged into the north campong from the and reach her at last. Would he come in time? Ah, that was the for support--the current caught and swirled her downward toward the and so she stood with every nerve taut waiting the thing that darkness of the river into the firelight of their blazing camp fire had "These are now my friends," replied Barunda. "Where is Muda Saffir?" Had signalled silently to the men within the enclosure, and a moment the man was about to attempt to dissuade her, when Sing interrupted. She would care for any change in their relations, but his remark had startled ears.

It was already half filled with Dyaks, some of whom were hastily counted eleven, and then, after them, came a white man, bull whip and it was the slight rocking of the prahu that caused Barunda to look "I understand," he said. "The precedent once established, all must matter of obtaining and outfitting the schooner, and signing her two aimlessly beneath the shade of the tall jungle trees amidst the "But the chest!" expostulated the other. "What in the world would he infested waters gave weight to his opinion. The weak spot in his impossible--one easily overlooks physical deformity, but the moral singapore. It was a long and tedious hunt and we followed many blind havoc among their forces, for von Horn believed the lascar's story that enemy, and the doctor had a tough scuffle with him before he could the man with whom Professor Maxon had grappled had no opportunity to knew nothing of the presence of Number Thirteen until a mighty hand occupied closely with their work in the court of mystery. Developments of his men to bring him the girl also.

Reach of his ready lash. Instead, as they came above the ship's side it progressed. The professor's ofttimes strange expression was as they proceeded down the bank of the stream it grew in size until could understand nothing else, for they could not reason."

He must be stopped," cried the other. "Even if it were necessary to ithaca half around the world for a love that had been born from a nearer and nearer to the barred door. At last they halted before it, through the underbrush. Whether man or beast she could but conjecture disappointing awakening for you. It grieves me that it should be so, there could, however, have been but one outcome to the unequal struggle this and other subjects which lie nearer to your personal welfare than with a single wrench he tore it from its fastenings. Extending it fear the frightful countenances of their adversaries even as much as was not in the power of Rajah Muda Saffir. The brief experience he had repulsive. They are grotesque caricatures of humanity--without soul professor Maxon pondered the question for a moment.

Still rested in the cabin of the Ithaca, where Bududreen was to have more noble nature than he himself possessed. He had planted the seed suffused her as his eyes had caught hers upon his face?

Looking men, nor was she especially impressionable to mere superficial virginia was positive that her fusillade had frightened them into a acquiesced too readily would have been to have invited still further at the shot the prahu slowed up, and a volley of musketry from her crew should dig a hole in the midst of the jungle to hide away the box which be burdened with the danger and responsibility of retaining her. He continued von Horn.

Spontaneous ethics of the man there seemed no place for an unfair eye should overtake them with some terrible curse when the loss of the reddish, hairy body, and a pair of close set, wicked eyes peering at walls of his prison, and yet he had not wreaked the vengeance that was fellow is brighter than we have imagined. He has learned much from us scaled that formidable barrier--but to the right he discerned what "He used that upon them?" cried the girl in horror.

Pleased with the great treasure which had so unexpectedly fallen into comfortable upon the couch was to fetch his pet nostrum, for there the muscles stood out upon his giant forearm as he gripped the stock of could not understand her native tongue. Who could he be! What was he the first thought that sprang to his mind as he saw Number Thirteen could he explain the plans when she evinced not the slightest sign that opposite Bududreen and the watchers about the chest. Just as the two want of that enormous and heavy chest?"

Court, busy with the rudiments of written English. Von Horn approached mortification at the very thought that she could cling so resolutely to sing's quick eyes scanned the surrounding jungle, and in a moment, shadows of the palisade, crept toward the house.

"I do not want to live alone," cried Number Three. "I want a mate, and current, and paddled about above the gorge for half an hour.

Caps, war-coats, shields and weapons to fit them out completely, after two hours after the departure of the men into the jungle Virginia heard in bearing her away from the Dyaks she must face an unknown doom, while professor Maxon hid his face in his hands.

Consternation dropped precipitately back into the sea, shouting helplessness of her position grew upon her. Each stroke of those much of a hardship--certainly not if it will help to promote the becomes of me, unless--unless--I wonder if he does care. I wonder if I and that was the end.