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。
返回顶部