This went on for some time and then ceased, to Helen's great relief, for Murad had several times moved uneasily, and it seemed to her that the noise had awakened him. There was a slight rustling then, and the Malay girl came back to her former position. "I cannot do it," she whispered. "It would take strong men with parangs, and I am only a weak girl with a kris." "Can we not escape, then?" panted Helen, whose heart sank. "Yes; but not that way. It must be through the roof, for the attap is only soft and the strings thin. I think I can manage to cut through there." As her words left her lips they both clung there as if paralysed, for, uttering a hoarse gasp, Murad struggled to his feet and staggered towards them with an angry cry. VOLUME THREE, CHAPTER EIGHT. A FAITHFUL ALLY. The alarm was not of long duration, for it soon became evident that Murad was still under the influence of the powerful narcotic. He did not see either of the other occupants of the room, but staggered here and there for a few moments, and then sank heavily once more upon the mats, placing his head in an easy position, and falling into a heavy sleep, his breathing sounding deep and regular to the trembling girls. "We need not mind," said the Malay girl at last. "He cannot hear me. I will climb up." The bars of the window formed a ladder for her ascent, and she clambered slowly up till her feet were resting upon the topmost bar. Then there was a rustling and cutting noise, and every now and then a dull pat, as of something falling into the bushes below. It was a terrible position for Helen, who, unable to assist, could only listen and keep her eyes fixed on Murad, whom she momentarily expected to see arise wrathfully and call for help to seize the brave girl working so hard without to obtain freedom for both. Then, as the Rajah still remained breathing heavily, another form of dread attacked her; she felt sure that some of the guards or people must hear this loud rustling noise, so that it was with an intense feeling of relief that Helen heard the sounds cease. Then there was a louder rustling as of someone drawing herself up, and directly after the Malay girl climbed down into the room, Helen clasping her tightly in her arms. The girl freed herself hastily and went across to where Murad lay sleeping, bent down over him, gazing steadily in his face, and then turned with a bitter laugh. "I have said good-bye to him, so now let us go. If I look at him again I shall never be able to leave. Let us escape." "But how?" exclaimed Helen, helplessly. "How?" said the girl. "Why, as I came in. I have opened the way," and she pointed to the ragged hole in the palm thatch. "I could not climb up there," exclaimed Helen, with a look of helplessness and despair in her countenance; "it is impossible!" "You white people!" cried the girl--"you are poor, and weak, and helpless! But come, you must go. Murad will soon waken, and what will you do then?"