Despite her present attitude, the princess had great affection for the man. He had aided her escape from the semibondage in which she was born, and had acted as a father to her. She would willingly sacrifice all to her affection, except her idolatrous belief. Zulima had not proceeded far when a heavy hand was laid upon her shoulder. She was about to scream, when she heard a familiar voice say in her own language: “Make no outcry.” “Ashah!” Zulima found herself confronted by a gigantic member of her race. “I follow you, princess,” he said, and his voice was hard and stern. “I know that.” “It was the bidding of Ajeeb.” “Are you sufficiently acquainted with the streets to travel the city alone?” The giant smiled. “I have followed men over the trackless desert. Why should I get lost in the city? I know enough English to make myself understood.” “By what right did you follow me?” asked Zulima. “I but obeyed Ajeeb,” replied the giant; “you disobeyed him.” “How?” “He ordered you to have this American visit you.” “Well?” “Instead of obeying the command you went to the man and told him he was in danger,” answered Ashah. “Ajeeb had already threatened him,” retorted the princess. “That is his right as our high priest. You would save the American.” “Yes.” “So thought Ajeeb and myself, but you are helpless.” “I would only ask to save him if he returned the Eye of Jobu.” “Ajeeb offered him his life on the same terms,” said Ashah. “Yes, and he denied having stolen the sacred gem.” “True, but you love this mortal more than you reverence Jobu.” “It is a lie.” “Then why did you visit him when he is under the ban?” “I have already told you the object of my visit,” replied Zulima. “Did he steal the gem, think you?” “Yes.” “Does he deserve death?” “Yes.” Ashah smiled grimly. “Your heart is true to your people,” he said, “even if your fancies led you away from them. This man shall be tortured into giving up the sacred emblem.” CHAPTER IV. MIKE QUICK’S DIVE. After his new client departed, Burt entered an inner office, where was seated a rosy-cheeked young fellow of about one-and-twenty. This was Frank Hare, who was Burt’s assistant. “Frank,” said Burt, “I’ve got one of the queerest cases to work up.” Then he related Stolburst’s story to his youthful assistant. “I don’t see anything strikingly queer about the matter,” said Hare, when the other finished. “It’s a clear case of simple theft.” “You idiot,” smiled Burt, “do you think this Stolburst told me the whole truth?” “That’s for you to say. I did not even see the man.” “Take my word for it, there is a great deal behind this business.” “That is not our affair. What we want is good pay.” “Stolburst has agreed to put up a liberal sum, and we are to have a bonus in the event of our being successful.” “First of all, I suppose you mean to find Enoch Cook?” “Yes; the lecturer knows the chap as Sam Henry.”