“Burt Cromwell will not be long in discovering a clue, take my word for it.” Ajeeb smiled depreciatingly. “You exalt this man’s gifts to a ridiculous point,” he said. “My friend,” remarked Barry, “you know I am not a coward.” “I admit that.” “In a personal encounter I have never yet met a man able to best me, but I will confess I am afraid of this man. Why, I do not know.” The high priest believed his friend to be a very brave fellow. That made the fear Barry expressed all the more impressive. “This detective, you say, is brave?” “Yes, and shrewd.” “I am sorry.” “Why?” “Because I hate to send to his death a brave man who has not injured me.” “His murder is uncalled for.” “No; if he is dead he cannot interfere with my plans.” “If you have Burt Cromwell harmed, you will regret it,” said Barry. “Give over your croaking; my decision is made--it is final.” And thus the heathen priest pronounced against Burt Cromwell. In the cellar of that same house was one in whom we are interested--Henry Stolburst. His wounded head had been poulticed by Ashah, but the poor fellow continued to suffer the most exquisite pain. Henry Stolburst did not know he was in a cellar. The floor was carpeted, and red curtains were so hung as to form a room. Both his feet and hands were unbound, but either Deth or Ashah constantly guarded him. The latter never exchanged a word with the hapless prisoner. After the first day Deth was more communicative. While Ajeeb and Barry talked above stairs, Henry Stolburst and Deth talked below. The explorer had had a slight acquaintance with the man in Africa. “Deth,” said Henry Stolburst, for at least the twentieth time since he was imprisoned, “why can you not listen to reason? Release me and I will make you rich.” “What would money be to me without life?” returned the Abyssinian. “You can hide yourself from the wrath of Ajeeb.” Deth smiled grimly. “You were not able to do so.” “No; I was led into a trap.” “So it would be with me. Were I to thwart the high priest, he would follow me to the end of the world, but he would have revenge.” “You are not his slave?” “I am.” “In your own country he might claim you as such, but here all men are free.” “’Tis a strange country, then,” remarked the heathen. Deth could not understand there should be a country where slavery was not practised. “In America you are free to go and come as you choose. Besides paying you a large sum of money, I will make you my companion. I am rich, and anything you may desire, which money can purchase, will be yours. “I shall exact no services from you. Choose! Which is the better--a life of perpetual ease with me, or as Ajeeb’s slave?” Deth was deeply interested. “Have you made this same offer to Ashah?” he inquired. “No.” “Why should you select me to tempt instead of him?” “Can you not guess?” Henry Stolburst placed his hand over the wound made by the removal of his ear.