It was now evident to the Abyssinian that Stolburst knew nothing as to the whereabouts of the diamond. Still, he did not regret having punished Stolburst as he did. “Remember,” said Barry, “that, if I discover you break your word, I shall leave you to find this diamond without my aid.” “I never yet was accused of not living up to a bargain.” A shriek, loud and long drawn out, echoed and reechoed throughout the house. Both men started. “What can this mean?” cried Barry. “Come.” Ajeeb led the way to the cellar. There, on the floor of the red-curtained apartment, lay Deth, with his own poniard driven into his breast. In one corner stood Stolburst, and he trembled with fear. Enoch Cook had disappeared. Barry and Ajeeb had passed him in the darkness as they came down the cellar stairs. Cook had flattened himself out as much as possible against the wall. When they passed, Enoch ran lightly up-stairs and passed out of doors. His attack on Deth had been so sudden, and his execution so swift, that for a moment Stolburst was paralyzed. Before he regained complete possession of his faculties, Ajeeb and Barry appeared. Then flight was out of question. Ajeeb’s face was black with passion when he comprehended what had occurred. He raised Deth’s head. A sound similar to the howl of a dog escaped the heathen priest. The man was dead. Ajeeb allowed Deth’s head to slip from his grasp. Billy saw that his friend’s face was distorted with anger. Ajeeb sprang at Stolburst, and, clutching him by the throat, dragged him in to the middle of the apartment. “Accursed dog!” exclaimed the Abyssinian; “is this your work?” Stolburst’s throat was gripped so hard he was unable to answer. “Ajeeb!” cried Barry, catching hold of the other’s arm; “you already forget the promise you made me!” “I forget nothing.” “Can’t you see that you are strangling the poor devil?” Billy caught hold of Ajeeb’s arm, and forced him to release his hold. Stolburst sank to the floor, gasping for breath. It was several minutes before he found himself able to articulate. Ajeeb stood over him, like an avenging angel. “Mercy!” That was the first word that fell from the prisoner’s lips. “You have nothing to fear,” said Barry. Stolburst looked gratefully toward the speaker, and then he arose to his feet. “Where is Cook?” thundered Ajeeb. “I know not.” “Was it you who stabbed my faithful Deth?” “No; I would not harm him.” “You attacked him before.” “True; but I did not seek to do him injury,” replied Stolburst. “How did Cook manage to get hold of Deth’s poniard?” “He suddenly snatched it, and drove it into the man’s breast. I closed my eyes when Deth fell, and when I opened them Cook was gone.” Ajeeb uttered a fearful malediction, and ran up-stairs. He found the hall door open. It was plain that Enoch had escaped. Ashah was absent. Had he been in the house, Cook might not have escaped so easily. Ajeeb returned to the cellar. His anger, if anything, had increased.