“I did not seek to win the lady’s confidence; as a matter of fact, I desired her to return home.” “How good of you, my dear Monsieur Kidd,” sneered the Frenchman. “Pierre, you will not feel offended if I tell you something unpleasant?” “No.” “I believe your wife has become insane.” “Then you drove her to it!” Pierre whipped out a revolver and fired pointblank at the destroyer of his home. With a groan, Dick Kidd tumbled out of his chair to the floor. CHAPTER XXX. THE PRINCESS VISITS STOLBURST. The day after her interview with the detective Zulima had a caller in the person of Ashah. The giant came in a coach and told the princess her uncle wanted to see her. As he knew, the beautiful girl regarded Ajeeb’s commands as imperative. She entered the coach with Ashah and they were driven very far up-town. Ajeeb had taken possession of a somber-looking building that stood alone by itself. During the journey the ill-assorted couple never exchanged a word. Upon arriving at their destination they found Ajeeb was not at home. He had left a note behind saying he would not return for an hour. “Ashah,” said the princess, in her most gentle terms, “is the prisoner under this roof?” “Yes.” “I should like to see him.” The giant frowned. “That would not be pleasing to my master,” he said. “Did Ajeeb tell you I was not to be allowed to see Stolburst?” “No.” “Then why do you refuse to grant my wish?” “I have not refused.” “Then conduct me to where Stolburst is,” requested the girl. “Don’t you think Ajeeb would be angry if I did so?” “Why should he? Am I not of the same faith? There can be none who grieves more for Jobu’s loss than I.” Ashah really believed this. “Come,” he said. The giant conducted Zulima to a room on the top floor and there left her. Zulima saw her old friend stretched upon a lounge, and bound hand and foot. Stolburst’s cheeks were sunken, and his eyes looked dull. At sight of his visitor color suffused the prisoner’s thin cheeks. “You here to taunt me?” exclaimed the prisoner bitterly. Tears sprang into the beauty’s eyes. Not until now did she fully realize how much the man had suffered. She felt that she was responsible for much of Stolburst’s suffering. “I did not come here to taunt you,” said Zulima. “Then leave me.” “Leave you?” “Yes; I cannot bear to look upon your false face.” Now a tear stole down the girl’s cheek. Stolburst saw it. He thought she was shamming grief. “I came here to assure myself that you still lived.” “Life can never be but a mockery to me, deformed as I am.” “Yesterday I saw one who will free you,” said the girl. “Who?” “His name is Burt Cromwell.” “I suppose you came to tell your uncle all about it?” “Nothing of the kind.” “Why are you here?” “Ajeeb sent for me.” “What does he want?” “I have not seen him yet; he is away from home.”