“To-morrow,” said the prisoner, and he laughed hysterically, “your uncle is going to even up matters for me.” “What do you mean?” “Nothing much; he merely promises to remove my other ear!” “It shall not be!” cried the girl, with heightened color. “Who will prevent it?” “I!” “What!” cried the prisoner; “you would not dare run counter to your uncle’s wishes?” “I have resolved to do so,” said Zulima, in a low whisper. Stolburst looked at his visitor in wild amazement. He still believed that it was she who had planned his capture. Was she only torturing him by holding out hopes which would never be fulfilled? He believed so. Experience had taught him that the Abyssinians were cruel to a most remarkable degree. “If you intend to help me,” said Stolburst, “cut my bonds at once.” “No.” “I thought you were but making sport of my misery.” “You misjudge me.” “Yes, once I did,” he said; “but since then my eyes have been opened to your true character.” “On my knees I have begged my uncle to give you freedom.” “I won’t believe that.” “It is truth.” “Then why do you not release me now, while you have the chance?” “Ashah is down-stairs and he would kill you if you tried to escape.” “Then how do you propose to free me?” asked Stolburst. “By sacrificing my uncle!” “Explain.” “I shall tell the detective where to find you,” said Zulima. “Do you know where to find him?” “No; but he spoke of calling upon me,” replied the girl. Stolburst told her where Burt’s office was. “Now,” said Zulima, “I must go down-stairs before Ajeeb returns.” “Will you see the detective to-day?” “Yes, if it is possible.” “Excuse my cruel words,” said Stolburst; “you are not the wicked creature I thought.” Zulima smiled and left him. When Ajeeb appeared he told his niece he wished her to take possession of his former abode. She acquiesced. Zulima did not tell her uncle of having met the detective. Neither did she speak of her visit to the explorer. Her interview with Ajeeb was very short. At its conclusion she departed. Zulima noted well the number of her uncle’s residence. She lost no time in going to Burt’s office. There she met Frank Hare, who was, of course, unknown to her. He told her that Burt was absent and he did not know when he would return. Zulima declared she would wait. Hare asked her to confide her business to him. This Zulima refused to do. Frank did not press her. The young detective, as he drank in her beauty, surmised who the visitor was. Burt had spoken to him more than once about her. After having Quick committed to the Tombs Burt returned to his office. Then Hare very prudently took his departure. “My dear madam,” said Burt, “have you been waiting long to see me?” “About an hour, but I did not mind,” replied Zulima. “Can I do anything for you?” “Yes.” “Name it.” “I want to exact a promise from you,” said the girl. “What do you require?” “That if I help you find Mr. Stolburst you will not arrest my uncle.”