Kaweeka gave a low chuckle, and turned in triumph to Alan. With a half step forward he raised his hand as though he would strike her, then drew back in time, turned quickly and left them alone. Up and down the outer room he paced and watched from the opening the stream of purple people walking up and down the street—men, women and children, all bent on work or pleasure. In a way they seemed to be civilized, yet it was a civilization unknown to the upper world. An oppression came over him and he rushed to the door and tried it. It was unlocked. That was more than he had hoped for, and he hurried down the stairs to the outer door. But there his progress was impeded, for a sentry on guard drew a peculiar kind of spear and prevented his passing. Alan cursed and swore at him, and then tried more pacific measures to get his way; but the man was impervious to everything, and Alan retraced his steps and took refuge in a little alcove not far from the main entrance. Suddenly a hand on his shoulder startled him, and turning he saw Desmond looking at him in a shamefaced manner. “We can go out, Kaweeka says,—at least that is what I understand her to mean. Will you come now, Lanny?” As he used the old boyish name, Alan felt a sob rise in his throat and he grasped Desmond’s hand. “Come on! old boy,” said he, “I want to talk to you.” Kaweeka was standing near the door as they reached it, and she waved to them to intimate they were free to go out—but as they passed her they heard her issue a command to the guard at the door who followed them, and although they realized that he was for them a protection among the wild people of the underworld, yet it stripped them of all hope of ultimate escape. “Dez,” said Alan at last, “Do you love Kaweeka?” “No,” in a low voice. “Old chap, cut loose from her. When we get to the world again—don’t let our stay down here have coarsened us. The life is sordid enough, God knows, but don’t let _us_ be sordid.” “She has such power, Lanny.” “I know, Dez, but fight it down, boy, I’ll help you.” “Thanks, old chap.” Then suddenly, “Do you think we shall ever get away from here?” “I mean to have a try, how, when, or where I don’t know yet, but there are two of us now and we must fight hard for our freedom.” “I suppose we really ought to try and gain the confidence and trust of some of the natives?” “That won’t be easy, but we must make the most of any opportunity that may come our way.”