If all then failed, he must die himself with Muriel! For two seconds he hesitated.

It was hateful even to temporize with so hideous a proposition.

But for Muriel's sake, for her dear life's sake, he must meet these savages with guile for guile.

"If it be, indeed, the custom of Boupari," he answered back, with pale and trembling lips, "and if I, one man, am powerless to prevent it, I will give your message, myself, to the Queen of the Clouds, and you may send, as you say, your wedding decorations.

But come what will--mark this--you shall not see her yourself to-day.