Ah, if your Miriam were here, I would not fear to have him choose between us!" With these words, Semitzin stepped across the threshold of the crypt, and vanished in its depths.

The Indian, still dizzy and faint, knelt on the rock without, bowed down by sinister forebodings.
Several minutes passed.

"She has perished!" muttered Kamaiakan.
Freeman raised himself on one elbow, and gazed giddily about him.

"What the deuce has happened ?" he demanded, in a sluggish voice.

"Is that you, professor ?" Suddenly, a rending and rushing sound burst from the cave.