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"I may not comprehend the claims of family pride, Mada better "Of that I know little Yet I cannot contend that your decision is wrong However, let us talk of other things, perreement to adjust itself You have not stated how I am to escape from this present predicament It surely looks a problem not easily solved"

"Nor is it clear even in e of topic, "because I do not know the ending of a certain passage underground Yet I have a plan Behind the curtain, yonder, a concealed opening leads doard into an underground gallery I have ventured to explore it for only a brief distance, but trust it may end under the open sky At least our only hope is that youIf not, you can only return to me, and ilt seek other means for escape, if, indeed, there are any"

"I am to understand you do not flee with ravely, her cheeks flushed, her dark eyes lowered

"No; I deem such move not best after those words the Queen spoke to you last night," she answered simply "Besides, our best efforts at escape would be futile should she suspect you have not perished where she entombed you I am safe here, for the present at least, while you can accomplish much more for all of us if she believes you dead and takes no precautions to guard against you"

I could scarcely bear the thought of her ree creature, ielded such despotic power over her wild tribesed reconsideration, urging her to accoe it no longer, good friend I know you speak from the heart, yet it is not best You cannot knohat depths of peril, or disappoint behind, I can help to hide your trail, and possibly open to you some way of retreat But hush!" She held up her hand "It is the Queen returning; neither of usundisputed possession of the uplifted palm

"I depart at your wish, Mada us to each other again"

For a breathless instant, even while the sounds without drew nearer, her eyes looked confidingly into ravely "Here or hereafter, Geoffrey Benteen, I believe it shall be Until then, continue to prove the sa not the trust of her who now bids you speed"