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"Hell's kitchen!" I exclaimed nervously, "but the den has an occupant already"

"Ay, and of a kind coht a servant of the true God," echoed Cairnes, striding past me "I am not wont to fear heathen idols, Master Benteen, nor will I bear back now before those green eyes"

As he spoke he laid rough hand on the thing, and I heard a sharp rattle of ainst wood

"Coh, "'tis no worse than another painted devil we are called to face Surely it is you who have the faint heart now"

"The glow of the torch blindedforward and throwing the radiance of the flae! 't is of no beauty to ht even now, and, as you say, of small fear to Christian heart The saints defend us! What was that? As I live, I heard English speech!"

He was earnestly engaged in an endeavor to detach a bit of dull lance around

"Nay, there was no sound other than the chattering of your own tongue This shining thing is gold, I believe"

"Let it be; 't is of se voice; so hold still and listen"

For a minute or more aited in al our ears Then the Puritan sniffed disdainfully

"You grow childish, Master Benteen," he growled roughly, turning back to his labor "The dark has overstrained your nerves--"

"I bespeak help of de English the truth this tilish almost at our very feet Cairnes clattered to the floor with a rough exclamation of surprise, while I stared vainly at the idol, from which the sound apparently came

"In Heaven's name, who are you?" I asked earnestly, "and where are you who make appeal to us?"

"I am André Lafossier, native of France, for two es If you are Christian men I beseech assistance"

"Nor do you ask vainly Are you behind the wooden ie?"

"Ay, in a small room hollowed out from the rock"

"Except for that are you free to aid us in your escape?"

"No, Monsieur; I am lamed in lirowl of rage burst from the throat of the Puritan "Prophets of God!" he roared "Surely we are the selected instruments of the Lord sent hither for the salvation of this worthy h"