the jungle, and to the same point she now directed her steps, though by
a circuitous path. She muttered to herself as she went, and walked with
unwonted speed, as though she feared to lose one moment of time. At this
quick pace, she was soon hidden in the paths of the thick undergrowth
and forest land.

"Hark! what sound is that?" said Helen, suddenly turning and peering
into the thick foliage which surrounded the spot.

"I hear nothing," replied Charles Bramble. "It was some bird perhaps,
among these branches. But why do you look so pale, Helen?"

"It is so terrible. I thought the sound was like that of one of those
terrible serpents that frequent these parts, the anaconda, creeping
towards us."

"Nay, dearest, it was but your imagination; these reptiles avoid the
near approach to human habitations, and would not be likely to be here."

"There! there it is again," she said convulsively, drawing closely to
his side, while both looked towards the spot from whence at that moment
a sound proceeded.

In a moment more there broke forth from the clustering vines and trees
the figure of a man, with a drawn sword, who hastened with lowering brow
towards them! It was Robert Bramble, incensed beyond endurance at the
sight which met his vision through the vista of the foliage on his
approaching the spot; he paused but for one single moment, then yielding
to the power of his almost ungovernable temper, he drew his sword and
rushed forward, determined to sacrifice his brother's life. Helen seeing