head, and was gone. Then the executioners unbound the limbs of the
ex-king, and he rose from the stone of death.

"Olfan," cried Juanna from on high, "you that were the king, we, who
have taken your kingship, give you life, and liberty, and honour; see
that in reward you serve us well, lest again you should lie upon that
bed of stone. Do you swear fealty to us?"

"For ever and for ever. I swear it by your holy heads," answered Olfan.

"It is well. Now under us once more we give you command of the armies of
this people, our children. Summon your captains and your soldiers. Bid
those that brought us hither lead us back whence we came, and there set
guards about us, so that none trouble us. For you, our people, for this
time fare you well. Go in peace to dwell in peace beneath the shadow of
our strength."



CHAPTER XXIV

OLFAN TELLS OF THE RUBIES

It was at this juncture that Francisco recovered his senses. "Oh!" he
gasped, opening his eyes and sitting up, "is it done, and am I dead?"

"No, no, you are alive and safe," answered Leonard. "Stay where you are
and don't look over the edge, or you will faint again. Here, take my
hand. Now, you brute," and he made energetic motions to the surviving
priest, indicating that he must lead them back along the path by which