the woman.

"I have a plan," he cried. "It will require nerve and courage on
your part; but you have already shown that you possess both. Can
you endure still more?"

"I can endure anything," she replied with a brave smile, "that may
offer us even a slight chance for escape."

"You must simulate death," he explained, "while I carry you
from the camp. I will explain to the sentries that Mohammed Beyd
has ordered me to take your body into the jungle. This seemingly
unnecessary act I shall explain upon the grounds that Mohammed Beyd
had conceived a violent passion for you and that he so regretted
the act by which he had become your slayer that he could not endure
the silent reproach of your lifeless body."

The girl held up her hand to stop. A smile touched her lips.

"Are you quite mad?" she asked. "Do you imagine that the sentries
will credit any such ridiculous tale?"

"You do not know them," he replied. "Beneath their rough exteriors,
despite their calloused and criminal natures, there exists in
each a well-defined strain of romantic emotionalism--you will find
it among such as these throughout the world. It is romance which
lures men to lead wild lives of outlawry and crime. The ruse will
succeed--never fear."

Jane Clayton shrugged. "We can but try it--and then what?"