I am sorry now that I did not act, but you can readily
see the position in which I was placed."

"Can nothing be done to get her back?" cried the father.
"There must be some way to save her. Do it von Horn,
and not only is my daughter yours but my wealth as well--
every thing that I possess shall be yours if you will
but save her from those frightful creatures."

"The Ithaca is gone, too," replied the doctor. "There
is only a small boat that I hid in the jungle for some
such emergency. It will carry us to Borneo, but what
can we four do against five hundred pirates and the
dozen monsters you have brought into the world?
No, Professor Maxon, I fear there is little hope,
though I am willing to give my life in an attempt
to save Virginia. You will not forget your promise
should we succeed?"

"No, doctor," replied the old man. "I swear that you
shall have Virginia as your wife, and all my property
shall be made over to you if she is rescued."

Sing Lee had been a silent listener to this strange
conversation. An odd look came into his slant eyes
as he heard von Horn exact a confirmation from
the professor, but what passed in his shrewd mind
only he could say.

It was too late to attempt to make a start that day for Borneo,