"Both you and your daughter could only have interpreted

any such action on my part as instigated by self-

interest, for you both knew that I wanted to make

her my wife," replied the other. "My hands were tied.

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,

as darkness had already fallen. Professor Maxon and von Horn

walked over to the workshop and the inner campong to ascertain

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