and the necessity for keeping the origin of the young
giant from her knowledge.
"I am surprised at you, Dr. von Horn," he continued in
a more level voice. "You must indeed have forgotten
yourself to thus attack a stranger upon our island
until you know whether he be friend or foe. Come!
Escort my daughter to the camp, while I make the proper
apologies to this gentleman." As he saw that both
Virginia and von Horn hesitated, he repeated his command
in a peremptory tone, adding; "Quick, now; do as I bid you."
The moment had given von Horn an opportunity to regain
his self-control, and realizing as well as did his employer,
but from another motive, the necessity of keeping the truth
from the girl, he took her arm and led her gently from the scene.
At Professor Maxon's direction Sing accompanied them.
Now in Number Thirteen's brief career he had known no
other authority than Professor Maxon's, and so it was
that when his master laid a hand upon his wrist he
remained beside him while another walked away with the
lovely creature he had thought his very own.
Until after dark the professor kept the young man
hidden in the jungle, and then, safe from detection,
led him back to the laboratory.
5
TREASON
On their return to camp after her rescue Virginia
talked a great deal to von Horn about the young giant
who had rescued her, until the man feared that she was
more interested in him than seemed good for his own plans.
He had now cast from him the last vestige of his
loyalty for his employer, and thus freed had determined
to use every means within his power to win Professor
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