To me one point was as good as another. What knew I where any of them led! And so without waiting to be again discovered and thwarted, I ran quickly up the short, steep incline and pushed open the doorway at its end.

The portal swung slowly in, and before it could be slammed against me I sprang into the chamber beyond. Although not yet dawn, the room was brilliantly lighted.

Its sole occupant lay prone upon a low couch at the further side, apparently in sleep. From the hangings and sumptuous furniture of the room I judged it to be a living-room of some priestess, possibly of Issus herself.

At the thought the blood tingled through my veins. What, indeed, if fortune had been kind enough to place the hideous creature alone and unguarded in my hands. With her as hostage I could force acquiescence to my every demand. Cautiously I approached the recumbent figure, on noiseless feet.

Closer and closer I came to it, but I had crossed but little more than half the chamber when the figure stirred, and, as I sprang, rose and faced me.

At first an expression of terror overspread the features of the woman who confronted me-then startled incredulity-hope-thanksgiving.

My heart pounded within my breast as I advanced toward her-tears came to my eyes-and the words that would have poured forth in a perfect torrent choked in my throat as I opened my arms and took into them once more the woman I loved-Dejah Thoris, Princess of Helium.

CHAPTER XXII

VICTORY AND DEFEAT

"John Carter, John Carter," she sobbed, with her dear head upon my shoulder; "even now I can scarce believe the

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