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he kept his eyes upon her face as he walked, and a new emotion filled his breast.

He did not understand it, but it was very pleasant, and he knew that it was

because of the radiant thing that he carried in his arms.

The scream that had startled von Horn and Professor Maxon led them along the

trail toward the east coast of the island, and about halfway of the distance they

stumbled upon the dazed and bloody Sing just as he was on the point of

regaining consciousness.

"For God's sake, Sing, what is the matter?" cried von Horn. "Where is Miss

Maxon?"

"Big blute, he catchem Linee. Tly kill Sing. Head hit tlee. No see any more.

Wakee up--all glone," moaned the Chinaman as he tried to gain his feet.

Which way did he take her?" urged von Horn.

Sing's quick eyes scanned the surrounding jungle, and in a moment, staggering

to his feet, he cried, "Look see, klick! Foot plint!" and ran, weak and reeling

drunkenly, along the broad trail made by the giant creature and its prey.

Von Horn and Professor Maxon followed closely in Sing's wake, the younger man

horrified by the terrible possibilities that obtruded themselves into his

imagination despite his every effort to assure himself that no harm could come to

Virginia Maxon before they reached her. The girl's father had not spoken since

they discovered that she was missing from the campong, but his face was white

and drawn; his eyes wide and glassy as those of one whose mind is on the verge

of madness from a great nervous shock.

The trail of the creature was bewilderingly erratic. A dozen paces straight

through the underbrush, then a sharp turn at right angles for no apparent

reason, only to veer again suddenly in a new direction! Thus, turning and

twisting, the tortuous way led them toward the south end of the island, until

Sing, who was in advance, gave a sharp cry of surprise.

Klick! Look see!" he cried excitedly. "Blig blute dead--vely muchee dead."

Von Horn rushed forward to where the Chinaman was leaning over the body of

Number One. Sure enough, the great brute lay motionless, its horrid face even

more hideous in death than in life, if it were possible. The face was black, the

tongue protruded, the skin was bruised from the heavy fists of his assailant and

the thick skull crushed and splintered from terrific impact with the tree.

The Monster Men