CHAPTER XXI
A PLAN OF ESCAPE
I was now of two minds, whether to make terms with Ackbau or to
endeavour to escape with Melannie from the Island of Gems in the boat
we had made ready for sea. On the one hand was immediate safety, and
the prospect of some ship calling at the island in which I might return
to civilization. On the other was a hazardous journey alone with a
young girl, who could not be expected to realize the dangers which lay
before her. Was I justified, I asked myself, in exposing the queen to
the tragedy which might await us upon the ocean? If captured I had no
doubt that both of us would be condemned by Ackbau to a cruel death,
and if we succeeded in getting away how should we exist until some
chance vessel came to our rescue? I mentioned my fears to Melannie, but
she would not hear of abandoning the project we had formed.
"Let us go, Peter," she urged. "Nothing but death, or worse, awaits us
here. As for you, at the next coming of the snake god after the one
that is about to take place you will assuredly be offered as a
sacrifice, for I may tell you that a solemn vow has been made by the
council to that effect.
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