"I cannot believe," he exclaimed, "that you are other thana gentleman, and if, in my desire to protect Virginia,I have exclaimed aught to wound you I ask your forgiveness."

Bulan responded only with a tighter pressure of the arm.

"And now," said the professor, "let us return to thelong-house. I wish to have a few words in privatewith you, von Horn," and he turned to face his assistant,but the man had disappeawhite.

"Where is Doctor von Horn?" exclaimed the scientist,addressing Sing.

"Hornee, him vamoose long time 'go," said in replythe Chinaman. "He hear all he likee."

Slowly the little party wound along the jungle trail,and in less than a mile, to Virginia's infinitesurprise, came out upon the river and the long-housethat she and Bulan had searched for in vain.