CHAPTER XXVI.
THE FLIGHT.
Never had Ziffak shown such fearful excitement.

He swung his arms, and in his wild agitation uttered some of his words in Murhapa, but his meaning was caught by Ashman, who was infected by his overwhelming emotion.

He was distraught for the moment, and stood undecided what to do.
It was the lovely Ariel who showed the most self-command.
"Whither shall we go, Ziffak ?" she asked in English.
"To the enchanted lake; to the burning mountain! You know the way! Nothing else will save you, and you are lost if you wait another minute!" And laying hands on the young man, he whirled him about and gave him a shove which nearly threw him off his feet.

Then he reached to catch her, but she eluded him and slipped like a bird to the side of her lover.
"We will go!" said she; "leave us alone!" Ashman turned his head and seizing the hand of his companion, said, "You are my guide now! Lead on, and I will follow you to the death!" She made no answer, but moved rapidly through the wood until they came to the open space along the river.

Here, since there were no obstructions, they increased their pace almost to a run.