“All day!  I never thought of it until this minute.  I am half famished myself,” he cried in dismay.  Then he rushed to the door and shouted to some natives who were standing near by eyeing the crude building inquisitively by the light of a single torch.  “Hey! you fellows!”

At the sight of his white figure and the sound of his voice, torch and all fell to the ground.

“Get up, you blamed fools,” called the white man, walking toward them in exasperation.  They arose tremblingly as he drew near, and he managed by signs to make them understand that he wanted food and drink.  Away they dashed, and he re-entered the temple.  Lady Tennys was laughing.

“What are you laughing at?” he asked in surprise.

“It was so funny to hear you call them fools.”

“I hope they understood me.  Anyhow, they’ve gone for the fatted cocoanut or something equally as oriental.”

In less time than seemed possible the happy messengers arrived at the door with food enough for a dozen hungry people.  The giant chief followed his subjects, and it was through his hands that Hugh received the welcome food.  The white people were gratified to find in the assortment rich bananas and oranges, raw meat, peculiar shell fish, berries and vegetables resembling the tomato.  At first the natives looked a little dismayed over the disordered condition of the temple, but no sign of resentment appeared, much to the relief of Lady Tennys.  The luscious offerings were placed on one of the stone blocks as fast as they were handed to Ridgeway, the natives looking on in feeble consternation.

The chief was the only one to enter the temple, and he started to prostrate himself before the stone idol.  He appeared to be at a loss as to what course he should pursue.  Hugh promptly relieved him.  Shaking his head vigorously, he pointed to the stone image, signifying that there were to be no more salutations bestowed upon it, all homage being due to himself and the lady.  The fickle pagan, after a waning look of love for their renounced idol, proceeded to treat it with scorn by devoting himself entirely to the usurpers.  He brought cocoanut shells filled with cool water, and the thirsty ones drank.

“We seem to have got here in the fruit, fish, vegetable and novelty season, to say the least,” observed Hugh.

“Isn’t it wonderful?” was all she could say, her eyes sparkling.  Never had he seen her so ravishingly beautiful as now, filled as she was with the mingled emotions of fear, excitement, interest, even of rapture.  He could not prevent or subdue the thrill of indescribable joy which grew out of the selfish thought that he had saved her and that she must lean upon him solely for protection in this wild land.  Turning sharply from her, he glanced at the tempting feast and unceremoniously dismissed the chief and his followers.  The big savage stood undecided for a moment in the centre of the room, wavering between fear of the new god’s displeasure and an evident desire to perform some service.