''Now,''  whispered  Dio,  "  is  our  opportunity."

He  gently  took  her,  in  what  he  felt  was  almost  a
fainting  state,  into  his  arms,  and  shot  swiftly  for-
ward. As  he  neared  the  recess  he  could  almost
hear  the  breathing  of  the  robbers,  so  close  were


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Blue  iEG^EAN  and  Profound  Tartarus.  299

they  to  him.  But  his  foot  fell  as  lightly  on  the
stone  as  did  the  faint  day-beam  itself.  Damaris,  as
she  listened  with  closed  eyes  but  with  preternatural
sharpness  of  ear  to  every  sound,  heard  nothing  as
she  felt  herself  borne  forward  with  a  swiftness  she
had  never  before  known,  even  at  Olympia.  And
yet  with  what  gentleness,  and,  apparently,  supreme
ease  to  him !  No  panting,  no  quickened  bteathing
even,  could  she  detect  as  she  lay  like  a  snow-flake
on  his  bosom.  An  awe  crept  over  her  with  the
sense  of  such  majestic  strength.  It  seemed  almost
divine.  Still  on  and  on,  if  possible  with  a  speed
that  rather  increased  than  diminished.  Were  they
being  pursued?  She  dared  not  open  her  eyes.
