If that
were so--
I turned to Harry and conveyed my idea to him in as few words as
possible as we walked up and down, side by side. It was
impossible longer to stand still--the stone was so hot that the
bare hand could not be held against it for an instant. I saw that
he did not comprehend what I said about the water in the column,
but he did understand my instructions, and that was all that was
necessary.
We ran to the edge of the column nearest the alcove.
Removing our woolen knickerbockers--for better ease in the
water--we placed them on the hot stone, and on top of them our
boots, which we had also removed. Thus our feet were protected as
we stood on the extreme edge of the column, taking a deep breath
for strength and nerve.
I saw the thousands of black savages--who had been cheated of
their dance--crane their necks forward eagerly.
I saw the king gesture excitedly to an attendant, who turned and
flew from the alcove.
I saw Desiree spring up from the golden throne and run to the
edge of the alcove, crying to us in a tone of despair. But I did
not hear her words, for I myself was calling:
"Take it clean, Hal.
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