Page:The Cave Girl - Edgar Rice Burroughs.pdf/48

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THE CAVE GIRL

“As I wandered through the woods I came suddenly out upon a beach, and there I saw a strange figure on the sand. It was you. I wanted to learn what manner of man you were. But I was very much afraid, so that I dared only watch you from a distance.

“Five times I came down to look at you. You never saw me until the last time, then you set out after me, roaring in a horrible voice.

“I was very much afraid, for I knew that you must be very brave to live all alone by the edge of the forest without any shelter, or even a stone to hurl at Nagoola, should he come out of the woods to devour you.”

Waldo Emerson shuddered.

“Who is Nagoola?” he asked.

“You do not know Nagoola!” the girl exclaimed in surprise.

“Not by that name,” replied Waldo.

“He is as large,” she began in description, “as two men, and black, with glossy coat. He has two yellow eyes, which see as well by night as by day. His great paws are armed with mighty claws. He——

A rustling from the bushes which fringed the opposite cliff-top caused her to turn, instantly alert.

“Ah,” she whispered, “there is Nagoola now.”

Waldo looked in the direction of her gaze.