more of the gang, big strong
fellows, came in, and I prepared for a strong resistance.

Before, however, the men touched me, Sir Rupert Frampton's face
appeared in the doorway; he had evidently just got out of bed, and wore
a dressing-gown.

"It is no use whatever making any resistance to these men, Mr.
Anstruther," he said, speaking in French; "you will probably lose your
life if you do. Submit to what they demand, and we will make a claim
against the Government at Valoro for whatever you lose. During the
whole of my long connection with Aquazilia," he added, "I have only
known such a robbery as this occur twice, and knowing the present
peaceful and law-abiding state of the country, I cannot understand it."

"Very well then, Sir Rupert," I said, after a pause, "I will submit to
these men, but I call upon you to witness my protest at the outrage!"

He nodded his head at my words, and in obedience to a further request
from the giant, I proceeded to undress.

When this was done, they were not satisfied to search my clothes only,
but took them away with them for further examination.

After returning me my light silk under-vest and drawers, they brought
me a loose cowboy's dress, such as they wore themselves, and intimated
that I must put it on.

It was no use demurring, so with a plaintive look at Sir Rupert, who,
hardly able to repress his laughter, was still standing by, I did as I
was bid.

"Now," proceeded the chief, "we have not found what we want about your
person, Mr. Anstruther; we must look for it among your luggage."

He dangled my bunch of keys in his hand as he spoke. "Follow me,
please."

The others closed round me and we went together to the luggage-car;
here my luggage, which was fully marked with my name, was already set
aside. They proceeded at once to thoroughly search each trunk, but
replacing every article as they did so; loot was evidently not their
object.

They came at last to the end of it; and the chief turned to me savagely.

"_Carajo!_ Mr. Anstruther," he said, "you are playing with us. Do you
refuse to tell us where this packet is?"

"Supposing I don't know?" I replied prevaricatingly, "supposing it is
out of my power to tell you?"

"Then," he answered, with a savage oath, "we shall take you with us,
and perhaps another besides, and hold you both as hostages until the
packet is given up to us by _somebody_."

After a pause I shrugged my shoulders.

"You must do as you