es, but sorrow will not mend it. We have been, and are, living on the
edge of a volcano here, young gentlemen, and the slightest thing may
cause an eruption. This act of yours, I greatly fear, will bring the
flames about our heads."

Bob Roberts turned pale, as he thought of the ladies.

"But they'd never dare, sir," he began.

"Dare? I believe the Malays are quite daring enough to attack us,
should they feel disposed. But there, we need not discuss that matter.
You young gentlemen have, however, been very jubilant over your rescue
of these poor girls, and you have been summoned here to warn you, while
your respective officers take into consideration what punishment is
awarded to you, that your noisy demonstrations are very much out of
place."

"Punishment, sir!" said Bob, who looked aghast.

"Yes," said the resident sharply, "punishment. You do not seem to
realise, young gentleman, that your act to-day has fired a train.
Besides which, it is a question of such import that I must make it the
basis of a special despatch to the colonial secretary at Whitehall."

Bob Roberts turned round and stared at Tom Long, but the latter was
staring at Major Sandars.

"I don't think I need say any more, young gentlemen," said the resident
quietly, "and I fervently hope that I may be able to peaceably settle
this matter; but it is quite on the cards that it may be the cause of a
deadly strife. And I sincerely trust that whatever may be the upshot of
this affair, it may be a warning to you, as young English officers, to
think a little more, and consider, before you take any serious step in
your careers; for sometimes a very slight error may result in the loss
of life. In this case, yours has not been a slight error, but a grave
one."

"Though we all own as quite true," said Captain Horton, "that we don't
see how you could have acted differently; eh, Sandars?"

"Yes, yes, of course. But, hang it all, Long, how could you go and get
into such a confounded pickle? It's too bad, sir, 'pon my soul, sir; it
is too bad--much too bad."

"Are we to be under arrest, sir?" said Bob Roberts, rather blankly.

"Not if you'll both promise to keep within bounds," said Captain Horton.
"No nonsense."

"No, sir," said Bob glumly.

"Of course not, sir," said Tom.

"That will do then, young gentlemen," said the resident gravely; and the
two youths went blankly off to their several quarters.

"Poor boys! I'm sorry for them," said