vestigation, he hastily restored his revolver to its
place and ran, faster than ever, in the direction of the Fort.

Suddenly the air behind him was rent with shrill clamour, and he knew
the village was aroused at last; but he cared little now, for he was
close to his desired haven; and a last spurt over the rocks at the
entrance to the valley landed him, spent and breathless, at the foot of
the Fort, beneath the window from which dangled the precious rope which
should carry him to safety.

Regardless now of precaution, he lifted such voice as remained to him in
a would-be lusty hail; and as an answering shout came from above he
wasted no further time, but seized the rope and began--painfully now,
for he was exhausted--to haul himself slowly up, cheered on by Garnett's
hearty congratulations from above.

* * * * *

"By Jove, that was a close call!" Once safely inside the building, the
dangling rope pulled through the window after him, Anstice collapsed on
the rough stone floor and mopped his brow feebly.

"I should say so!" The resourceful Australian had already produced a
tiny flask of brandy. "Here, take a pull at this, and you'll feel better
in a second. And when you've recovered, if you'll explain the meaning of
the shooting-match, I'll be thankful to you."

Between his gasps Anstice described the chase and its subsequent ending;
and Garnett's eyes shone with an unholy lust for battle as he listened.

"Good on you!" He clapped the other man on the shoulder with a
heartiness which was almost painful. "Well, we'll have the hornet's nest
about our ears in no time now; but at least we've got you back safe and
sound, and with a bit of luck we'll hold out grandly till the
reinforcements come!"

"How is Cheniston?" Anstice rose as he spoke and slipped the goat-skin
from off his shoulders. "Anything happened since I've been away?"

"Not that I know of--but I believe he was pretty bad a while ago."
Garnett's face clouded. "Jolly rough luck on his wife, isn't it? She's
so young, and so plucky, and I see you expect the poor chap to peg out."

"I think I'll go and see him," said Anstice slowly, the exhilaration
dying from his manner; and as Garnett pulled aside the rough curtain
which covered the doorway he stepped on to the uneven stone floor
without.

And then he came to a pause; for Iris was coming towards him; and her
face wore a curiously stricken look which made his heart miss a