had managed to slip out before that grim portal had actually
closed upon him. The effect of all that he had been through, however,
was not to be shaken off in a day. For a week he hovered between life
and death, devotedly attended by Bertram, who scarcely left his side for
a moment. Needless to say, the curiosity of the trio was painfully
excited to know what had become of Moreas, and how it was that Max had
returned alone. The bullet-wound in his shoulder and the marks upon his
chest, which, by the way, were beginning to heal, only added to their
wonderment. But, anxious as they were to hear the story, Bertram would
not allow him to give them as much as a hint of it until he was strong
enough to do so without fear of injury to himself. Then, for one
never-to-be-forgotten hour, Max spoke. He described all that had
befallen them since they had said farewell to each other; he told them
of the success that had attended their labours on the field, and then
went on to speak of Moreas' treachery, and of the last great discovery
he had made.

"Feeling that it was the only thing to be done, I returned to the camp
and taxed him with it," he continued. "As soon as he knew that he was
discovered, and not only discovered, but that his precious stones had
been found and hidden elsewhere, he was beside himself with rage. For my
own part, I believe it was his intention, in any case, to have shot me
as soon as I should return; be that as it may, however, he certainly
fired at me, and his bullet pierced my shoulder. In return, I shot him
dead. Then, without thought of anything else, save to see the last of
it, I gathered my goods together and fairly bolted from the plain."

"But what about the second bag of diamonds?" cried Rodriguez, and
Pereira echoed the question.

"I left them in the place I had chosen for them," Max replied. "There
let them remain."

"Hear, hear!" said Bertram. "I for one will have nothing to do with
them."

The two Spaniards, however, thought otherwise. If Moreas were dead, and
the two others were willing to forego their share, here was a chance of
a glorious fortune for both of them. Max, however, encouraged by
Bertram, remained obstinate. He was determined that the two men, even
provided they were willing to run the risks attendant on reaching the
plain, should not obtain the stones. They might curse, implore,
threaten, and cajole, but without success.

"There are diamonds there," said Max. "If you are de