re serious than it really was.

Their surgical operations ended, the two sought some place where they
might rest, and learn from each other the causes of the captivity that
brought about such an unexpected meeting. They seemed to be unguarded
and left entirely to their own devices, but the moment they attempted
to go beyond the noisy limits of the camp they were confronted by a
rifle-bearing young warrior who sternly motioned them back. Being thus
repulsed several times, they were finally compelled to sit under a
tree, well within the confines of the camp and in view of all its busy
occupants. Here Christie learned of Donald's adventures since their
midnight parting, and, while applauding his bravery, chided him for
engaging in so dangerous an undertaking.

"If it had only been wholly successful, and left you at liberty," said
Donald, "I should feel amply repaid."

"And so it would have done, but for my own carelessness," replied
Christie, who thereupon gave an account of the explosion, its effect on
the savages, and the manner in which he had fallen into their hands,
while his men escaped. "I can't understand that mine business,
though," he said, in conclusion, "for I had no idea Indians were up to
such things."

"Do you recall the capital English of the person who demanded your
surrender last night?" asked Donald.

"Certainly."

"Did the voice sound at all familiar?"

"I can't say that it did. Why?"

"It was that of an Englishman, though?"

"I believe so. And of course it was he who devised the plan of the
mine. He must have been some renegade British soldier. The scoundrel!
Would that I had him in my power for just five minutes! He must have
met his just deserts, though, and fallen a victim to his own diabolical
trap, thanks to you, for, besides ourselves, there is certainly no
white man in this camp."

"If that is the case, and my own surmise is a true one, I don't know
whether I am most glad or sorry," said Donald.

"What do you mean? What is your surmise?" inquired Christie, curiously.

"Do you remember that I mentioned seeing a certain bath-tub in one of
the canoes that brought this war-party?"

"Bullen's? Of course I do. But you can't for an instant imagine that
he had a hand in this outrage?"

"Well, you undoubtedly know the paymaster better than I, but I must
confess that I should like to meet him, and hear his own account of his
movements during the past ten days or so."

"That