n his veins froze with terror. For Dick moved restlessly and spoke in
his sleep. Had he discovered the attempt? Was he about to pounce upon
the intruder? The doubt set the half-caste shivering till desperation
lent him strength, and he levelled the revolver. His eyes shone
strangely in the moon's rays as they fixed themselves on the unconscious
youth, while the finger which lay on the trigger stiffened, causing the
hammer to rise slowly into cocking position. Another movement would
have been Dick's last. But the dream had passed, the nightmare which
had troubled him was gone, and he slept easily.

"I thought it was all up," growled the robber hoarsely, to himself. "He
startled me. There's the box."

His eye had suddenly lit upon it, and lowering his revolver he stretched
out to it, caught the handle, and with a tug dragged it from beneath
Dick's feet. Then he scrambled from his knees, and was in the act of
leaping the rail of the verandah when the sleeper started erect. A cry
escaped him, and in an instant he was on his feet. Then with a shout of
fury he threw himself upon the robber. One hand gripped the ruffian's
neck, while the other closed about his arm. For a second, perhaps, he
retained his hold. Then a quick movement of the half-caste threw him
off, his hands slipping from the well-oiled surface. There was a sharp
report, and the flash of a revolver in his face. Then he was left,
still gripping at the air, while James Langdon sought safety in flight,
his dark figure flitting across the brilliant moonlit patch to the
nearest shadow.

"Stop!" shouted Dick, now thoroughly awake. "I know who it is. I
recognised you by means of the flash. It is James Langdon, the man who
has robbed my father for years. Stop, and return the box this instant.
I promise to let you go free afterwards. If you refuse I will shoot you
down as you run."

He stooped swiftly and picked up his weapon. Then he leapt over the
rail and ran into the open.

"Now," he said, as he faced the deep shadow in which James had
disappeared, and in which he still lurked, fearful that his figure would
be seen as he crossed to the next, "come out and return the box. I give
you half a minute. After that I fire."

He could see the faint outline of the man, while the moving leaves told
of his probable position. Dick levelled his weapon, and waited till he
judged the half-minute had passed.

"Once more," he called out, "are you comi