of the island. It was not a large beach on this side, but it
had, at its western end, a curious line of small cliffs, in the centre
of which a small black spot could be discerned looking remarkably like
the entrance to a cave. Towards this we pressed, forgetting our
weariness in the excitement of the search.

It _was_ a cave, and a large one. So far the letter was correct.
Preparing ourselves, in case of surprise, we approached the entrance,
calling Mr. Wetherell's name. As our shouts died away a voice came out
in answer, and thereupon we rushed in.

A remarkable sight met our eyes. In the centre of the cave was a stout
upright post, some six or eight feet in height, and securely tied to
this was the Colonial Secretary of New South Wales.

In less time almost than it takes to tell, we had cast loose the ropes
which bound him, and led him, for he was too weak to stand alone, out
into the open air. While he was resting he inquired after his daughter,
and having learned that she was safe, gave us the following explanation.
Addressing himself to me he said:

"When you cried 'Make for the boats,' I ran up the hill with the others
as fast as I could go; but I'm an old man and could not get along as
quickly as I wanted to, and for this reason was soon left far behind. I
must have been half-way down the hill when a tall man, dressed in white,
stepped out from behind a bush, and raising a rifle bade me come to a
standstill. Having no time to lift my own weapon I was obliged to do as
he ordered me, and he thereupon told me to lay down my weapon and
right-about face. In this fashion I was marched back to the huts we had
just left, and then, another man having joined my captor, was conducted
across the island to this beach, where a boat was in waiting. In it I
was pulled out to a small schooner lying at anchor in the bay and
ordered to board her; five minutes later I was conducted to the saloon.

"'Good-evening, Mr. Wetherell. This is indeed a pleasure,' said a man
sitting at the farther end of the table. He was playing with a big black
cat, and directly I heard his voice I knew that I was in the presence of
Dr. Nikola.

"'And how do you think I am going to punish you, my friend, for giving
me all this trouble?' he said when I made no reply to his first remark.

"'You dare not do anything to me,' I answered. 'I demand that you let me
go this instant. I have a big score to settle with you.'

"'If you will be warned by me you