ompany, Carlos; but as there is some hazard in the
expedition, it may be better for you to remain in the fort."

"I suspect that Indian fellow has had something to do with the lameness
of the animal," whispered Carlos. "Captain Norton, who still thinks him
honest, would not believe me if I said so. However, I will keep my eye
on him; and I will shoot him through the head if I find him playing any
trick."

I urged Carlos not to do that, at all events; though I agreed that he
ought not to be allowed to go out of sight of his guards for a single
moment.

While we were still examining the horses, hoping that after a little
while the lameness would go off, one of the scouts called out that a
stranger was approaching.

"Maybe he is one of the blacks," I observed. But on mounting the
platform placed inside the stockade, I saw that the man was a white in
hunter's garb, and that he was carrying a deer on his shoulders. He was
accompanied by a handsome hound, which every now and then turned round,
as if on the watch to give him timely notice of the approach of any one
who might be following him. He hurried on, notwithstanding the weight
of the animal and holding his rifle in his hand, looking back every now
and then as if he did not feel himself secure from pursuit.

"Who comes there?" shouted the sentry.

"A friend," was the reply. "Open the gate, and let me in. I wish to
see your commanding officer."

I hurried down to tell Captain Norton, who ordered the gate to be
opened.

As the hunter advanced, what was my surprise to recognise our friend
Rochford. The gate was opened, and the hunter entered. Throwing down
the deer, he advanced with outstretched hand to meet Captain Norton.
Though he was much disguised by his hunter's dress, his sun-burned
features, and a huge moustache, as I watched him I felt sure that I was
not mistaken.

"What brings you here?" asked Captain Norton.

"I come to give you warning that you may at any moment be attacked by a
strong body of Indians. Don't you know me?" asked the hunter.

"What--Rochford!" exclaimed the captain, grasping his hand. "I am truly
glad to see you. Your coming thus at once proves that you are innocent
of the grave charge brought against you."

"I am certainly innocent of any intention of acting wrongly, though I
confess that I have allowed myself to be deceived in the character of
those it was my honest desire to assist. I cannot, however, at present