Mermaid's Cave, he would descend from his
narrow perch, and follow the retreating tide. There would be light
enough in the Cave of the Silver Sand. If an encounter must take place
before he could get away from the caves, he preferred it should take
place in daylight. As soon, therefore, as the lapping of the waves grew
faint and died softly away, he felt his way down from the ledge of rock,
and round by the walls to the Rift.

Barely had he waded through it when he heard voices behind him. A cold
shiver ran down his back at the sound. Jack must be approaching with the
children. Julien had been saved, then, for it was the voice of the
French boy he heard speaking. The whole party would be upon him soon.
With some anxiety, Thomas looked at the sea. Rapidly as it was going
down, there was no chance that it would leave the cave in time for him
to make his escape without being seen. There were rocks scattered about
on all sides, however, which offered him a place of concealment, and he
was not slow to avail himself of their shelter. Barely had he thrown
himself behind one when Jack and his charges appeared.

'And when do you think it will be?' he heard Estelle saying, as she held
Jack's hand, and walked soberly at his side.

'I can't say exactly, Missie,' was the reply. 'Maybe in a week or a
fortnight.'

'I can't bear to think of your going,' said Julien, gloomily; 'it has
been so happy since you have been here. What shall I do without my
companion?'

They were going to take her away, then. Thomas was in despair as he
listened. Still, something might be done in a fortnight. He was
determined to get another chance of kidnapping Estelle. It would be easy
if only he could get rid of Jack. But how was that to be done?

(_Continued on page 334._)

PUZZLERS FOR WISE HEADS.

12.--ACROSTIC.

(1) A Roman article of attire.
(2) A weapon peculiar to the animal kingdom.
(3) A left-handed man who slew a king with a dagger.
(4) One form of the element of which diamonds are made.
(5) To force by pressure.
(6) A geographical division of land.
(7) Rather hard of hearing.
(8) Bad.
(9) To have confidence.

Initials and finals give the title of a well-known fable.

W. S.

[_Answer on page 371._]

* * * * *

ANSWER TO PUZZLE ON PAGE 288.

11.--C al M
A lm A
T ea R
T ur K
L ut E
E di T

THE SUN AND