and his companions began at once to discuss the
bearings of the strange incident, talking over the possibility of the
man having been lost, perhaps for years, in one of the great deserts
towards the south, and having at last found his way back to
civilisation, while the two boys sat silently drinking in every word,
associating their weird visitor with wild and stirring adventures in the
unknown land.

"I say, Ned," said Chris that night when they went to their rough beds,
"shouldn't you like to go right off and see what the wild part of the
country's like?"

"I just should," replied Chris's companion. "We'd take rifles and
plenty of ammunition, and go exploring. It would be fine!"

"But they wouldn't let us go," said Chris slowly.

"Think not?"

"Sure of it. Why, if I was to ask father to give me leave he'd take me
out to the long shed and say, Do you want to come back like that poor
fellow there? So would your father."

"Yes. Just as if it was likely! I dare say he lost himself, poor chap.
We shouldn't," continued Ned. "The way would be always to take
bearings, and never lose sight of them."

"Or take a big ball of white cotton and unwind it as you go," said
Chris, grinning. "You're bound to find your way back then."

"Get out! You're poking fun at me," said Ned quietly. "I know a better
way than that of yours, which is of course nonsense. How could a fellow
take miles of cotton in his pocket to unwind! No: I tell you what! The
best way would be--Chris!--Chris!--Why don't you answer? Oh, what a
Dummkopf it is! Fast as a top in a moment! I never saw such a fellow
to sleep!"

CHAPTER FOUR.

WENT OFF TO SLEEP.

Chris was, as they say, "fast as a top," but he was the first to awaken
in the morning, according to his regular custom, just when the orange
sun was beginning to tinge the east, and jumping up and scrambling on
his clothes he stepped out into the cool dawn, with the intention of
having a look at the bony features which had haunted his dreams. But
just as he reached the open doorway and was about to step cautiously
inside, there was a faint rustling sound which made his heart seem to
stand still with the chill of horror which ran through him, for from out
of the darkness where the stranger had been laid a shadowy form rose up
and came forward.

The feeling of dread was only momentary, though it was succeeded by a
strange shrinking from coming face to face with the awe-inspiring