he advanced, he scrutinized the ground in front and on every hand, like
a scout stealing into a hostile camp. Within less time than he counted
upon he saw the boat lying close to shore, where his friends were
awaiting him. As soon as he recognized the craft he announced himself
in a guarded undertone, to guard against any mistake, and the next
moment clambered aboard, where, it need not be said, he was warmly
welcomed.

After they had exchanged greetings the doctor asked:

"Did I not hear the report of your pistol a little while ago?"

"Inasmuch as I discharged it very probably you did."

Thereupon Jack told of what he had seen and done since leaving the boat
to recover the pistol of Miss Marlowe. It was a story of deep interest
to all, and his account of his meeting with the faithless Mustad deeply
stirred his master.

"Despite my denunciation of the fellow I confess I had a lingering
suspicion that I might have been mistaken; but all doubt now is
removed. There is no native in all India to be more dreaded than he."

"I have a faint hope that it was he with whom I made my fourth
bull's-eye," remarked Jack.

"Hardly likely. Probably there were two others skulking on the outside
and waiting for a chance at us."

"But they had all the chance they could have asked at _me_."