near. The window was shut tight. From curiosity only he tried to open
the shutter, but it was immovable. Looking round, he saw another candle
on the window-sill opposite. He lighted it also, and mechanically tried
to force the shutters of the window, but they were tight also.

Going to the door, which opened into the farmyard, he found it securely
fastened. Although he turned the lock, the door would not open.

Presently his attention was drawn by the glitter of something upon one of
the crosspieces of timber halfway up the wall. Going over, he examined
it, and found it to be a broken bayonet--left there by a careless rebel.
Placing the steel again upon the ledge, he began walking up and down
thoughtfully.

Presently he was seized with a fit of coughing. The paroxysm lasted a
minute or more, and he placed his arm upon the window-sill, leaning his
head upon it. Presently, as the paroxysm lessened, he thought he heard
the click of a lock. He raised his head, but his eyes were misty, and,
seeing nothing, he leaned his head on his arm again.

Suddenly he felt something near him. He swung round swiftly, and saw
Vanne Castine's bear not fifteen-feet away from him! It raised itself on
its hind legs, its red eyes rolling, and started towards him. He picked
up the candle from the window-sill, threw it in the animal's face, and
dashed towards the door.

It was locked. He swung round. The huge beast, with a loud snarl, was
coming down upon him.

Here he was, shut within four solid walls, with a wild beast hungry for