"It may have been the doctor and his daughter whom they were the most
eager to secure," suggested Mr. Turner.

"That is my belief," added Anderson.

"And mine, too," joined the doctor himself. "It seems to be a trait of
our perverse human nature to hate with the deepest intensity those who
have done us the greatest kindness."

This remark meant more to Jack Everson than to any one else, for he
believed that it was the daughter who was the special object of the
natives. That reminded him of the weapon he had secured.

"Here," he said, "take it before I forget to return it."

"You risked a good deal for my sake," she said gratefully, accepting
the weapon, "and I cannot thank you sufficiently---- Well, I declare!"

She was in the act of placing the pistol in the pocket of her dress
when she made the discovery that her weapon was already there. Jack
Everson had taken Mustad's own property from him.




CHAPTER X.

ALONG SHORE.