against a most dastardly plan to wrong him. He then inquired their
attitude towards Brisbau, and received an evasive answer.

At length he gave up the struggle, and sought to learn the purpose of
the men who had all now gathered before him; those of his own company,
and those who had come with Brisbau. One of them as spokesman, a
new-comer, informed him that he and his friends had accompanied Captain
Brisbau for the purpose of securing some of the buried treasure, which
was known to be in that neighborhood; and they intended to find the
booty before leaving. He also stated that Captain Redfield's men, upon
learning about the hidden treasure, had agreed to become confederates;
and that their master would be treated in every way as a friend, and be
given a full share of the treasure, provided he would properly inform
them and Captain Brisbau, whom they intended to release immediately, as
to its location. If he for any reason should refuse so to favor them, he
and his wife would be treated as prisoners, and dealt with as might seem
best--until, of course, he would consent to aid them in their project.

The response that came was firm and unmistakable. The brave custodian
averred that he would not betray his trust, even in the very face of
death. Nor did days of urging and threatening turn him from his purpose.

Brisbau was released, and given to understand that the men were in
control of affairs; and that his animosity towards Captain Redfield must
cease.

The woods were scoured for the treasure. Days passed, and weeks, and the
search was incessant; but there was no discovery made. Captain Redfield
and his wife, now prisoners in chains, were urged and implored; but he
could not be persuaded to give the information, although the mental