on the ground with a movement of impatience. "Sambo, you
young scoundrel, it was all your fault,--you moved your
shoulder as I pulled the trigger. Thank Heaven, however,
the aim of the Indian appears to have been no better,
although the sharp whistling of his ball proves his piece
to have been well levelled for a random shot."

"His aim has been too true," faintly pronounced the voice
of one somewhat in the rear of his companions. "The ball
of the villain has found a lodgment in my breast. God
bless ye all, my boys; may your fates be more lucky than
mine!" While he yet spoke, Lieutenant Murphy sank into
the arms of Blessington and De Haldimar, who had flown
to him at the first intimation of his wound, and was in
the next instant a corpse.




CHAPTER III.

"To your companies, gentlemen, to your companies on the
instant. There is treason in the fort, and we had need
of all our diligence and caution. Captain de Haldimar is
missing, and the gate has been found unlocked. Quick,
gentlemen, quick; even now the savages may be around us,
though unseen."

"Captain de Haldimar missing!--the gate unlocked!"
exclaimed a number of voices. "Impossible!--surely we