the overturned stove. "The oil has all run out and we can't cook any
more," he went on, with so gloomy an expression that, in spite of
their anger against Monkey Rae, the others could not help laughing.




CHAPTER VII

THE COLONEL


"What's the matter, boys?" said a cheery voice behind them, and
they turned quickly to meet the smiling glance of a man who was
sitting on a rock at the edge of the glade.

He was tall, erect, and of military bearing. Quick and alert, in
spite of his snow-white hair and mustache.

"Why, Colonel Snow!" cried Jack in astonishment; "where did you
come from?"

"Oh, I saw you some time ago as you were coming ashore," replied
the colonel, "and I walked down to meet you. What's the trouble,
the enemy been making an attack?"

"Looks that way," answered Rand. "Monkey Rae made a raid on the
commissary and carried off the fish we had cooked."

"That's nothing to be concerned over," continued the colonel. "Why