and his knees, inclined to doze.

Dave was framing up in his mind how he would approach Col. Lyon. He
was deeply immersed in thought, when a sound behind him caused him
to start and look behind him.

Somebody with a great bundle done up in a sheet had just passed
through the open doorway out upon the porch.

The bundle was so big that its bearer had both hands clasped about
it, and its top came above his eyes.

Before Dave could speak a warning, the man carrying the package
crossed the porch and stumbled against Hiram, whom he did not see.

"Thunder! what's this?" shouted Hiram, knocked from his position and
rolling down the steps.

The man with the bundle echoed the try with one of alarm, as he
missed his footing and plunged forward.

"The mischief!" exclaimed Dave, starting at the bundle over which
the man tumbled, bursting it open.

There was an immense clatter. Even in the imperfect light of the
early morning, the young aviator made out a great heap of clothing,
silverware and jewelry, rattling down the steps of the porch.