had thrust their roots. The dull bronze of the oak, the pale gold of
the beech, and the flushed crimson of the maple contrasted richly and
often gorgeously with the myrtle of the evergreens.

'Smitten by the beauty of our woods, aye?' the robber enquired.

'Yes; I was looking at that flaming maple.'

'We are not so God-forsaken here as you might imagine, young man. A
capital fishing stream runs through the swamp.'

'Are there fish in that lake which I see gleaming through the bush?'

'Plenty of them. Well fed too, ha, ha.' There was something in the
tone of the man's voice that made Roland's blood run cold.

'Oh, yes; you will get reconciled to our ways of living sooner than
you imagine; and by the time that your wound is healed you will be
longing for exercise. But we will give you plenty of it.'

'In what manner, may I ask?'

'Now, how innocent you seem, Mr. Duellist. Why, have I not told you?
Have you not heard what the occupation is of the gang of Markham
Swamp? Well, you will assist us in keeping up the reputation of the
place. But you will not at first get work which only trained hands
can do. I shall be considerate enough not to require you to go abroad
while the sun is up; but you will bear a hand at night when no moon
is to be seen; and when the storm kindly helps to conceal suspicious
noises. Now and again, young man, if I must be so plain, I will need