that perhaps one of them had invaded the camp, bent on stealing the
valuable pearl, filled his mind.

This caused Max to raise his head, and turn his eyes toward the tent pole
where the haversack containing the precious pearl hung.

Sure enough, there _was_ some one standing there, and actually
fumbling with the bag.

To the intense surprise of Max he recognized the dimly seen figure.

It was Steve.



CHAPTER V.

A PUZZLER FOR MAX.

Max could hardly believe his eyes.

It seemed so remarkable for Steve to be examining the haversack at this
midnight hour.

Perhaps the other had been dreaming, and as the pearl was much in his mind
he may have gotten up to ascertain whether the little package still reposed
safely in the pouch?

Max came to this conclusion as he lay there and watched.