like," I said.

"Carlo," cried the chief at once, "see the fines are collected, and we
will be off and take him with us."

"Who shall the other hostage be?" asked the lieutenant.

The big man stooped down and whispered in his ear.

The other man nodded and smiled in response to the other's laugh, but
it appeared to me that he by no means relished the information conveyed
to him in the whisper.

"Now, Mr. Anstruther," remarked the big half-breed, "we must trouble
you to come with us, and don't take longer than you can help to say
good-bye to the ladies."

This was intended by way of a joke; one which I did not appreciate.

"As soon as my cashier has been round collecting the dues," proceeded
the big man, "we must be off. Don't you think you will change your
mind, Mr. Anstruther, and give me that packet? If I had my way I would
search the whole train for it, but we haven't got time, so we must take
you instead."

St. Nivel looked up from his corner where he had sat, his hat drawn
over his eyes.

"Have a cigar, Senor Capitano," he remarked to the chief, "while your
man collects the cash. I've paid already."

He handed the man the box of cigars in which the packet was hidden. I
thought it an act of madness.

"Thank you, Senor," replied the man, taking two; "a fine brand of
cigars."

"Yes," replied my cousin, "they are very decent."

The Capitano took the box in his hands and smelt them.

"Yes, very nice," he remarked. "As good as anything you will get in
Aquazilia."

Then St. Nivel did something which appeared to me to be an additional
sign that he had taken leave of his senses.

"Won't you take the box, Capitano?" he asked.

The man smiled and shook his great head.

"Thank you," he said, "they are too mild for me."

St. Nivel shut the box up with what I thought was impatience, and threw
it in the rack.

The thieves' cashier made his appearance with a bag full of dollars;
then they all made a move for the door, taking me with them.

As we reached the platform of the smoking-car, and I was perforce about
to jump down on to the permanent way, I saw the face of my servant
Brooks looking up at me from the line.

"Let me give you a hand, sir," he said, with an expressive look in his
eyes; "the ground's a bit rough here."

As he assisted me down in the darkness I felt him slip something under
the loose cowboy's frock I wore and nudge me to take it; as I put my
hand down, to my joy I felt it was