elled by a severe blow on the skull. This,
however, did not entirely reduce him to unconsciousness, for he had a
distinct recollection of inhaling the smell of some powerful drug
before he became insensible to everything about him.

He had awakened to consciousness to find himself in a cabin of U Saw's
steam yacht, and here he had been kept the closest of prisoners on the
voyage back to Burmah and up the river. He had been put ashore by
night on some deserted part of the river bank, and then carried, by
unfrequented ways, through the jungle and across the hills to U Saw's
stronghold. In the latter place he had been kept in strict
confinement, and urged by threats to disclose the ruby-mine he had
discovered. Hitherto his enemies had not proceeded to torture, though
he had been daily expecting it.

"And now they threaten me through you, Jack," concluded his father in
an anxious voice Jack laughed, a quiet, steady, confident laugh.

"They will threaten in vain, father," he said. "We shan't give way an
inch. What do you think that half-caste said to me last thing before I
was brought here to you?" He related the speech Saya Chone had made to
him, and Mr. Haydon gave an uneasy movement of the shoulders.

"Yes," he said, "they hope that you will plead with me, Jack, to give
up the secret of the ruby-mine in order to save the pair of us."

"Not likely, father," returned Jack at once. "Whatever they do to me,
mind you are not to give way on my account. We'll keep a stiff upper
lip and win through this yet."

His bold, brave words cheered Mr. Haydon, and the latter eyed his
straight, strong lad with pride. But at the same time the look of deep
anxiety never left his face. He had met his enemies boldly enough face
to face with them alone, but to have Jack in their clutches too was a
terrible thing.

"At any rate," burst out Jack, "it's awfully jolly to be in here with
you, and be able to talk things over. I hardly expected such luck as
this."

Mr. Haydon made no reply, only smiled. He saw plainly enough why they
had been allowed to share the same cell. His enemies knew that the
more he talked with his frank, brave boy, and looked into those
bright, courageous eyes, the less would he be inclined to let ill come
to Jack, the more powerful would be their hold upon him.

"And was the ruby that you found such a very fine one?" asked Jack.

"It was a most wonderful stone, Jack," replied his father. "I have
never seen one li