ng figures had settled down to a man to give themselves up to the
soothing influence of tobacco. On his rug, U Saw had not stirred a
limb save to flick the ashes from his cheroot, nor had his gaze
wandered aside from the glowing flame. The quiet had become profound.
Then, in deep silence, there was a sound of footsteps approaching the
courtyard. Without turning his head, U Saw raised his hand. The
gesture was scarcely begun when Jack felt himself gripped from behind
by more than one pair of hands, and he knew among them the deadly
clutch of the Strangler.

He was gripped at the same instant by the throat, the waist, and the
heels, nor, so cunning had been their approach, had he dreamed that an
enemy stood behind him. In an instant the thong at his wrists was
severed and his arms drawn out to their fullest extent, a rope tight
about each wrist, while his ankles were lashed together with magical
swiftness and dexterity. He was swung against the wall despite his
struggles, and his body and feet bound to an upright beam. Then the
ropes which were about his wrists were drawn taut and made fast, and
he was a helpless prisoner.

Just as the last twist was given to the bonds, a group of four entered
the courtyard. Saya Chone, the half-caste, came first, and he was
followed by Mr. Haydon, under guard of a couple of Kachins. Now U Saw
slowly rose from his rug and moved forward, his silken kilt catching
the light and glowing with the softest, brightest hues of crimson and
gold.

"How are you, Jack?" called out Mr. Haydon anxiously. "Any bones
broken?"

"Not one, I believe, father," replied Jack; "only bruises."

"If either of you speak another word," said the half-caste smoothly,
"I'll gag you till you choke."

Jack and his father knew that much significance lay under the quiet
words, and they remained silent. U Saw and Saya Chone now spoke
together in a low tone, and then father and son were brought face to
face.

"You are such a slippery couple, and have evaded us so often," said
the half-caste, "that we are going to pay you the compliment of
dealing with you once and for all upon the spot. Now you can be
assured that your last chance of saving your skins has arrived. Here
and now we settle the matter. You can start for Bhamo or Mandalay with
the break of dawn, or you can become food for wild beasts. It remains
with you to decide."

"Don't say a word, father," broke in Jack impetuously. "Don't you see
that we're done