ed, besides being grieved at hearing of her illness. She sent
them word, however, that she hoped, after another night's rest, to be so
far restored as to be able to proceed without further delay.

To pass the time away, their host proposed a hunt in the forest. While
Reginald was getting ready, Dick Thuddichum presented himself, and asked
whether he was to go also.

"No, Dick; I wish you to remain with Faithful, and act as a guard to my
sister. Our host may be a very honest gentleman, but I don't like to
leave her without protection; and had it not been for the sake of
Captain Burnett, I would myself have remained behind."

As Reginald was going through the courtyard to mount his horse he met
his friend Buxsoo, who, in a low voice, said--

"Be on your guard. I would that you had refused the invitation of the
khan. There are foes on the watch to injure you; and if you can,
unobserved, get the ear of your friend, I would urge you to tell him
what I say, and to make an excuse for returning speedily without
exciting suspicion. I have told Sambro to accompany you. Trust to
him."

From the experience Reginald had already had of the natives, he fully
believed that Buxsoo had good reason for warning him, and he promised to
follow the advice he had received.

As they rode along he took the opportunity of telling Burnett what he
had heard.

"It may be the case; but I should like to stick a few pigs first," was
his friend's answer.

The khan had ordered some tents to be pitched, in which, before
returning, they could take refreshment. The distance was greater than
Reginald had expected; but they were rewarded for their long ride by
finding ample sport, and soon, excited in the chase, he forgot all about
the warning he had received. At length, by some chance, he was
separated from his companions. When quite alone he encountered a wild
boar, which the low underwood prevented him from assailing to advantage,
while the savage beast with its sharp tusks severely injured his steed
before he could plunge his spear into its side. In doing so his weapon
broke. The animal again attacked him, and he was compelled to draw his
pistol and shoot it dead, to save his horse from further injury.
Unwilling to lose the spear, however, he dismounted to draw it out; and
while thus engaged he inadvertently let slip his rein. For a few
moments the horse stood quietly by his side; but, suddenly seized with a
panic, off it started at