rentially, and, so far as George could understand, told of the
circumstances surrounding his capture.

But there was one thing which struck George as a peculiar thing. The
three men who had participated in the loot of his valuables did not
exhibit them while talking to the Chief.

There was a long palaver, and many gestures indulged in. The question
occurred to him: What had become of the articles which they had taken?
Did they purposely hide them?

At the close of the conversation two of the Chief's immediate associates
came forward, and began to investigate his belongings. The first thing
they brought out was the revolver, and at this George was almost on the
point of breaking down. Then he grew bitter.

The silver match box was the next to attract the attention of the
searchers; and so they went through from one pocket to the other in the
most approved style.

These were laid before the Chief who grunted his approval at the
different things, and his admiration, judging from the character of his
remarks, was unbounded at the silver-plated revolver.

From the curious way in which he handled it George was alarmed. It was
an automatic, and if the Chief once pulled the trigger there would be
trouble for some one. George held up a warning hand, and the Chief
looked up from the weapon.

The only thing he could do was to point to the revolver, and vigorously
shake his head. The Chief looked around as though inquiring the meaning
of such a sign. He was not interfered with as he walked up to the
savage, and held out his hand. The Chief handed him the weapon.

Then, picking up a leaf, he motioned to one near him to place it on the
side of a tree. At a word from the Chief the man did so, but George
motioned to him to carry it still further away. He took deliberate aim,
and thanks to his long and regular practice, the leaf received the
impress of the bullet, while the savages jumped in all directions at the
report.

Only the Chief remained impassive. He never moved, but when the leaf was
brought to him, he looked on the youth with a kindly smile. George was
quick to notice this. He again walked over to the Chief, and placed the
weapon in his hand, and guided his finger to the trigger, while at the
same time holding up his hand so as to sight it.

This time the shot was directed to the nearest tree. The savages
scurried to give them room. When the Chief pulled the trigger and the
discharge followed, George caught him b