l family for many
generations. Eric's blood boiled at the thought of this ring being in
such a scoundrel's hands, and of the cruel way in which he had obtained
it, and only his utter weakness prevented him from springing at
Evil-Eye and snatching the ring out of his hands.

Happily he had not the strength to carry out so rash an impulse, and
was forced to content himself with making a solemn resolve to get
possession of that ring in some manner, that it might be returned to
the major's family. Determination was one of the boy's most marked
characteristics. Nothing short of the conviction that it was certainly
unattainable could deter him from anything upon which he had once set
his heart; and immense as the odds against him in the matter of the
ring might be, he vowed with all the vigour of his brave young heart
that he would do his utmost to regain his dead friend's precious jewel.

For the present, however, nothing could be done. He was a captive no
less than the ring, and, for aught he knew, equally in the power of
that brute in human form, who was evidently a leading spirit in the
group of ruffians that occupied the room. Clearly enough, his one hope
lay in attracting as little attention as possible. He looked anxiously
about the room in search of Ben, but could see nothing of him. His
good Prince, however, was stretched out upon the floor beside the bunk,
sleeping as soundly as though he were in his own cozy quarters at
Oakdene. The sight of him comforted Eric not a little. So lonely did
he feel that he could not resist the temptation to awake his faithful
companion, so he called softly,--

"Prince, Prince, come here!"

At first the mastiff did not hear him, but Eric repeating the call, he
awoke, looked up inquiringly, and then, rising slowly to his feet--for
he was very tired after the terrible passage through the surf--went
over and laid his huge head upon his master's breast.

"Dear old dog!" murmured Eric, fondling him lovingly. "O Prince! what
is to become of us? If we were only back in Oakdene again!" And then,
as the awful thought rushed in upon his mind that perhaps neither he
nor Prince would ever see Oakdene again, or find their way to Dr.
Copeland at Halifax, the tears he had been bravely keeping back could
no longer be restrained. Sobbing as though his heart would break, he
clasped Prince's head tightly in his arms and gave himself up to his
grief.

While poor Eric was thus giving wa