ed Adair.

"Because it happens not to have a lock," answered Gerald; "and, as far
as I can see, it is the best of the lot."

"So far that is satisfactory," said Adair; "as the fellows can't injure
those in the boat; but, notwithstanding that, they may give us club-law
or run their daggers into us, so it won't do to try them too much."
Adair asked the chief what he wanted in addition to the things he had
received, but he could not make out the meaning of the old fellow's
reply. He therefore directed Archie to send some large rings and beads,
and a few other articles used to trade with the natives. On these being
received the chief seemed tolerably well satisfied, and ordered his men
to release the prisoners, putting out his hand as if he had acted in no
extraordinary manner, and wished to part good friends. Adair, not to be
outdone, shook his hand, and, taking him by the arm, walked with him
slowly down towards the beach.

"Stick close to his other side, Desmond," he said. "I'm going to play
the old fellow a trick he little thinks of."

The chief seemed to have no suspicions of Adair's design, and was
evidently anxious to do away with the effect his conduct had produced.
When they had got about half-way to the beach, however, on finding
himself at some distance from his followers, he stopped, when Adair,
suddenly pulling out a pistol from his pocket, which the natives had not
discovered, held it to the old fellow's head, and made him understand
that he would shoot him through the brain if he refused to come on to
the canoe, or if any of his people approached to his assistance.
Archie, seeing what had occurred, had sent in the canoe, which had just
reached the beach with a couple of hands. He had likewise brought the
gun to bear on the mass of natives, who stood very much astonished at
the sudden change of circumstances. Some way from the water, the old
chief, fully believing that the English officer would put his threat
into execution, sang out to his followers to keep quiet, and not to
attempt to rescue him.

"Come along, old fellow, come along," cried Desmond, hauling away at the
arm of the reluctant chief, who had, by the bye, fastened Adair's
sword-belt round his waist. The old man, who exhibited but little
heroism on the occasion, trembling in every limb, turned an imploring
glance at the lieutenant, to entreat him not to pull the fatal trigger.

"Now, Desmond," cried Adair, "trip him up by the heels as