with Mister Archie like this; but I have got my ideas about doing
something some night if I can get a chance.--Oh, there you are, my
beauties! I keep on hearing you, and you set me thinking. Wonder
whether I could do it if I tried. I must wait till he comes round a bit
more, and then I mean to try. Wonder whether they set sentries over us.
Most likely; but if they do they will have to be dodged."

There was a rumbling noise, which came from one of the elephants stabled
near, and Peter Pegg shook his head slowly as if he were imitating the
customary habit of a tethered elephant, and in imagination the private
seemed to see one of the leg-chained beasts softly bowing its head up
and down, and slowly from side to side, swinging it as if it were on
springs.

"If I asked that chap who brings the water to let me see the helephants
he would see through me, so I won't do it--make him 'spicious; and he
wouldn't understand me if I did. His is an awful foolish lingo. Might
perhaps get outside the door or window some night and have a look for
them in the dark. Ah, there's no knowing what I might do when he gets
better."

Private Pegg started violently, for all at once Archie started up
excitedly, and sat with widely opened eyes, gazing wildly straight
before him, his hands extended, and trembling violently; while, as his
fellow-prisoner leaned forward and caught him by the arm to try and
soothe him, believing him to be in pain, he snatched his hand away, and
in a piteous cry uttered the one word:

"Minnie!"

Peter Pegg waited for a few moments, half-stunned by this new form of
trouble, and offered the first palliative that occurred to him.

"Have some more water, Mister Archie," he said huskily.

"No, no! Don't you see? Why didn't you tell me before?"

"Tell you what before, sir?"

"About Miss Heath."

"About Miss Doctor, sir? It was her, then, as was with you in the
boat?"

"Yes, yes! Why didn't you remind me?"

"Never thought about it, sir. I never--my word!--I--"

"Yes, yes; I see it all now! It has all come back. That blindness and
misery has cleared off like a veil. Man, man! when those wretches
attacked me she was with me in the boat; and we stop here, helpless and
prisoners, while she--Oh for health and strength! Pegg, there's not a
moment to be lost! We must escape somehow, and get back to camp. Her
poor aunt! What must she think!"

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN.

DR. PEGG MUSES.

"Poor ch