produces such a terrible
wound--the percussion rifle-shell, perfected years ago by an army
officer in India, and since then introduced into every part of the
globe. Into the point of a cylindro-conical slug is inserted a thin
copper cartridge, loaded with powder, and primed with fulminate of
mercury. This bullet enters the flesh, but explodes when it strikes a
bone, and a huge mass of bone and muscle is usually driven out in front
of the issuing projectile. Such a bullet has destroyed this man."

A curious ring on the little finger of the right hand attracted the
notice of Regnar, who with a glad cry seized the stiffened hand and
tried to remove it, but the swollen flesh baffled his efforts.

"I must have that ring, La Salle," said he, ceasing his futile efforts.
"I cannot leave that with his body." And taking up his axe, he severed
the finger at the joint, and removed the circlet.

La Salle started back in horror at what he could but consider a
senseless and unwarranted profanation; but Orloff, drawing his knife,
made a close search of the clothing worn by the deceased, ripping open
every seam and fold which seemed capable of concealing the slightest
scrap of paper, while his companion, lost in astonishment and disgust,
scorned to question, and awaited an explanation of his conduct.

Beyond the ring, however, little was found, for the larger pockets of
the deceased were turned inside out, the vest had been opened, and a
sharp knife had evidently cut through the heavy under-garments of
knitted woolens. No mark of the knife was to be seen on the exposed
flesh; and Regnar, breaking the oppressive silence, said,--

"Why was this done, La Salle?"

"Perhaps he had a money-belt around his waist. Many people carry their
money and valuables thus," said La Salle, coldly.

Regnar continued the search, finding in a narrow pocket, like that used
by carpenters for their rules, but opening on the inside of the right
pantaloon pocket, a long, slender dagger, with double cutting edges.
The handle was curiously carved, of walrus ivory, and represented an
ancient Danish warrior, in his mail-shirt, and armed with battle-axe and
sword. The sheath, slender and flexible, was evidently of more modern
make, formed of rough shark-skin, with richly chased mountings of
silver.

"That is all," said Regnar. "Let us find him a grave."

"We must hide the body surely," said La Salle, "for if the vessel
returns to get her load, and it is foun