l soon know, however. Krasippe, will you get your
rifle, and go with me?

"'I'll go with you, Hubel,' said Perry, eagerly.

"But my father stopped, and said, gravely,--

"'There is too much of danger in this adventure for us both to risk our
lives at once. Krasippe belongs to me. I have saved his life half a
score of times, but I have no claim on you; and, besides, the vessel
must be taken back to Hopedale, and you must stay to do it;' and so
saying, he retired to his cabin.

"When he returned, he carried in his hand a light rifle and a number of
glittering wands, while a row of bright medals shone against the thick
pile of a close-fitting robe of black velvet, and upon his head a cap
of the same material, encircled by a strip of ermine, bore a single red
feather, with an agraffe of diamonds.

"'I have done wonders with this dress, amid the fire-rocks of the
Nasquapees. Krasippe, old fellow, are you ready?'

"Krasippe, grinning from ear to ear, nodded assent, and launching the
captain's boat,--a light wherry for two pairs of sculls,--they pushed
off from the vessel's side.

"'Watch that spot,' said Hubel, 'and if you see the stars of this Roman
candle, launch your boat, and come to the shore at once. Vasa there,'
pointing to a huge Danish hound, 'will find me for you, if need be.'

"An hour or two later, Perry saw the stars of green and crimson shooting
through the lurid cloud into the midnight sky. A rifle-shot echoed
through the valley and across the bay, and the fire was instantly
extinguished. Perry, who had prepared everything for such an emergency,
pushed off in his boat at once, taking his three men, all well armed,
and Vasa, the great hound. Pulling at full speed, they struck in for the
shore, and at last found the captain's boat hauled upon the beach.
Taking the leash of the hound in his left hand, Perry sprang ashore,
ordered his men to secure the boat, and lighting a dark lantern secured
to his belt, he gave the word to Vasa, who set off, with an eager whine,
at such a pace that it was hard to keep up with him.

"In about half an hour they emerged into a large glade, and the hound
stopped with a low howl over a prostrate body. It was that of Krasippe.
He was lying on his face, with a deep gash on the shoulder, and a bruise
on the top of the skull, but still breathed, although insensible. Perry,
who doubted not that Hubel would be found near the body of his faithful
follower, let slip the chain from