Vasa's collar, and he at once darted
off into the darkness, while Perry, drawing the slide of his bull's-eye,
and pistol in hand, carefully examined the glade.

"He found the remains of a large fire, some ten feet in circumference,
still steaming with the water used to quench it, a few fragments of
venison, as well as a hatchet-head of white quartz, broken from its
helve, not far from where Krasippe had received his wound; but they
looked in vain for their captain.

"Morning had just dawned when Vasa reappeared, and wagging his tail,
came up to Perry. Around his neck was looped a piece of birch bark, on
opening which Perry found the following note:--

"'AMONG THE INDIANS--MIDNIGHT.

"'I take my pencil to send you what may be my final directions, for
as yet I am doubtful as to what may be my fate. Poor Vasa was about
to be killed, as they dare keep no dogs; but I take advantage of his
old tricks to send him to you. Take the vessel to Hopedale, and use
her as if you were managing her for me, and next year at this time
await me here. I have such an opportunity as no other man has had to
learn the truth about these savages, and I risk my life willingly on
the chance.

(Signed) "'PAUL HUBEL.'"

"Perry seized Vasa's collar and knotted the leash, then, turning to his
men, ordered them to take up Krasippe and carry him down to the shore,
where, launching the boat, they returned to the vessel. The next day
they made sail, but it was several days before Krasippe recovered
sufficiently to detail his portion of the adventure, which ran somewhat
as follows:--

"'Me land with capten. We go up hill trough de hood. We see ten, twelve,
Injin almos' naked, eatin', drinkin', dancin', an' yell like debbil.
Capten say, "Stay here, Krasippe; I get hind bush." Capten creep trough
bush, light cannle, an' bust out trough circle to middle of fire. I see
fifty Injin fright dat way. Dose Injin not frighten much. I see one man
jump on capten, trow him down, raise hatchet to kill him. Then one girl
catch at his arm, an' I fire my rifle. Then I see no more until I wake
up.'"

"'Well, Krasippe, the captain is alive, and we are to meet him here in a
year from now. In the mean time we'll try to navigate the Thyri, and
make as much money for the skipper as we can;' and well he kept his
word."

"A year later the Thyri crept again into the rock-bound haven, and for a
week Perry and his crew watched by