“Anderson spoke of using paddles,” reflected Jack, “but it was a misnomer, for they have none, and they would not have pushed so far out from shore when they knew I expected to return so soon.  All that proves that a party of devils have also a boat and are hunting for the one in which our new friends are groping for safety.”

This threatened to make a new complication, but the plain course for Jack was to keep along the shore of the river and press his search for the craft, which he was certain was not far off.

His experience had taught him the need of unceasing vigilance, and as he advanced, he scrutinized the ground in front and on every hand, like a scout stealing into a hostile camp.  Within less time than he counted upon he saw the boat lying close to shore, where his friends were awaiting him.  As soon as he recognized the craft he announced himself in a guarded undertone, to guard against any mistake, and the next moment clambered aboard, where, it need not be said, he was warmly welcomed.

After they had exchanged greetings the doctor asked: 

“Did I not hear the report of your pistol a little while ago?”

“Inasmuch as I discharged it very probably you did.”

Thereupon Jack told of what he had seen and done since leaving the boat to recover the pistol of Miss Marlowe.  It was a story of deep interest to all, and his account of his meeting with the faithless Mustad deeply stirred his master.

“Despite my denunciation of the fellow I confess I had a lingering suspicion that I might have been mistaken; but all doubt now is removed.  There is no native in all India to be more dreaded than he.”

“I have a faint hope that it was he with whom I made my fourth bull’s-eye,” remarked Jack.

“Hardly likely.  Probably there were two others skulking on the outside and waiting for a chance at us.”

“But they had all the chance they could have asked at me.”

“It may have been the doctor and his daughter whom they were the most eager to secure,” suggested Mr. Turner.

“That is my belief,” added Anderson.

“And mine, too,” joined the doctor himself.  “It seems to be a trait of our perverse human nature to hate with the deepest intensity those who have done us the greatest kindness.”

This remark meant more to Jack Everson than to any one else, for he believed that it was the daughter who was the special object of the natives.  That reminded him of the weapon he had secured.

“Here,” he said, “take it before I forget to return it.”

“You risked a good deal for my sake,” she said gratefully, accepting the weapon, “and I cannot thank you sufficiently——­ Well, I declare!”

She was in the act of placing the pistol in the pocket of her dress when she made the discovery that her weapon was already there.  Jack Everson had taken Mustad’s own property from him.