Every Frenchman, with vehement gestures, was chattering to his utmost capacity, but keeping at a respectful distance from the hamper.

No one knew what had caused the trouble; but Theodore was bound to make an investigation.

He proceeded to untie the ropes and examine the contents, and there he found the pistol, from which, pointing upward, he fired two other bullets.

"Alas!" said Hattie, "I put that pistol there, never dreaming it was loaded." The wounded man was taken to the hospital.

His injuries were very slight, but the incident cost us two thousand francs and no end of annoyance.