CHAPTER XXVI.
A FIENDISH ACT.
"Like some lone bird Without a mate, My lonely heart is desolate; I look around And cannot trace, a friendly smile, a welcome face.
Even in crowds I'm still alone, because I cannot love but one." Thus a fortnight passed, and under the rigid diet of the strengthening, nutritious nuts and clear spring water Lester rapidly gained strength.
He only waited a fitting opportunity to make a dash for liberty.
Halloran was well armed; he realized that fact, and that he would shoot him down like a dog ere he would suffer him to escape the fate that had been laid out for him.
Therefore his only hope was to get away by strategy.

He laid several plans, but each time they were frustrated by some unexpected act of Halloran's.
Meanwhile the latter was pondering over his case, considerably mystified.
"Confound the fellow! he does not seem to grow either pale or emaciated," he muttered.

"I could almost say that starving seems to agree with him.

I am quite tempted to give him his quietus and end this vigil.

Remaining in this solitary hut does not quite come up to my liking.