But he merely laughed as he surveyed me critically, swinging his bamboo stick as if it were a whip-lash.
"_Parbleu_, Master Wayland!" he said, seeming in rare good-humor, "I this moment learned of your safe return.

'T would have been an excellent joke had the savage found excuse to retain you out yonder, to form a part of one of their delightful entertainments! Fit revenge, indeed, for the foul deceit you played upon me!" "Think you so, Monsieur ?" for his easy words relieved me greatly.

"It would have been one less arm for our defence." "With safe convoy guaranteed by the Indian chiefs, that loss would make small odds," he replied carelessly.

"But, truly, that was a most scurvy trick you played to gain the wager which was offered me.

But for the happy ending, I should be sorely tempted to break this cane across your shoulders in payment therefor." "Indeed!" I said; "the act might not be as easily accomplished as you imagine.