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 gunsmith had been entrusted to him for repair. He had also begged to be excused to the Colonel, whose two Remington rifies he had carried off.

"One cannot risk such a dangerous journey quite defenceless," the Walloon had reasoned. "The Colonel was sure to know of the dangers they would have to encounter."

The Colonel showed the doctor the letter which he had received.

"Then they have bolted together."

"Very probably."

"Poor fellows! But what will you do now?"

"I have sent to the Chief of the district. It may be that he has some information. Upon his communication will depend my course of action."

"Do you mean to pursue them?"

"Certainly," replied the Colonel.

"But the safety of the post entrusted to you?"

"Oh, my dear sir, I will not endanger that."

"How so? The garrison is not strong. You cannot take any men away from it without danger."

"Oh, I will leave the garrison intact. I will have them hunted down by a native detachment."

"That would be cruel. To be hunted down by Dayaks!"

"I must own that those fellows are not over-scrupulous; but what else can I do? As you say, I dare not take any of the garrison and I cannot very well remain inactive. However, it is impossible to decide what steps are to be taken until I have seen the Chief of the district. It may be that the deserters