A ball had passed through the fleshy part of Kit's forearm, but when the
major had washed it in warm water and dressed it, it ceased to pain, and
he could use it handily. But Ted's wound was different, and the impact
of the ball on the rib had made him so sore that he could not breathe
without suffering agony.
Stella had one of the boys make a fire for her, and, having found the
house well stored with provisions, she began to cook supper for them,
for they were all tired and hungry.
It was evening before they knew it, and it was decided to stay at the
house all night, keeping a careful guard against the return of Burk and
Mowbray.
"I never was so surprised in my life as when I saw Mowbray in the bushes
out there just in the act of murdering you," said the major after
supper, as he sat on the sofa beside Ted.
"It was a surprising meeting," said Ted. "I had no idea he was in this
part of the country. His was the face I saw at the window when we had
all that money and gold and jewels out."
"Then he knows we have found it?"
"Sure. He knows we have it, and if he is the chap I think he is, he'll
not rest until he gets it, or--something else."
"Meaning?"
"Death or imprisonment."
"He richly deserves either, or both. He made the life of my sister most
unpleasant.
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