I wish to see Colonel Mortimer at once--at once." There was a pause, and then the same voice, and I recognized it now as Grant's beyond a doubt.

"Ah, Colonel, what in God's name has happened here?
I heard that you were out hunting us at Farrell's blacksmith shop, and came back as swiftly as I could ride.

But I never suspected this.

Who were the miscreants ?" "That is a question not yet answered, Captain Grant," replied Mortimer slowly.

"It looks like the work of Pine Robbers.