Now why did Shadrach come into my room at night with a drawn knife in his hand ?" "Doesn't seem a difficult question to answer," replied Higgs, in the high voice which was common to him when excited.

"He came here to murder you, and Pharaoh was too quick for him, that's all.

That dog was the cheapest purchase you ever made, friend Oliver." "Yes," answered Orme, "he came here to murder me--you were right about the risk, after all--but what I wonder is, who sent him ?" "And so you may go on wondering for the rest of your life, Captain," exclaimed Quick.

"Still, I think we might guess if we tried." Then news of what had happened was sent to the palace, and within little over an hour Maqueda arrived, accompanied by Joshua and several other members of her Council.

When she saw and understood everything she was horrified, and sternly asked Joshua what he knew of this business.