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." "By the way, major, what do you know about him? It might be handy to know something in the future if he tries to make trouble." "Precious little." "Oh, by the way, have you looked into that packet I took from the safe and handed you? The one addressed to your father, I take it, or to yourself." "Haven't thought of it until now. Must take a look at it, by Jove. It may tell us a lot we want to know." The major pulled the envelope from his pocket, and after examining the writing on it closely for a moment tore off the end of it and drew out several business-like documents. "You'll excuse me, Strong, while I look these over, won't you?" he said. "Certainly. Don't mind me," replied Ted, sinking back comfortably among the cushions. As the major's eyes traveled over the documents they began to light up with a new intelligence. Then a look of pain followed, and the tears ran slowly down his cheeks. Finally he turned to Ted: "It is her will, and some history of her adventures in this country since she left home, and an account of the abuse and indignities heaped upon her by her husband, Mowbray, from whom she was divorced some months ago." "Then Mowbray has no right to her property?" "Not a penny's worth. I shall not bore you by reading all she says on the subject. She tells how he beat her after stealing from her all he could. Then she goes on to tell of his crimes." "He is a bad egg, then," said Ted, as the major paused. "You would scarcely believe how bad he was if I were to read the story of his career." "I suppose he had been bothering her since in order to get more money from her."