Beads of perspiration stood out on Stanley's forehead. Then, with a quick movement, Frank raised the muzzle of his weapon still higher, and fired over Stanley's head. Then he calmly replaced the weapon in his pocket and walked back to where Jack was standing. Having thus escaped what appeared almost certain death, Stanley became bold again. Evidently he had not realized that Frank had missed purposely. "I demand another shot," he cried angrily. "There will be no more duel so far as I am concerned," said Frank quietly. Jack walked angrily up to Stanley. "He spared your life," he said heatedly. "Bah!" replied Stanley. "He missed cleanly, and he's afraid to try again." Frank walked quickly over to his late opponent. "You fool!" he said quietly. "Look here!" Quickly he whipped his revolver out, and without taking aim, fired twice in rapid succession. Although three times as far away as Stanley had been when he gave his exhibition of skill, the little knot on the tree leaped into the air, and as it fell, the second bullet caught it in midair and splintered it into little pieces. Midshipman Stanley staggered back aghast. "I could have killed you with ease," said Frank calmly, and walking away, he picked up his coat and put it on. "I--I didn't know he could shoot like that!" sputtered Stanley to Jack. "That's not so very good--for him," said Jack. "Why, once--" "Never mind," interrupted Midshipman Stanley, backing hurriedly away, "I'll take your word for it. But, remember, I am not through with either of you yet. My time will come, and when it does--" He broke off abruptly, an evil sneer in his voice, and walked quickly away. Now the sailors surrounded Frank and gave him three rousing British cheers. "You're all right, Frank!" they called, some of them slapping him familiarly on the back. Frank waved them laughingly aside, and turned to Jack. "Any orders from Captain Marcus?" he asked, as though nothing out of the ordinary had happened. "Lead the way to your excellency's quarters, and I'll tell you," replied Jack with a smile. Frank led the way. CHAPTER X AN EXPEDITION Briefly Jack repeated Captain Marcus' orders to Frank. "I took the liberty of making those preparations without awaiting such a command," said Frank. "I have thrown out outposts, and there is no danger of a surprise tonight." "You mean this morning," disagreed Jack, after a look at his watch. "It's after four o'clock now." "Then it will soon be daylight," said Frank. "You had better turn in and get a little sleep. I'll stand watch." Jack well knew the futility of an argument over this matter, so he turned in without further words by the simple process of throwing himself on a pallet on the floor of the tent. Frank took his seat in the doorway, where he remained looking out into the distance.