"Did you hear that, Hank?" questioned Dick, softly, not quite daring to make any further move until he knew where his companion might be and until he understood a little more of the situation. "I reckon I heard it right enough, Dick; but what was it?" "I haven’t any idea. I heard a yell and someone running and suddenly found myself awake and sitting up." "Same here, Dick, but I thought it was you chasing something or someone. It looks a little funny, doesn’t it?" "Keep quiet a minute, Hank; I believe they are still in here. I hear someone moving." Silence followed the caution while they listened intently. Then came a deep-drawn sigh from the center of the hut, and the sound as of a heavy body being dragged across the floor. "Who’s there?" challenged Dick. "If you move again I’ll fire." Once again absolute silence, which was finally broken by a series of sharp staccato taps. Dick immediately recognized the private call Henry and he used in their practise at telegraphy and sound signalling. His companion was rapping on a match-box with some kind of an instrument. If the person or persons in the room understood English then any conversation would inform them of the action to be taken against them. Dick grinned delightedly to himself at Henry’s quick way to secret and safe coöperation. As the light sounds shuttled back and forth it was evident to what a state of expertness these two young marines had drilled themselves. "Look out, I will turn on my flash-light. Be ready to shoot. Do you understand?" came Henry’s message. "It is dangerous. Let me do it, and you shoot," cautioned Dick. "No! You are the better shot. I think he is near the door, and if I flash the light you can get him better than I can. Stand by right after I sound ’preparatory.’ Stand by!" The safety catch on Dick’s automatic hardly made a sound as he pushed it down with his thumb and peered into the darkness near the door. The weapon was already loaded, so that but a slight pressure on the trigger would bring its deafening response. Breathlessly he waited. The next moment came the rattle of the match-box as once again Henry struck it with sharp emphasis: One rap--two short raps--one rap--one rap! Then the room was lit by the electric torch from Henry’s side of the hut. There was a wild rush of many feet, loud squeals filled the air, and out of the open doorway raced and scrambled an enormous razor-back pig with a litter of squealing, frantic piggies at her heels. The sudden transition from the serious to the comical was so great that both Dick and Henry burst into a roar of hysterical laughter, and both made a solemn pact never to relate this part of their adventures to a living soul. After this, sleep being out of the question and the gray dawn already lightening the eastern horizon, they prepared their morning meal and made ready for an early start.