"Perhaps. But that is not the question. This tribe have other lands of which they take no account," went on the squatter, "and will probably never claim, but they have special reasons for keeping the Valley of the Deer sacred." "Explain yourself," cried both. "In that valley is buried the treasure of the nation." "What treasure? Old shooter of muskrats!" cried Joshua; "There is no treasure like mother earth." "I mean a real treasure--gold, ingots, diamonds," said the old man, "to the extent of many millions." "So much the better," replied Joshua; "it is mine." "Take care! The struggle will be terrible. Your adversaries are many and brave; they have allied themselves with the outlaws of the desert, and, moreover, have taken as their chief a fellow countryman, who dearly covets your possessions." "May I ask the name of my countryman?" inquired Samuel, in a bantering tone of voice. "His name is George Clinton," said Lagrenay. "George Clinton!" exclaimed Joshua, amazed. "You lie, miserable wretch!" said Samuel Dickson, rising; "George Clinton is an honourable man, not a--" "I have spoken the truth. Do as you please." Then the door was burst open, and two men entered pushing forward a third with blows of musket butts. "Miserable wretch!" said one, seizing him by the throat, "I am George Clinton, and you lie in your teeth." Rock attempted to fly at the assailants, but Charbonneau brained him with the butt end of his gun. Lagrenay rose rifle in hand, but the two Americans disarmed him, and forced him to reseat himself. The prisoner brought in was Tubash-Shah. Behind the three men appeared the dogs Nadeje and Drack. "Gentlemen, we arrive in time. Thank heaven, we have brought with us this wretch, who now will tell the truth." And he looked at the Indian with a glance that made him shudder to the marrow of his bones. The two Americans were exceedingly surprised, while Lagrenay thought in vain of some new subterfuge. Roused by the noise made on the entrance of the three men, the wife of Lagrenay had risen in haste, and, without waiting to dress, had rushed into the room. She entered without being seen, and tremblingly ensconced herself behind her husband. Inside there was silence, but without the sound of many men. None spoke for some time; everyone's breathing seemed oppressed. Lagrenay, his teeth chattering, at last spoke. "Will you explain this outrage?" he began. "Silence!" cried George Clinton, in a terrible voice; "Speak only when called upon for your defence. All I hope is that when you have heard of what you are accused you may be able to give a satisfactory reply to the charge." "Accused--defend myself!" cried the old man. "Yes, before Judge Lynch, who will decide between us," said Clinton, coldly. "Listen, here come your judges." As he spoke several men entered. Lagrenay felt himself lost. He was in the hands of implacable foes.