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been lying upon a sharp stone that stuck out of the earth. This gave him

an idea. He rolled upon the stone again and began rubbing the rope that

bound him against the sharp edge.

Outside he could hear the crackling of fagots and the roar of a newly-

kindled fire, so he knew he had no time to spare. He wriggled and

pushed his body right and left, right and left, sawing away at the rope,

until the strain and exertion started the perspiration from every pore.

At length the rope parted, and hastily uncoiling it from his body Rob

stood up and rubbed his benumbed muscles and tried to regain his lost

breath. He had not freed himself a moment too soon, he found, for

hearing a grunt of surprise behind him he turned around and saw a

native standing in the door of the hut.

Rob laughed, for he was not a bit afraid of the blacks now. As the native

made a rush toward him the boy drew the electric tube from his pocket,

pointed it at the foe, and pressed the button. The fellow sank to the

earth without even a groan, and lay still.

Then another black entered, followed by the fat chief. When they saw

Rob at liberty, and their comrade lying apparently dead, the chief cried

out in surprise, using some expressive words in his own language.

If it's just the same to you, old chap," said Rob, coolly, "I won't be eaten

to-day. You can make a pie of that fellow on the ground."

No! We eat you," cried the chief, angrily. "You cut rope, but no get

away; no boat!"

I don't need a boat, thank you," said the boy; and then, as the other

native sprang forward, he pointed the tube and laid him out beside his

first victim.

At this act the chief stood an instant in amazed uncertainty. Then he

turned and rushed from the hut.

Laughing with amusement at the waddling, fat figure, Rob followed the

chief and found himself standing almost in the center of the native

village. A big fire was blazing merrily and the blacks were busy making

preparations for a grand feast.

The Master Key