"He has paid the wreck a visit—Old Ben rowed him over to it!" cried Mrs. Ruthven, struck with a sudden idea.
"Did he bring anything away with him?"
"Old Ben thought he brought with him a tin box."
"It must have been my box—the one I placed in the secret closet! I must get it away from him. But tell me of Jack. When will he be back?"
"I—I cannot say, Colonel Stanton."
"Did you send him away on an errand?"
"I—I did not."
"But he is not here. Tell me, is he—is he missing—shot?"
"He is missing, yes. I do not believe he has been shot."
"It must be more of Dr. Mackey's work," muttered the wounded officer, and then sank down. The conversation had exhausted him utterly, and it was a long while before he spoke again.