Part 102 (1/2)

”Well?” I said, for the man stopped. ”If they do?”

”I shall be obliged to fire straight,” he said, slowly. ”Men who act like that become wild beasts, and they must be treated similarly.”

I shuddered slightly, as I thought of his skill with the rifle.

”I know what you think,” he said, gravely; ”that it's horrible to shed blood. So it is; but I've got a wife here, and children, and out in a wild place like this, a man has to be his own soldier and policeman, and judge and jury too.”

”It seems very horrible,” I said. ”It is very horrible, my lad, but it's not our doing. If these people will leave us alone, we shall not interfere with them.”

”Of course not,” said Esau. ”Wonder whether I could hit a man.”

”I hope you will not have to try,” said Grey. ”It's what the Governor has been afraid of for years and years.”

I winced again, for it was as if everything I saw or heard tended to accuse me of destroying the peace of the place.

”Wonder whether they'll come here to-night,” said Esau.

”We must be ready for them; but I don't think it's likely,” said Grey.

”They got a good deal of plunder last night, and plenty of provisions.

I should say that they will do nothing now for a few days. They'll wait till they think we are not on the look-out.”

It proved as Grey said, and for the next few days there was no alarm.

Communications had been kept up with the mining camps, and one morning, as I was talking with Mr John about the terribly weak state in which Mr Gunson lay, partaking of the food and medicine administered, but as if still asleep, Mr Raydon came up.

”Gordon,” he said, ”you and Dean have wandered about well, and gone in nearly every direction, have you not?”

”Yes, sir,” I said, wondering what was coming.

”Do you think you could find your way to Gunson's claim?”

”Of course, sir,” I said, smiling.

”I do not mean by the valley,” he said, testily. ”I want some one to go by the short cut over the mountains--the way I came to your relief.”

”I don't know, sir,” I said. ”I have never been there, but I will try.”

”Bravo!” said Mr John. ”Mayne, you're like Pat with the fiddle. He said he would try if he could play.”

”Are you willing to try?” said Mr Raydon.

”With Dean, sir?”

”No; alone. I cannot spare two.”

”Yes,” I said, eagerly; ”I'll go.”

”I do not see what harm could befall you,” said Mr Raydon, musingly.

”The direction is well marked, and the trees are blazed through the bit of forest. Any beasts you came near would skurry off. Yes; I think I will let you go. By the way, you may as well take your rifle and pistol.”