ks from the day when the gorge had been sighted, the permanent
camp was completely established. Furthermore, the work of the gold
"prospect" had been begun under the fierce energy of Abe Dodds, and the
thirst-haunted Saunders. Theirs it was to explore and test the great
foreshore, and to set up the crude machinery.

The first day's report was characteristic of the mining engineer. He
returned to his chief, who was organizing the camp with a view to
eventualities. There was a keen glitter in his hollow eyes as he made
his statement. There was a nervous restraint in his whole manner. He
chewed unmercifully as he made his unconventional statement.

"The whole darn place is full of 'color,'" he said. "Ther' ain't any
sort o' choice anywhere, 'less you set up machinery fer the sake o' the
scenery."

"Then we'll set up the sluices where we can best protect them," was
Kars' prompt order.

So the work proceeded with orderly haste.

Further up the stream the Indians swarmed about their "placers." Their
washings went on uninterruptedly. They, too, were playing a hand, with
doubtless a keen head controlling it. The invasion seemed to trouble
them not one whit. But this steady industry, and aloofness, was ample
warning for the newcomers. It was far more deeply significant than any
prompt display of hostility.

Kars spared neither himself nor his men. Every soul of his outfit knew
they were passing through the moments immediately preceding the battle
which must be fought out. Each laborious day was succeeded by a night
which concealed possible terrors. Each golden sunrise might yield to
the blood-red sunset of merciless war. And the odds were wide against
them, and could only be bridged by determination and skilful
leadership. Great, however, as the odds were, these men were before
all things gold seekers, all of them, white and colored, and they were
ready to face them, they were ready to face anything in the world for
the golden wage they demanded.

It was nearing the end of the first week. The mining operations were
in full swing under the guidance of Abe Dodds and Saunders. Kars and
Bill were left free to regard only the safety of the enterprise, and to
complete the preparations for defence. To this end they were out on an
expedition of investigation.

Their investigations had taken them across the river directly opposite
the camp. The precipitous walls of the gorge at this point were clad
in dar