have looked when you found out it was nothing but common rock."

"How much does it weigh?" inquired Colson, in a tone of curiosity.

"Somewhere between fifty and five hundred pounds. Are you thinking of
attacking the guard? I wouldn't if I were you. They are prepared for
gentlemen of your kind. You'd be more likely to carry off lead than
gold."

"Confound the fellow!" thought Colson. "He looks as if he had the best
of me--I must worry him a little."

"Do you know that you are in a very ticklish position?" he asked.

"I can't say it's a position I fancy much. Did you put our friends here
on the track?"

"Yes, I did," answered Colson in a tone of satisfaction.

"I thought so. That identifies you with them, Colson. You may find it
used against you in a court of justice."

"I am no more a bushranger than you are," said Colson uneasily.

"I would respect you more if you was, Colson. They're open and
aboveboard, anyway. You want to profit by the same means, but sneak out
of it and say you're not a bushranger. It'll be hard to persuade the
courts of that."

"I have nothing to do with courts."

"You may have yet. Let me give you a piece of advice."

"What is it?" demanded Colson suspiciously.

"Join the band permanently. You're a man after Fletcher's own heart. You
and he will make a good match."

"Who is that mentioning my name?" asked Fletcher, who happened to be
within hearing.

"I took that liberty, squire. I've been advisin' Colson here to join
your band."

"What is that for?"

"I think it's a business that will suit him. His talents all lie in that
direction. He'll be like a brother to you, Fletcher."

"What did he say?"

"He don't like the idea. He seems to feel above you. He says he is only
keepin' company with you for a short time."

"Is that true?" demanded Fletcher, eying Colson with displeasure.

"I never said any such thing," said Colson eagerly. "He twists my words.
I have the greatest respect for the bushrangers, whom I regard as
gentlemen."

"Perhaps that is the reason you don't feel gratified to join them,
Colson?"

Fletcher laughed at this palpable hit, but Colson looked annoyed.

"I don't expect to remain in this section of the country long," said
Colson deprecatingly, for he was very much afraid of offending Fletcher.
"Of course I can't form any permanent ties."

"It might be better for you to leave, Colson. I've an idee that it isn't
good for your health to stay around here