ch.

"To win or to die, didn't you say, my sons?" he cried cheerily.

"Yes, something like that," replied Dallas huskily.

"Well, it means winning, my sons," cried Tregelly, "for we won't die
now."

CHAPTER FORTY ONE.

SHOWING HOW GOOD CAME OUT OF EVIL.

The store of provisions proved on examination to be far greater than had
been anticipated, and it seemed plain enough that their enemy had, while
seeking a place of refuge from which he might carry on his nefarious
career, hit accidentally upon the greatest discovery of gold that had
been made; and after decently disposing of his remains, the three
adventurers began to examine with something approaching breathless awe
the vast treasure that they could claim as theirs.

The first thing to be done, though, was to make use of their axes and
contrive a shelter right in the centre of the patch of dwarf pine, their
plan being to hack out the size of the hut they intended to make in the
dense scrub, saving everything approaching to a straight pole to use for
roofing.

They worked well, for the discovery of the gold and a fair supply of
provisions seemed to send new life into them; and before many hours had
passed they were provided with shelter for themselves and their stores.

Their next step was to mark out and peg what was legally allowed to each
man as discoverer of a new field's claim. And now, in spite of the
lateness of the season and their height up in the mountains, it seemed
as if fate had ceased to persecute them and was ready to help them make
the treasure they had found safely their own.

It was too late to expect to do much before the winter closed in with
its inclement darkness, so the energies of all were devoted to making
the most of the glorious spell of fine weather which now ensued, and
preparing for the winter.

"We've found it; and after it has been lying here ever since the world
began," said Tregelly, "it isn't likely to fly away now, and nobody's
going to take it away from us. First thing is, have we got as much on
our claim as ever we're likely to want?"

"More," said Dallas; "and I propose that one of us goes down to the old
spot to give the news to Norton and our old friends, that they may come
and be the first to take up claims."

"That is what I meant to propose," said Abel.

"Good nails driven in, and I clinch them," said Tregelly. "Only look
here: I always like to do a good turn to a man who means well."

"Of course," s