out refarin' to any fightin' that's to be done--an', if they're
fools enuf to fight, let 'em--I say that eyther who eventyally gets a
gal, shed pay a considerashin o' gold-dust all roun' to the rest o' us--
at least a pannikin apiece. That's what Jack Striker proposes first."

"It's fair," says Slush.

"Nothing more than our rights," observes Tarry; the Dane and the
Dutchman also endorsing the proposal.

"I agree to it," says Harry Blew.

"I also," adds Davis.

De Lara--late Gomez--signifies his assent by a disdainful nod, but
without saying a word; Hernandez imitating the action. In fear of
losing adherents, neither dares disapprove of it.

"What more have you to say, Jack?" asks Slush, recalling Striker's last
words, which seemed to promise something else.

"Not much. Only thet I think it a pity, after our livin' so long in
harmony thegither, we can't part same way. Weemen's allers been a
bother ever since I've know'd 'em. An', I 'spose, it'll continue so to
the eend o' the chapter, an' the eend o' some lives heer. I repeet,
thet it be a pity we shed hev to wind up wi' a quarrel wheer blood's
bound to be spilt. Now, why, can't it be settled 'ithout thet? I think
I know o' a way."

"What way?"

"Leave it to the ladies theirselves. Gi'e them the chance o' who they'd
like for theer purtectors; same time lettin' 'em know they've got to
choose 'tween one or t'other. Let 'em take theer pick, everybody
unnerstanin' afterwards theer's to be no quarrellin', or fightin'.
That's our law in the Australyin bush, when we've cases o' the kind; an'
every bushranger hez to 'bide by it. Why shedn't it be the same heer?"

"Why shouldn't it?" asks Slush. "It's a good law--just and fair for
all."

"I consent to it," says Blew, with apparent reluctance, as if doubtful
of the result, yet satisfied to submit to the will of the majority. "I
mayn't be neyther so young nor so good-lookin' as Mr Gomez," he adds;
"I know I an't eyther. Still I'll take my chance. If she I lay claim
to pronounces against me, I promise to stand aside, and say ne'er
another word--much less think o' fightin' for her. She can go 'long wi'
him, an' my blessin' wi' both."

"Bravo, Blew! You talk like a good 'un. Don't be afraid; we'll stand
by you!"

This, from several of the outsiders.

"Comrades!" says Davis, "I place myself in your hands. If my girl's
against me, I'm willin' to give her up, same as Blew."

What about the other tw