of any one against the
others.

"Shall we separate, Jake, or shall we go together?" asked Ben.

"I think we had better stick together, Ben. Otherwise, if one succeeds
he won't have any way of letting the other know."

"That's true."

"Besides, we may need each other's help," added Bradley.

"You mean in case Ki Sing has met with an accident?"

"Well, no; I don't exactly mean that, Ben."

"Perhaps," said Ben, laughing, "you think two pairs of eyes better than
one."

"That's true, Ben; but you haven't caught my idea."

"Then, suppose you catch it for me and give me the benefit of it."

"I think," said Bradley, not smiling at this sally of Ben's, "that our
Chinese friend has fallen in with some rough fellows who have done him
harm."

"I hope not," said Ben, sobered by this suggestion.

"So do I. Ki Sing is a good fellow, if he is a heathen, and I'd like to
scalp the man that ill-treats him."

"There are not many travellers among these mountains."

"No, but there are some. Some men are always pulling up stakes and
looking for better claims. Besides, we are here, and why shouldn't
others come here as well?"

"That is so."

"I think, Ben, we'll keep along in this direction," said Bradley,
indicating a path on the eastern slope of the hill. "I haven't any
particular reason for it, but I've got a sort of idea that this is the
right way."

"All right, Jake; I will be guided by you. I hope you're mistaken about
Ki Sing's fate. Why couldn't he have fallen and sprained his ankle, like
Mr. Dewey?"

"Of course he could, but it isn't likely he has."

"Why not?"

"Because Chinamen, I have always noticed, are cautious and supple. They
are some like cats; they fall on their feet. They are not rash like
white men, but know better how to take care of their lives and limbs.
That's why I don't think Ki Sing has tumbled down or hurt himself in any
way."

"Of course he wouldn't leave us without notice," said Ben, musingly.

"Certainly not: that isn't Ki Sing's way. He's faithful to Dick Dewey,
and won't leave him as long as Dick is laid up. I never had much idea of
Chinamen before, and I don't know as I have now, but Ki Sing is a good
fellow, whatever you may say of his countrymen. They're not all honest.
I was once robbed by a Chinaman, but I'll bet something on Ki Sing. He
might have robbed Dick when he was helpless and dependent, before we
came along, but he didn't do it. There are plenty of white men you
coul