m. "It doesn't need for more
than two to go," he said. "There's no use in making a public show of
ourselves, like a bloomin' pack-train. Two's plenty."

"I'll stop at 'ome," growled Garstang. "It's your faik, Dolphin--you
planned it. Let's see you carry it out."

"I'll go," volunteered William. "Carny can stop behind an' help keep
Garstang's temper sweet." In his hilarity he smacked the sinister-faced
man on the back.

"Keep your hands t' yerself," snarled Garstang, with an oath. "You're
grown too funny, these days--a man'd think you ran the show."

"Lord, what a mug!" Young William grimaced at Garstang's sour face. "But
it'll sweeten up, ole man, when the gold's divided."

"We're wasting time," broke in Dolphin. "We must be getting along. Pack
your swag, William: mine's at The Bushman's Tavern."

"Matilda is ready," exclaimed the youthful member of the gang, picking
up his swag from the floor, and hitching it on to his shoulders. "Gimme
that long-handled shovel, Carny--it'll look honest, though it weighs
half a ton. Well, so-long."

He shook the bad-tempered Garstang, slapped Carnac on the back, and
followed Dolphin from the cottage.

While this ominous meeting was being held, Jake Ruggles might have been
observed to be acting in a most extraordinary manner in the back-garden
of Tresco's shop. In the middle of a patch of ill-nourished cabbages
which struggled for existence amid weeds and rubbish, he had planted a
kitchen chair. On the back of this he had rested a long telescope, which
usually adorned the big glass case which stood against the wall behind
the shop-counter. This formidable instrument he had focussed upon the
pinnacle of a wooded height, which stood conspicuous behind the line of
foot-hills, and, as he peered at the distant mountain-top, he gave vent
to a string of ejaculations, expressive of interest and astonishment.

Upon the top of the wooded mountain a large tree, which he could
distinguish with the naked eye, stood conspicuous; a tree which spread
its branches high above its fellows, and silhouetted its gigantic shape
against the sky-line. Directing his telescope upon this remarkable giant
of the forest, by aid of its powerful lenses he could see, projecting
from the topmost branch, a flag, which upon further observation proved
to be nothing less than the red ensign employed on merchant ships; and
it was this emblem of the mercantile marine which so amazed and
interested the youthful Ruggl