"Thar's more'n colors here, I kin
see that at a glance, an' when two gold veins meet thar's sure to be
rich diggin'."

CHAPTER IX

THE NIGHT WATCH

As Keith bent over the prostrate man, he noticed how delicate were his
hands, not cramped and hardened like the ordinary prospector's. He
looked upon his face, white and worn, the face of an old man. What
could such a person do in the rigorous north, where only the hardiest
had any chance of existence? He was not asleep, but lying on the cot,
moaning in a pitiful manner. His eyes wandered constantly about the
room, but seemed to notice nothing.

"Miss Radhurst," said Keith. "I find what you surmised is only too
true. Your father's arm is broken. It is not a serious fracture,
however, only one of the bones, which can be quite easily re-set."

When at length the work was completed, Keith stepped back and viewed
his patient.

"There," he said. "I think he will do now. We've done the best we
could."

"Thank you. Oh, thank you," replied Constance. "You are very good."

"That's nothing, Miss Radhurst. I'm so glad I happened to be here to
help your father. Now, you and Pete had better rest a while, as I wish
to remain here for a time."

"Very well, laddie," returned the prospector. "I'll go home now."
Then, turning to Constance, he continued: "Ye kin trust 'im, lassie.
He'll bring yer dad through, if any one kin."

The old man chuckled as he waded through the snow to his own cabin.
"They think I'll rest, do they? Waal, they don't know Pete Martin yit.
Mebbe they'll see afore mornin', though."

"May I watch with you, Mr. Steadman?" Constance asked, when Pete had
gone.

"Do you not need rest, Miss Radhurst? You must be tired after such an
anxious day."

"No, no. I could not rest with my father moaning in that pitiful
manner. He is very dear to me, and I must stay by his side for a while
anyway."

"Connie, Connie," came from the sick man. "The paper, the paper; give
me the paper! Don't let any one have it!"

"Yes, father dear," said Constance, gently stroking his forehead, and
thin gray hair. "The paper is safe; no one shall get it, so do not
worry."

The man, however, did not heed her remarks, but rambled on. "The gold!
the gold! I see the gold! Look, Connie, see how it shines! We'll get
it yet."

"Hush, hush, father dear." Constance's eyes were moist as she listened
to his wandering words, and watched his wan face.

"Oh, Mr