ours."

The fellow made no answer, but winced and groaned with pain as his
shattered limb was set and supported by rough splints.

"This fellow will have to be carried," said Mr Raydon, rising; "he will
not walk again for many months. Now, sir, you."

He bent over the second ruffian and examined his hand, bathed and
bandaged it, and then went to the stream to wash his own.

By this time several more armed men had come up from the lower part of
the stream, and eagerly asked for particulars, while I heard a great
deal, and noted nearly everything, as I sat by Mr Gunson, suffering
agonies, for my arms and legs throbbed with the return of the
circulation.

Mr Raydon had only just finished his task when the chief speaker of the
gold-finders came up with half a dozen more.

"All my mates here, sir," he said, "from down stream ask me to speak,
and say we thank you for what you've done. We want protection, and law,
and order, and for every man to make his pile in peace. We see you've
got half a dozen men with you, and you talk of sending four down the
river with this gang."

"Yes," said Mr Raydon.

"Well, sir, we think we can save you that job. We'll see those chaps
off the premises."

"No violence," said Mr Raydon, sternly.

"Not if they behave themselves, sir, I promise that. For we think, as
there's no knowing who may come next, we should be glad if you'll keep
your men, so that in case of trouble we can appeal to you."

"Very well," said Mr Raydon; "let it be so then."

"Don't trust him," snarled one of the wounded men; "he'll rob you all of
your claims."

"Not he," said the chief speaker.

"No," said Mr Raydon, "and the first step I shall take will be to leave
two of my men in charge of this claim, which has been taken up by the
wounded prospector, Gunson."

"That's right; that's fair," came in chorus, and after a little more
conversation the men moved off with the prisoners, the wounded fellow
being carried on a litter of poles.

"Edwards," said Mr Raydon, "you and another had better stay here with
the Chinaman. Gordon, where is the gold?"

"I have not the least idea, sir."

"Oh, then you, Dean."

"Don't know a bit, sir," said Esau, who was nursing his blistered feet.

"Here, Quong, where has Mr Gunson stored the gold he has found?"

"Me no sabbee, sah. Quong give allee gole Mis Gunson take callee. No
sabbee. Hide allee gole ploply."

"Cut poles and lash them together," said Mr Raydon