stand the gov'nor. He was
always mad against any one coming about here hunting for gold, and yet
somehow he seems to have quite taken to your friend, who talks about
nothing else."

"Yes," I said; "I can't help thinking that he likes Mr Gunson."

"Oh, there's no doubt about it, my lad. We shall have him taking to
gold-hunting himself one of these days."

"Never," I said, decisively, as we reached my post.

"Never's a long day, boy," said Grey, thoughtfully; "but I think you're
right."

CHAPTER FIFTY ONE.

ON ACTIVE SERVICE.

The scouts went out again and again, and though they never saw the
enemy, they always brought back reports that they were still in the
little valley, and trying for gold there.

Mr Barker had been up to the Fort with some of the principal
gold-seekers, and Mr Raydon had been down to the valley, which had
rapidly grown into a busy hive. But days glided by and no plans were
made, while the enemy made not the slightest sign of their presence; and
Mr Raydon said it was a mystery to him how they obtained provisions.

Then, as no more attacks were made at the camp, the excitement gradually
cooled down, and it was decided to leave the men alone so long as they
remained peaceable, or until such time as the Governor of the colony was
in a position to send up a little force to protect people, and ensure
peace in his increasing settlement.

The days glided on and Mr Gunson rapidly began to mend, while I spent
all the time I could at his side--Mr Raydon quietly letting me see that
I was only a visitor there, the companion of the sick man; and it was
regularly settled that as soon as Mr Gunson was quite well again he was
to return to his claim, and I was to go with him; Esau also having,
after quite a verbal battle with his mother, determined to cast in his
lot with ours.

"And I shall be very glad to get away from this life of inaction,"
Gunson said to me one day. "They are all wonderfully kind, and I am
most grateful, but I think Raydon will be pleased to see us gone."

"Yes," I said; "I shall be glad to go."

"You mean it, boy?" he said, smiling.

"Yes; there is nothing I am wanted for, and I feel as if I were an
intruder. It was an unlucky day when we found that gold."

"No," cried Mr Gunson, with fierce energy; "a most fortunate day. You
forget what it is going to do for me and mine."

"Yes; I spoke selfishly," I said, bitterly.

"Bah! don't look back, boy; look forward," he