lly into mine. I felt that he did glance at
me as if to say--"Your work, Gordon!"

But at that moment the visitor went on speaking--

"I've come up, sir, with my mates, as we agreed to help one another. We
are peaceable people, and we only ask to be let alone; but after last
night's work it must be war. This can't go on."

"No," said Mr Raydon, firmly.

"We're right away here from any settlement, and there might be no law at
all for any help it can give us, so we must be our own judges and jury."

"No," said Mr Raydon, firmly; "not that, but we must be our own
soldiers and police."

"Then you will act with us, sir? You and your people know the country,
and perhaps can lead us to where we can find and surprise them."

"If you all give me your undertaking that there shall be no unnecessary
bloodshed, and that these men shall be merely seized and taken down to
the coast, I will help you to the best of my power."

"Here's my hand upon it," cried Barker. "You're more of a soldier than
I am, so tell us what to do, and the sooner it's done the better."

"Go back then at once, and get all your men together, and I will join
you with all I can spare from the protection of my place."

"How long will you be, sir?"

"Half an hour after you get back. But be quiet, and do not let a hint
reach the enemy of what is afoot."

"You may trust us, sir," said Barker. "Come on back, lads;" and all
looking very stern and serious, the men turned and went steadily off.

"You'll take me, sir?" said Grey, appealingly.

"I wish I could, my man," replied Mr Raydon. "One of us must stay to
take charge here, and my place is with the men to guard against
excesses."

Grey looked disappointed, but he was soldier-like in his obedience to
orders, and without another word he went with us to the block-house,
where four men were selected and duly armed.

All at once Mr Raydon turned, and found me gazing intently at him.

"Well?" he said.

"You will let me go too, sir?" I said.

"No; you are too young to fight. Yes; you shall carry an extra rifle
for me, and my surgical case."

I ran back to where Gunson lay impatiently waiting for news, and told
him.

"Yes," he said, "it is quite right. This must be put down with a strong
hand. Oh, if I had only strength to be one of the party! Mayne Gordon,
I envy you."

Ten minutes later I was saying good-bye to Mrs John, who looked pale
and horrified at the news she had heard, and be