gan to object to my
going, till Mr John whispered a few words to her, when she turned upon
me a piteous look.

"I am only going as the doctor's assistant," I said, lightly, but I felt
as excited as if I were about to form one of a forlorn hope.

"Ready?" said Mr Raydon, coming to the door. "Get to the men, Gordon.
Good-bye, sister."

"But, Daniel!" she said, clinging to him; "is this necessary?"

"Absolutely," he replied. "John, I look to you to shoulder a rifle, and
help to defend this place. Good-bye."

He shook hands hastily to avoid a painful parting, and strode out with
me, so that I only had time to wave my hand to Mrs John, who was
watching us as we tramped out of the gate--the five men by me looking
stern and determined enough to be more than a match for the enemy, if it
was a case of fair fighting, though that was too much to expect from
such men as these.

Hardly a word was spoken as we descended the valley, keeping close down
to the river-side, till we reached the narrow entrance to the little
gorge, whose stream came bubbling and plashing down into the pool, and
we had not gone above a couple of hundred yards up it, when a stern
voice bade us stand, and we found ourselves face to face with the whole
strength of the mining camp.

"That's right, sir," said Barker; "ready for action. Yes? Then what's
it to be?"

"My plan is very simple," replied Mr Raydon. "I propose going up the
valley with my men to Gunson's claim, where I shall, of course, join the
four stationed there."

"That's right," said Barker. "We asked them to come with us, but they
refused. Well, sir?"

"You and your men will march down to the river, and descend till you are
opposite the little vale where these people are hiding. You will find
it very beautiful and park-like for the first half mile, but as the
glade narrows it grows more dense, till it is filled from side to side
with magnificent pines. You will spread your men out, to guard against
the enemy passing you, and this will grow more and more easy as you go
slowly on."

"I understand; and what are you going to do, sir?" said the man.

"Come over the ridge, and through the forest which separates this valley
from that, so as to get to the head of the little stream. Then we shall
begin to descend, and, I hope, drive the scoundrels into your hands."

Barker gave his rifle-stock a hearty slap.

"Capital!" he cried. "And you can get over there?"

"I know every p