lashed
on my face.

"Coming round, sir?" said a familiar voice.

"Yes; he'll be better soon. A terrible experience, Mr Barker."

"Terrible isn't the word for it, sir. I gave up a dozen times or so,
and thought the end had come. Why, it was almost like a horse
galloping. I never saw anything like it."

"Nor wish to see anything like it again," said Mr Raydon.

By this time I was looking round, to find that we were seated by the
stream, where the water came bubbling and splashing down, while far
below us the smoke and flame went up whirling into the sky.

"Better, my lad?" said Mr Raydon.

"Yes, only giddy," I said; and after drinking heartily and washing my
face in the fresh, cool water, I was ready to continue our journey.

CHAPTER FIFTY THREE.

MR. JOHN'S SCRUPLES.

It was a dreary, toilsome climb up the narrow portion of the valley, and
it was quite dark by the time we had reached the spot where we descended
first that morning, and consequently our task grew more risky and
difficult; but there was no shrinking, and following in each other's
steps, we went on over the bare mountain below where the sheep had been
seen, and with no other light than that of the stars, descended into the
narrow gorge which led down into Golden Valley.

Here we of necessity, on reaching Gunson's claim, made a halt to
refresh; but as soon as possible Mr Raydon gave the word "Forward!"
again, and the men stepped out better, for this was all well-known
ground.

Five-minute halts were made twice on the way down, so as to obtain food
at a couple of tents. Then it was on again, and the river was reached
at last, and the steady upward trudge commenced for the Fort.

Mr Raydon did not speak, but I felt that his thoughts must have been
the same as mine, as I wondered what had taken place, and whether he was
right in his belief that the enemy had gone up to the Fort after firing
the forest.

All doubt was cleared when we were about half a mile from our
destination, for there suddenly boomed out on the still night air, to
echo and die rumbling away among the mountains, the heavy report of one
of the small cannon of the block-houses, and this sound sent the men
onward at double speed, for it meant not only that the Fort was
attacked, but that Grey and those with him were making a brave defence.

"Steady, steady!" said Mr Raydon, in a low, stern voice. "We must get
up there ready for a run in. You are out of breath, my lads