on, with the charred wood cracking under our feet, and
the only thing that redeemed the burned region being the beautiful
stream which rushed and leaped and sparkled, just as it had been wont
before the fire scorched the whole place into a desert.

"Why, it'll take hundreds of years for the trees to grow up again, if
they ever do, for it strikes me the fire's spoiled even the ground."

"It may," I said sadly.

"Well, it's too hot to go on any further," said Esau. "Let's go back.
Ugh! see how black we're getting. I say, look! I can't see a single
green thing. Everything's burnt!"

"Yes," I said; "and this was to have been our home."

"What!" cried Esau, giving such a start that he raised a little puff of
black dust.

"This valley, with its pleasant meadows and the park-like entrance, was
to have been our home. Mr Raydon had chosen it for Mr and Mrs John."

"Well," cried Esau; "then it is too bad. It was bad enough before for
such a glorious place to be burned up; but as it was to have been ours--
Oh, I hope they'll transport those fellows for life."

We tramped back, having seen enough of the desolation to make our hearts
ache, and stayed for a couple of hours in the lower part catching trout
to take back with us before starting homeward, and passing two parties
of gold-diggers from the coast on their way to the Golden Valley.

They asked us eagerly to direct them, and I showed them the way with a
curious feeling of dissatisfaction.

But that was of little use, for if I had not pointed out the way some
one else would, for the news had spread far and wide, and the
gold-washing was going on more vigorously every day. Crowds of people
were flocking up the valleys, some to gain fortunes, but the greater
part nothing but ill-health and disappointment.

The constant accessions of strangers made it the more difficult for
Gunson's claim to be held; but, in spite of all opposition and
complaint, this was done, the four men, or others in their place, being
always kept on guard.

At last came the day when, in spite of Mr Raydon's advice to stay
longer, Gunson declared himself quite strong and well.

"I am anxious to get back," he said, "and the more so that I am keeping
your men there."

"I have not complained," said Mr Raydon.

"No; and you puzzle me," replied Gunson. "I should have thought you
would have tried all you could to keep me back."

"Why should I? What difference does one make?"

"Then one