ilding,
keeping well in the shade, so that if any one was approaching we could
be informed of the fact, and be prepared to give a warm reception. The
night was very quiet and warm, and the only sounds to be heard were the
humming of the thousands of insects that filled the air, or an
occasional howling of some dog, tied up during the temporary absence of
its owner, or the loud snoring of Steel Spring, who, taking but little
interest in matters that did not concern his stomach or himself, went to
sleep at an early hour in the evening with his head resting on a herring
box, and his long legs on a barrel, and such doleful sounds did he emit
from his nasal organ, that even the horses were kept in a state of
perpetual irritation, and were inclined to refuse their provender.
Occasionally on the heavy night air would come a dull sound, like a
splash of water, which showed that some industrious miners were trying
to keep their claim clear, and for that purpose were bailing out water
day and night.

Twice did we patrol around our store, and yet saw nothing of danger or
any suspicious circumstance. Hour after hour passed away, and we began
to grow dozy from the effect of a hard day's work, and we sat down
within the building, and thought that we would refresh ourselves with a
few whiffs from our pipes; but while filling them, a low growl from
Rover startled us. In an instant I was by the dog's side, and quieted
him with a word, and during all the confusion that ensued that night,
the hound did not disgrace his training.

The sound that had started the dog appeared to us to proceed from a tent
some distance off; but we were not certain in that respect, and listened
attentively. For a few minutes all was quiet, and then we distinctly
heard the cracking of a stick, and then all was still for the space of
five minutes.

We cautiously moved, so that we could observe every portion of the
building, and yet we saw nothing that deserved notice, and we began to
think that our imaginations were running riot, when a repetition of the
cracking sound once more occurred.

"Some one is under the building," whispered Fred.

Our store rested upon two small hillocks, which was an advantage during
the wet season, for the water was all carried off towards the river, and
the constructor of the store had rightly judged that it would flow under
the building, and leave the front part perfectly dry. It was, therefore,
very easy for one or more perso