ned out so rich in them parts that the folks meant to keep 'em to
themselves. I don't call that square, so we're going down to divvy
with 'em. Big scheme, ain't it?"

Our three friends were astounded. The addition of this gang to New
Constantinople meant nothing less than its moral ruin. It would bring
a peril from the first hour and doubtless precipitate a murderous
conflict with a doubtful issue.

"They are a peculiar people," said Captain Dawson, repressing all
evidence of his anger; "it's a mistake to attribute their prejudice
against immigrants to the richness of the diggings, for though they
have been worked for years, they have not produced much. But they want
no strangers among them, and I know they will not allow you and your
friends to make your homes in their settlement."

Colonel Briggs threw back his head, opened his enormous mouth and
broke into uproarious laughter, most of his companions joining him to
the extent of a broad grin.

"Do you hear that, boys? Won't let us settle among 'em, eh? And there
are nine of us and we hain't had a scrimmage since we left Sacramento,
except with the Injins, which don't count. Stranger, we're yearning to
hear your folks say we shan't jine 'em, 'cause if they try to stop it,
it'll make things lively."

It was not a pleasant recollection of our friends that, since their
departure from New Constantinople, the force left behind would be
hardly a match for this desperate gang of marauders, who no doubt were
as eager for trouble as they professed to be.

"Why not make a settlement of your own?" was the conciliating question
of Parson Brush; "there's plenty of room in this country."

"That would be too peaceable like; it don't suit us; we're looking for
trouble."

"And you'll find it powerful quick," said Wade Ruggles, "if you try to
shove that gang of yours into New Constantinople."

"That's music in our ears; that's what we're hungry for; we're ready
to start an opposition hotel to the Heavenly Bower, too; we've got the
stock to furnish it."

"Wade," said the parson, "keep your temper; we can't afford to quarrel
with these men."

"It wouldn't take much for me to shoot that chap off his mule as he
sets there."

"Leave matters to the captain; it looks as if we shall have a fight,
but it is best to keep cool."

The observant trio had noticed an additional cause for uneasiness.
More than one of the party were surveying the three horses and mule
with admiring eye