the circumstances, and the most vulnerable point was virtually left
unguarded.

When night came the lawless party built several fires between the slope
and the shaft, very much as if they wished to show that they were on
guard, and Donovan motioned to Fred as he walked a few paces down the
drift.

"I didn't want the others to hear what I said, for it's just as well
they shouldn't know what a scrape we're in. If you can get to the store,
tell Mr. Wright that he mustn't wait for the soldiers; there's no
question but Bill Thomas' party have got their hands full keepin' back
them as come in by the shaft, and it can't be long before we'll be
snowed under. It's about twenty to one now, an' in case of a rush the
matter would be settled mighty quick."

"If I can leave the mouth of the slope without being seen there'll be no
trouble."

"Half a dozen of us will go out a short bit, an' you shall follow on
behind. There ought to be a chance of slippin' off, an' if there isn't
we'll have to give it up, for I'm not willin' you should take too big
risks."

Fred threw off his coat and vest that he might be in good condition for
running, and then as the men marched out of the slope he crouched in the
rear.

The rioters made no demonstration; but stood ready to repel an attack,
watching closely all the maneuvers, and Donovan whispered to the boy:

"It won't do to try it, lad. They are scattered around in such a way
that you couldn't get a dozen yards before bein' seen."

"I'm going to try it."

"Don't, lad, don't," several said quickly, and, fearing he might be
forcibly detained, Fred started.

He went straight back from the slope, bending low in the vain hope of
escaping observation, and having gained a distance of an hundred feet
set off at full speed, forced to run in a half circle to reach the road.

To those who were watching it seemed as if hardly a second elapsed
before a great shout went up from the rioters.

"The sneaks are sendin' for help!"

"Stop that boy!"

"Don't let him get away!"

These and a dozen other orders were given at the same time, and those
rioters who were nearest Fred began the pursuit.

"He'll never reach the store," Donovan said sadly, as he led the way
back to the slope when Fred was swallowed up by the darkness. "Even if
these fellows don't overtake him there are plenty between here and there
who'll hear the alarm."

CHAPTER IX

JOE BRACE

During the first five minutes a