l be. Friends,
what shall we do with him?"

"Kill him! String him up!" shouted some.

The Rip-tail Roarer's swarthy face grew pale as he heard these
ominous words. He knew something of the wild, stern justice of those
days. He knew that more than one for an offense like his had
expiated his crime with his life.

"It seems to me," said the leader, "that the man he injured should
fix the penalty. Say you so?"

"Aye, aye!" shouted the miners.

"Will you two," turning to Joe and Bickford, "decide what shall be
done with this man? Shall we string him up?"

The Pike man's nerve gave way.

He flung himself on his knees before Joshua and cried:

"Mercy! mercy! Don't let them hang me!"

Joshua was not hard-hearted. He consulted with Joe and then said:

"I don't want the critter's life. If there was any wild-cats round,
I'd like to see him tackle his weight in 'em, as he says he can. As
there isn't, let him be tied on the old nag he put off on me, with
his head to the horse's tail, supplied with one day's provisions, and
then turned loose!"

This sentence was received with loud applause and laughter.

The horse was still in camp and was at once brought out. The man
from Pike was securely tied on as directed, and then the poor beast
was belabored with whips till he started off at the top of his speed,
which his old owner, on account of his reversed position, was unable
to regulate. He was followed by shouts and jeers from the miners,
who enjoyed this act of retributive justice.

"Mr. Bickford, you are avenged," said Joe,

"So I am, Joe. I'm glad I've got my hoss back; but I can't help
pityin' poor old Rip-tail, after all. I don't believe he ever killed
a wildcat in his life."

CHAPTER XXXII

TAKING ACCOUNT OF STOCK

Three months passed. They were not eventful. The days were spent in
steady and monotonous work; the nights were passed around the
camp-fire, telling and hearing, stories and talking of home. Most of
their companions gambled and drank, but Mr. Bickford and Joe kept
clear of these pitfalls.

"Come, man, drink with me," more than once one of his comrades said
to Joshua.

"No, thank you," said Joshua.

"Why not? Ain't I good enough?" asked the other, half offended.

"You mean I'm puttin' on airs 'cause I won't drink with you? No,
sir-ree. There isn't a man I'd drink with sooner than with you."

"Come up, then, old fellow. What'll you take?"

"I'll take a sandwich,