but at any moment we might at a turn of the shovel lay them
bare weighing ounces or even pounds."

"Pigs might fly," said Abel.

"Bah! Where's your pluck? Work away."

"Oh, yes, I'll work," said Abel; "but with the dreary winter coming on
one can't help feeling a bit depressed. I say, I'm very glad we never
sent a message to old Tregelly and his mates to come and join us."

"Well, it would have turned out rather crusty," said Dallas, who was
shovelling gravel into the cradle, while Abel stood over his ankle in
the stream, rocking away and stopping from time to time to pick out some
tiny speck of gold.

"We shall never make our fortunes at this," he said.

"Bah! Don't be in a hurry. At all events, we are in safety. No fear
of dangerous visitors, and--Here, quick--the hut--your rifle, man!
Run!"

Abel sprang to the shore, to be seized by the arm, and they ran for
their weapons and shelter.

None too soon, for a big burly figure had come into sight from among the
pines, stopped short, and brought down his rifle, as he stood shading
his eyes and scanning the retreating pair.

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE.

TREGELLY SEEKS HIS SONS.

"Ahoy, there! What cheer, O!" rang out in a big bluff voice familiar to
both.

"Oh, I say, what curs we are!" cried Dallas. "It's old Tregelly."

"Yes; don't let him know we were scared."

Vain advice. The big Cornishman shouldered his rifle, bent forward, and
dragged a sledge into sight, broke into a trot, and they met half-way.

"Hullo, my sons! Did you take me for an Injun?" cried Tregelly.

"We took you for that big, red-bearded ruffian," said Dallas huskily, as
he shook hands.

"Thankye, my son; on'y don't do it again. I don't like the compliment.
But how are you?--how are you?"

"Oh, middling. We were just thinking about you."

"Were you, my sons?" cried the big Cornishman, smiling all over his
broad face. "That's right. Well, I was thinking about you, and
wondering whether I should find you, and here you are first go."

"But how did you find us?" cried Dallas, after shaking hands warmly.

"Went back to Yukon Town a fortni't ago, and the chap there at the hotel
told me you were still up here, for one of you came down now and then to
buy stores."

"Did you see the judge?"

"Oh, yes, he's there still."

"Made his pile?"

"No-o-o! Done pretty tidy, I believe."

"And what about Redbeard and Company? Heard anything of that firm?"

"Yes; heard that th