ledges one on either side of the hot
ground. One will be a shelter, the other a breastwork to fire over if
the scoundrels come back. Besides, the breastwork will keep in the
heat. We are bound to protect ourselves."

"All right," was the reply, in an answering whisper, and the pair
dragged the two sledges into position, and then, allowing for the dank
odour of the quenched wood, found that they had provided themselves with
a snugly warm shelter, adding to their comfort by means of blankets and
a waterproof sheet, which they spread beneath them.

This took time, for every now and then they paused to listen or make a
reconnaissance in search of danger; but at last all was done, and the
question was who should keep the first watch.

"I'll do that," said the last comer. "I couldn't lie down to sleep if I
tried; my throat gives me so much pain. It feels swollen right up.
I'll take the first watch--listen, one ought to say. Why, I can't even
see my hand."

"It is terribly dark here in this gulch," was the whispered reply. "The
mountains run up perpendicularly on either side. But I couldn't sleep
after all I've gone through to-night. My nerves are all on the jar.
I'll watch with you."

"Listen."

"Well, listen, then. Watch with our ears. Can you hear me when I
whisper?"

"Oh, yes."

"But they will not come back, I'm sure."

"So much the better for them; but I hope that the miserable, treacherous
hounds will meet their reward. So they attacked you just in the same
way?"

"Not till I told them I would not stay; and I was sorry afterwards,
feeling that perhaps I had insulted them by my suspicions. Of course, I
did not know their character then."

"No. Well, we know it now. It is a specimen, I suppose, of the scum we
shall find yonder."

"I am afraid so."

"You are going after gold, of course?"

"Who would be here if he were not?"

"Exactly. I hope the game is going to be worth the candle. Suppose we
two stick together. You won't try to choke me the first time you see me
nodding off to sleep for the sake of my sledge and stores?"

"Oh, I'll promise you that."

"It was a startler. I was dog tired."

"Eh?"

"I was dog tired, and dropping off in the warmth of the fire into a
golden dream of being where the nuggets were piled up all around me; and
I was just going to pick up one, when a great snake darted at me and
coiled itself round my throat. Then I was awake, to find it was a real
de