me.

"Accompanying the strange muffled sound inside the flume every few
moments, there came a different sound, as if something sharp was being
driven into the wood for a hold. Mike figured out that the inside of the
flume had been worn so slippery with the flood of waters and sand or
pebbles passing through it in torrents, that it was necessary to use
steel-pointed staffs and creepers to help anyone in the dangerous ascent.

"As soon as Mike felt convinced that someone was trying a new trick to
gain possession of the mine, he crept back to the camp-fire and told the
men of the sounds inside the flume. They laughed immoderately at Mike,
and declared that he was going mad because of his prohibition since his
employers left him in charge.

"But Mike ordered a few of his most trustworthy miners to guard the cave
in front, while the others were sent over the top of the range to keep
watch at the opposite entrance to the mine. You'll remember, Polly, that
that was the side where the pit cut the cave in half. We bridged that
chasm, you know, and used the short-cut entrance quite often, although
the ore was brought out through Choko's Find.

"Mike then selected several of his brawniest fighters and very quietly
led the way to the opening of the flume where the water-gate was located.
As they could travel faster on the ground than the men creeping up inside
the slippery wooden tube, Mike and his companions reached the water-gate
before they heard the suspicious sounds from within the flume.

"He signalled his men to keep absolutely quiet, and then crept out on the
lintel of the gate and got a firm purchase on the lever. No one dreamed
of his purpose at the moment, and he suddenly seemed to reconsider his
plan, for he crept back again and had just reached the trio of curious
men, when a sigh of relief was distinctly heard from inside the flume.

"Then a whispering was heard, but not understood. In a few moments a
grating sound as if some sharp tool was being used. Mike surmised that
they were trying to break a way through the wooden door by which to get
out.

"Without further delay, then, Mike threw open the lid in the top of the
flume and commanded the trespassers to come forth.

"There was no reply from within, and not a sound was heard after Mike
opened the lid. So he called again: 'Ef yoh no come us wash riber fru dis
pipe.'

"Still no reply or sound was heard, so Mike winked at his companions, and
gave a fictitious