reek with the
three new men, thought Burrell. No doubt they had deliberately arranged
the whole thing so that the new arrivals could immediately relocate
each of Necia's claims--the pick of all the ground outside Lee's
discovery, and the surest to be valuable--and that Stark would share in
the robbery. He or Runnion, or both of them, had broken Lee's oath of
secrecy even before leaving camp, which accounted for the presence of
these thugs; and now, as he revolved the situation rapidly in his mind,
the soldier looked up at a sudden thought. Poleon had begun to speak,
and from his appearance it seemed possible that he might not cease with
words; moreover, it was further evident that they were all intent on
the excited Frenchman and had no eyes for the Lieutenant. Carefully
slipping around the corner of the cabin, and keeping the house between
him and the others, Burrell broke into a swift run, making the utmost
possible speed for fear they should miss him and guess his purpose, or,
worse yet, finish their discussion and adjourn before he could complete
his task. He was a light man on his feet, and he dodged through the
forest, running more carelessly the farther he went, visiting first the
upper claims, then, making a wide detour of the cabin, he came back to
the initial stake of Necia's lower claim, staggering from his
exertions, his lungs bursting from the strain. He had covered nearly a
mile, but, even so, he laughed grimly as he walked back towards the
cabin, for it was a game worth playing, and he was glad to take a hand
on the side of the trader and the girl. Coming within earshot, he heard
the meeting vote to adjourn. It could not have terminated more
opportunely had he held a stopwatch on it.

From the look of triumph on Runnion's face, the Lieutenant needed no
glance at Gale or Poleon or Necia to know that the will of the majority
had prevailed, and that the girl's importunities had restrained her
advocates from a resort to violence. She looked very forlorn, like a
little child just robbed and deceived, with the shock of its first
great disillusionment still fresh in its eyes.

Runnion addressed the other conspirators loudly.

"Well, boys, there are three good claims open for relocation. I'm sorry
I can't stake one of them."

"They won't lie open long," said one of the undesirable citizens,
starting to turn down-stream while his two companions made for the
opposite direction. But Burrell stopped them.

"Too