executions that occasionally took place. Some such work was going
forward when our travellers rode up, for the area in front of the hotel
was covered with a large concourse of miners.

"I suspect they are about to try the poor wretches who attacked us last
night," said Ned, dismounting at the door of the house.

He had scarcely spoken, when a couple of men ran towards them.

"Here you are, strangers," they cried, "come along and bear witness
agin' them blackguards; they're just about to be strung up. We'll look
after your horses."

The duty was a disagreeable one, but it could not be avoided, so Ned and
Tom suffered themselves to be led into the centre of the ring where the
three culprits were standing already pinioned, and with the ropes round
their necks. For a short time silence was obtained while Ned stated the
circumstances of the robbery, and also the facts regarding the murder of
which Black Jim had been previously found guilty. Then there was a
general shout of "String 'em up!" "Up wi' the varmints!" and such
phrases; but a short respite was granted in consequence of Black Jim
expressing a desire to speak with Ned Sinton.

"What have you to say to me?" inquired Ned, in a low tone, as he walked
close up to the wretched man, who, although his minutes on earth were
numbered, looked as if he were absolutely indifferent to his fate.

"I've only to say," answered the culprit, sternly, "that of all the
people I leaves behind me in this world there's but one I wish I hadn't
bin bad to, and that's Kate Morgan. You know something of her, though
you've never seen her--I know that. Tell her I--no, tell her she'll
find the gold I robbed her of at the foot o' the pine-tree behind the
tent she's livin' in jist now. An' tell her that her little sister's
not dead, though she don't believe me. I took the child to--"

"Come, come, ha' done wi' yer whisperin'," cried several of the
bystanders, who were becoming impatient of delay.

"Have patience," said Ned, raising his hand. "The man is telling me
something of importance."

"I've done," growled Black Jim, scowling on the crowd with a look of
hate; "I wish I hadn't said so much."

The rope was tightened as he spoke, and Ned, turning abruptly on his
heel, hurried away with his friend from the spot just as the three
robbers were run up and suspended from the branch of the tree, beneath
and around which the crowd stood.

Entering the inn, and seating themselves