g Drysdale, Andrews came to me to report. I had arranged with
Mr. McGregor, to pay a visit to the creek that night, to search the spot
which had been visited so often by Drysdale. I therefore sent Andrews
back to offer to remain with Drysdale during the night. This arrangement
pleased Drysdale very much, and he was quite touched by Andrews'
kindness. I also instructed Green to watch Drysdale's house, so as to be
ready to appear before Drysdale, in case the latter left his house. He
was to cross and re-cross Drysdale's path, until Drysdale should take
notice of him, while Andrews was to be at hand immediately, pretending
that he had fallen asleep during his watch, and on waking up suddenly
and finding Drysdale gone, had come out in search of him.

I told Mr. Bannatine and Mr. McGregor, to bring a wheelbarrow, pick-axe,
and large shovel with them, since we should probably need the two latter
to dig up the gold, while the wheelbarrow would be handy to carry it
home. Everything was provided for in advance, and I felt confident of
the success of our expedition.

_CHAPTER IX._

The night was clear and bright, and everything was favorable for our
work. At twelve o'clock, we met as previously agreed, and hastened to
the banks of Rocky Creek, at the spot which Green had pointed out to me
that day. On reaching the designated place, I threw off my coat and
waded into the creek. I soon found a large flat stone, which I removed
to one side. I was just beginning to dig under it, when Green hurried up
and told me that Drysdale had left the house, and that he was only a
short distance behind. We quickly hid ourselves in the underbrush, and
in a few moments Drysdale appeared. Green passed him back and forth,
several times, but Drysdale paid no attention to him whatever. Suddenly
the thought flashed upon me, that he was walking in his sleep, and I
soon saw that such was the case. All of his midnight promenades were now
accounted for, and it was not strange that he had not noticed Green. So
great was the man's anxiety and nervous dread of discovery, that he
could not rest in quiet, and he was forced to visit the spot where his
blood-stained treasure was concealed, even in his hours of repose.

He now waded into the creek, as before, but he remained a much longer
time than usual, as he was unable to find the large flat stone in its
accustomed spot. Finally, he discovered where I had thrown it, and he
immediately replaced it in t