imself, into
whose black heart they shot more virtue and honesty than ever were
implanted by the hundreds of thousands who died like sheep.

Civilized man must maintain himself, else the world will relapse into
barbarism. To perish with the sword in defense of home and friends may
be a sacred duty. If I have any quarrel with the Californians it is not
with their courage and daring. These were exemplary. And if it is right
to defend one's life, it is right to defend one's property, by means of
which life is supported.

But the dead men sleep soundly there on the hill, unmindful of praise or
blame, and old man Palmer, himself in a pauper's grave by the Middle
Yuba, robbed in his turn, and by a trusted friend, tells no tales, for
he sleeps serenely.

CHAPTER X

The Travels of John Keeler

John Keeler had found his friend the sheriff at the Citizens' Bank,
putting up money on a bet that Cummins' murderers would not be caught
within a year. Sheriff Carter was dealing in futures, as it were.
Nothing would have pleased him better than to lay hands on those
highwaymen; but,--thoroughly discouraged at the outlook,--like a true
sportsman he enjoyed the humor of betting against himself in the vague
hope that such action might lead to something. He was more than pleased
to see Keeler, whose mysterious air clearly indicated that something was
up. They walked immediately to the court-house, and were soon closeted
together.

"Now look here, Keeler, if you're going to play detective, you don't
want to hang out a sign, 'John Keeler, Detective.' There's blood in your
eye. Any crook could spot you a block away."

Keeler laughed, and looked rather sheepish.

"Well," he said, "there's no harm done, I reckon. Those fellows are
probably a thousand miles from here by this time."

"What makes you think so?" asked Carter. "They may be right here in
Nevada City. Some of those fellows can throw a perfect bluff on a pair
of two-spots."

"Well, Carter, I thank you for your suggestion. After this, I'll be
careful. That is, I'll appear to be careless. I haven't any inkling as
to where those thugs are, and I've come to you to get some points."

"I don't blame you a bit, Keeler, for wanting to look into this affair.
Cummins was your partner once; and a better man never lived in Nevada
County. I hope to God I can string up the men who killed him. Just step
in here."

In an ante-room Carter had set up two straw men dressed in the d