"Hang on to my arms, so's we won't git parted," said Collins as he stepped between the two men whom he was gallantly determined to save from the fury of the mob.
They hurried on through the darkness, the yelling of the crowd gradually dying out behind them.
It seemed to Mr. Willett that they had walked several miles, and he was wondering how their guide could be certain of his way in the inky darkness, for from the time of starting he never hesitated for a moment, when Collins came to a halt and said:
"This is the place. Now foller behind me and be very keerful, for the path is steep and slippery, and if you should chance to lose your footin' you'd shoot into the creek whar the water's forty foot deep 'bout this time."
Bracing themselves they followed Collins down a steep bank till they came to the very edge of the seething torrent, then up along the uneven shore they went for about a hundred yards and turned sharply to the right.
At length they found themselves standing before a rock and wondering what would happen next.
They were not long in doubt, for Collins lit a dark-lantern and its glance of golden light revealed an opening in the rock very much like the entrance to the old abode at Gold Cave Camp.
"This is whar me and Si Brill, my pardner, hold out," said Collins as he led the way into the cave.
The place was somewhat contracted, but it had two beds, a fire-place and cooking appliances, so that space was not a matter of any importance.
"I must thank you, my friend," said Mr. Willett with a great sense of relief, "and I hope to be able to prove to you before long that your kindness and courage have been exercised for innocent men."