It was not by any means a wild supposition. William Smith would not have been the first working man who was gazetted prime minister in the colonies.
Night came on. The day-men were at home enjoying their ease; music was heard in various tents. Their was no moon. At a little before ten o'clock it was dark. No part of Silver Creek township could be seen from the Margaret Range. Exactly at ten o'clock Mr. Hart and William Smith were in the saddle.
They rode slowly. Over one range, over another, along a valley, up another range.
"We shall see the township soon," said William Smith. "What are you stopping for?"
Mr. Hart had reined up suddenly.
"I don't know," replied Mr. Hart; "something in the air. Look yonder; what is that light in the sky?"
A pale red light was coming in the clouds.
"The moon rising," said William Smith.
"There is no moon to-night."
"Ah! no; I forgot."