He was running a great risk, and he knew it.
If a diamond was found upon the person of a convict he was instantly shot.
Not even a drum-head court-martial was held upon him.
A squad of soldiers was ordered up with loaded rifles, and in less time than it takes to tell it the unlucky finder of the stone was dead.
Making his way to the shaft, where he knew a guard was always stationed, Jack went to make his report.
"What do you want, my man?" asked the officer of the guard.
"Come to report, sir," replied Jack.
"Well?"
"I worked with convict No. 9, Alfonso by name. Overseer Pedro accused him of shirking his work, and an altercation ensued. Pedro threatened to report him twice. Alfonso attacked him with his pick. A shot was fired; but Pedro was killed."
"Ha!" cried the officer; "an overseer slain?"