Jerry took up his vigil. To keep himself awake he walked back and forth out of range of the light from the camp-fire. Once or twice he thought he heard sounds as of some one approaching, and he nerved himself for a struggle.
But each time it proved to be only timid foxes that, with startled eyes, came to see who had invaded their woods and glens.
Just as dawn was about to herald itself by a pale light in the east, Jerry heard a sound as of some heavy body coming through the underbrush. He was on the alert in a moment. Peering forward, he saw the dim outlines of a man approaching between the trees. The next instant Jerry fired in the air, and called out:
“Who goes there?”
The reply was a volley of shots.
[CHAPTER XXVII.]
BESIEGED AT THE MINE.
In an instant every one at the gold camp was on his feet. Broswick reached for his ever-ready rifle and Nestor had his revolvers out in a jiffy.
“What is it?” called the miner to Jerry.