“I heard some one coming, and I fired,” replied the boy.
“Did you see any one?”
“I thought I saw a man, but I’m not sure.”
“You’re right! It was a man, and that man is on deck now!” replied a mocking voice, but no one was in sight.
“That’s Dalsett!” cried Nestor. “I know his voice. Come out where I can see you, Dalsett!” went on the miner. “But I s’pose you’re afraid to show your sneakin’ face!”
“It’s healthier where I am,” said Dalsett, “but, just to show you that we have the advantage—how’s that?”
A shot followed his voice, and a twig was clipped from the tree above Nestor’s head. Instinctively, the miner ducked.
“We’ve got you surrounded,” went on Dalsett. “You may have the mine, but we have you, and a heap of good the claim will do you when you can’t file your papers!”
In a rage, Nestor fired in the direction of the voice, aiming high, as he did not wish to seriously wound even an enemy when there seemed to be no need. A mocking laugh followed. At the same time there were several shots from different points surrounding the camp, showing that it was indeed encircled.