If they could do this, and rush in, securing possession of the claim, they would, under the mining laws, provided that Noddy had filed the claim, be masters of the situation. But something was about to happen.
The sheriff was watching Stoneham like a cat. The gambler and his friends were unaware how close they were to danger, and continued to fire above the heads of the party at the shaft.
From their point of vantage the sheriff, his deputies and Jerry watched what was going on below them. They saw Nestor, Broswick and the others waver, for the firing was hot, and they did not know it was a harmless one.
“Come on!” yelled Stoneham, suddenly. “We’ve got ’em! Come on, an’ take the mine!”
The gambler leaped to his feet, flourishing his revolver. Pender, Berry and Dalsett prepared to follow him.
“No, you don’t!” cried the sheriff.
The officer leaped forward, over the bluff, and shot downward. Full and true he fell, right on the back of Stoneham, bearing him to the earth.
“I say! What’s this? Oh, let me up!” yelled the gambler.
“Not until I’ve fixed you so’s you can’t do any damage!” exclaimed the officer, drawing out a pair of handcuffs and fastening them on Stoneham.
The gambler struggled hard for a few seconds. Then, finding it was of no avail, he lay quietly at the sheriff’s feet.