“But we have such rights in the Last Chance premises,” Sandy persisted, “and can protect that?”
“Yes, but in this region it would be a poor plan to call in the sheriff, at any rate before we’re attacked; and when the attack comes on I reckon the sight of that knife-handle sticking out of your boot-leg will keep ’em off better than all the sheriffs in the San Juan. By the way, I can find a second bowie for the other boot if you want it!”
“Not this moment, thank’ee. Then as I understand, you mean to let ’em take the Aurora, but you’ll fight for the Last Chance and the cabin, our hearthstone, as it were?”
“Yes, I don’t see what else we can do. It would be difficult to defend both if we tried, and when they get possession of the Aurora I fancy they wont go to any great trouble or risk to wrest this from us. You see they believe it is the Aurora we are working and that there the riches lie. I don’t believe they have a hint of the cross-cut or the real state of things, do you?”
“Not to judge by what I overheard yesterday. But once they get possession of the Aurora entrance, wont they be able to find it all out in a few minutes, and seize on the cross-cut and the new work? Our army is rather sma’ to garrison the mine-chamber and the cabin too; besides, how can we get in or out, if they hauld the entrance? I’m ’fraid, my friend, ye’re biting off mair than your cheeks’ll hold.”
“Not at all. Come with me and I’ll show you how I mean to begin a flank movement on the enemy.”