"I'm not afraid. He's been hurt. See him limp. I've come too far to back out now. I'm going to get that gold!"
"I'm with you," said the third gambler, whose name was Sim Sanders. "We three are more than a match for them."
On they galloped toward the camp, where Gabe in wonder awaited the arrival of the boys. He saw the men in pursuit, and knew who they were. Hobbling to where he had left his rifle, he secured the weapon.
Into the camp rushed Jed and Will, their tired horses barely able to carry them. After them came the three gamblers.
"What do you want here?" demanded Gabe.
"We want the gold those tenderfeet found, and we're going to have it even if we have to fight!" answered Morton savagely.
"Then you'll have to fight," replied Gabe grimly. "I don't know anything about any gold they have, for we haven't struck any luck yet, but if they have any they're going to keep it, and you know what kind of a man I am, when it comes to a fight."
"Ride 'em down!" exclaimed Haverhill.
Gabe was about to raise his rifle, when an unexpected diversion occurred.
There was heard a sound of galloping. Every one turned to see what it was, and then into the camp rode five horsemen, each one with a pack on the saddle before him, and a rifle in his hand. At the sight of the foremost rider Gabe cried: