“On your word of honour as a gentleman’s son?”
“On my word of honour as a gentleman’s son, sir,” I said, proudly.
“That will do,” he said, releasing my hand, and smiling at me warmly. “I like that, Mayne, better than any oaths. Now, Esau Dean, what have you to say?”
“Oh, I don’t like it at all, sir,” said Esau, bluntly; “but him and me’s been mates all through, and I won’t go back from anything he says. But it is disappointing, now ain’t it?”
“It seems so to you, my lad,” said Mr Raydon, kindly; “but give me your promise, and it may prove of more value to you than your share of the gold. You see I give up my claim, and mine would be a big one if I liked to exercise it, I dare say.”
“Am I to promise, Mr Gordon, sir?” said Esau.
“Yes, just as I have.”
“All right, I promise too.”
“I look to you both to keep your words.”
“I shan’t tell nobody unless he does,” said Esau, gruffly, as he stood the rifle against a stone.