“Yes; they generally send somebody,” I said, thoughtfully.
“Do you know why?” whispered Esau.
I glanced at him, but did not answer.
“It’s because the chief’s afraid we shall go up yonder trying for gold.”
“And he does not trust us,” I said to myself, as I felt that Esau must be right; and the uncomfortable feeling of being suspected seemed to increase.
I was thinking about this a good deal, and had made up my mind to ask Mr Raydon if he thought I could be so dishonourable, when we neared the Fort, and I was startled back from my musings which were carrying me on through the interior, when Esau uttered a cheery hail.
“What’s the matter?” I said.
“Can’t you see? Look!” he cried.
“Gunson!” I exclaimed; and sure enough there he was, coming slowly towards us, looking very old and careworn, and as if he had gone through a great deal of trouble since we parted in the autumn.
“Why, my lad,” he cried, shaking hands with me warmly, “you look quite thin and white. Been ill?”