Gunson’s Decision.
“Sit fast,” said Gunson, “both of you. Don’t make any sign, and leave me to speak. But mind, if I say ‘Tent,’ run both of you to the tent, and seize your weapons ready to do what I say.”
I gave him a nod, and sat with beating heart watching the moving figure, which directly after caught sight of us.
“Hullo!” he said; “some one here?” Then turning, “Look sharp, some of you.”
Both Gunson and I had recognised the man as Quong’s principal assailant, and I glanced sharply toward the Chinaman, to catch sight of the soles of his shoes as he crept rapidly in amongst the trees, a pretty evident sign that he too had recognised his enemy.
“Nice evening, mate,” said the big fellow, advancing, as Gunson sat by me, coolly filling his pipe. “Ah, I just want a light.”
He came closer, looking sharply round, while we could hear the trampling and breaking of the fir-boughs, as others were evidently close at hand.
Gunson drew a burning stick from the fire, and offered it to the man, who took it, and said quietly, as he lit his own pipe—
“Camping here for the night, mate?”
“Yes: camping here.”