“Don’t listen to him. It’s a robbery,” cried one of the big ruffian’s gang. “Fired at us; shot two of our men.”
“Yes; we heard the shots,” said the first gold-finder.
“And I am glad you have come,” said Mr Raydon. “Now then, you boys. Has either of you seen a man here and those two lads before?”
“Seen the man,” said the first speaker; “not the boys.”
“Well, do you know he was working this claim with a Chinaman?”
“Yes,” said another; “I saw the Chinaman only yesterday morning.”
“Last night the Chinaman came to the Fort to tell me they were attacked by a gang of ruffians, and I brought my men over the mountains to come to their help.”
“It’s all a lie,” said the big fellow, in a faint voice.
“Ask the boys, my good fellows,” said Mr Raydon. “Ask them where Mr Gunson is.”
“Lying yonder,” cried Esau, “half dead. They did it.”