“The prescription by which I cured you.” Then, turning sharply on me, his face grew hard and stern again.
“Well, Mayne Gordon,” he said, “you have heard the news, of course?”
“I have heard nothing, sir,” I said, eagerly, for it was pleasant to find him make the slightest advance towards the old friendly feeling. But my hopes were dashed the next moment, as I heard his words, and felt that they were intended as a reproach.
“Your friends made a raid on one of the little camps nearest the river last night, and carried off all the gold the party had washed.”
“Was any one hurt?” said Mrs John, excitedly.
“Happily nothing beyond a few blows and bruises,” replied Mr Raydon. “It was a surprise, and the gold-diggers fled for help. When they returned in force the gang had gone. Taken to the forest, I suppose. Get back to your duty, Mayne,” he said; and I hurried away to find Esau deep in conversation with Grey about the last night’s attack.
“Think they’ll come up here?” said Esau.
“Like enough. If they do—”
“Well?” I said, for the man stopped. “If they do?”
“I shall be obliged to fire straight,” he said, slowly. “Men who act like that become wild beasts, and they must be treated similarly.”