Mr Raydon never looked so pleasant in my eyes before as he smiled at his sister, and then laid his hand on Mr John’s shoulder.
“Never, John, never. You annoy me sometimes by being so easy and yielding.”
“Yes, yes,” said Mr John; “but I’m going to turn over a new leaf, and be stern and energetic as you are.”
Mrs John crossed to him and took his hand.
“No,” she said quietly, “you are going to turn over no new leaves, dear. You are best as you always have been. Daniel is wrong; we cannot have all men of the same mould.”
“Do you hear all this, Mayne Gordon?” said Mr Raydon, laughingly; and before I could reply, he said quickly, “Go on now, and take your turn as sentry; I want to think out my plans. Don’t talk about it to the men, but something must be done. A combination must be made to capture these men again, for we shall have no peace or safety till they are cleared away.”
“What are you thinking of doing?” said Mrs John, taking alarm at his words.
“Trying to end the matter peaceably, and without bloodshed.”
Mrs John uttered a sigh of relief, and I went out wondering what would be done, and thinking that if I had my way, I should collect all the miners, join forces, and then send one party to the head of the little vale, and attempt to advance with the others from the bottom by the river, little thinking what difficulties there would be in such a plan.
As soon as I was outside Mr Raydon’s office, I met Grey, who gave me a grim, dry look.