The old man, who was lying on his back on the floor, tried to get up, but he was too weak, and his unfeeling nephew laughed at his efforts.
"Will no one help me?" he again asked, in piteous accents.
"I guess not," said Ralph; but as he spoke the outer door opened, and Gerald Lane appeared.
Scarcely noticing who it was, but knowing that some one had entered the room, the old man again called for assistance.
Ralph Nixon was at first alarmed when he heard the door open, but on seeing Gerald his boldness returned.
"It's only a kid?" he exclaimed, contemptuously.
"What are you doing there?" demanded Gerald, with spirit.
"None of your business, boy. You'd better clear out!"
"He is robbing me!" complained the old man.
"I am his nephew. Part of the gold is mine."