There was a gradual rise toward the creek and we were obliged to cling to the bushes in making our ascent. Suddenly, as I paused for breath, Gillespie grasped my arm.
"For God's sake, stop! This is no affair of yours. On my honor there's nothing that affects you here."
"I will see whether there is or not!" I exclaimed, throwing him off, but he kept close beside me.
We gained the trail that ran along the creek, and I paused to listen.
"Where's your launch?"
"Find it," he replied succinctly.
I had my bearings pretty well, and set off toward the lake, Gillespie trudging behind in the narrow path. When we had gone about twenty yards a lantern glimmered below and I heard voices raised in excited colloquy. Gillespie started forward at a run.
"Keep back! This is my affair!"
"I'm making it mine," I replied, and flung in ahead of him.
I ran forward rapidly, the voices growing louder, and soon heard men stumbling and falling about in conflict. A woman's voice now rose in a sharp cry: