"No; but then—"
He stopped a moment, as though to collect his thoughts, and pettishly exclaimed,—
"D—— it, you are going in search of the worst gang on the island. Black Darnley is equal to all three of us in a personal encounter."
"But suppose we kept him at bay, and tried the effect of rifle shot?" I asked, holding up a short, heavy, instrument, carrying about twenty-five to a pound.
"The rifle looks like a true one, and I know that you boys can shoot, but suppose that you didn't get the chance?"
"Then we must trust to luck," answered Fred, coolly.
"I'm no great hand at bush-fighting," replied Smith; "but we have joined our fortunes for a trip to the mines, and I'm not the man to desert you at the time of need."
"Then you'll go?" we asked.
"Yes; if I get killed it matters not much."
In half an hour we were ready; each man carried a small knapsack, containing a few cakes of bread and the remains of the kangaroo, while Smith provided himself with a small bottle, the contents of which he kept a profound secret.