’We must get these two men over to our camp right away, where we can have better light, and put them into bed until a physician can be summoned.  Think of the horrible situation which would arise if they died!’ He shuddered.  Then he turned to Howard and extended his hand.  His voice shook slightly as he said hurriedly:  ’Old chap, don’t think that I don’t appreciate what you have attempted for us; it was quite the most amazingly splendid thing I ever heard of!  But now, with matters as they stand, there is nothing for us to do but withdraw.  Let them have the mine; it is blood-stained and ill-starred.  I wouldn’t have a thing to do with it if they returned it to me.’

‘But, papa,’ cried Helen hotly, ’just think!  They have stolen it from us, they have tried to murder——­’

‘My dear,’ cut in Longstreet sternly, ’I trust that you will say nothing further about it.  I have made up my mind; I am a man of the world and an older and cooler mind than you.  Leave this to me.’

Howard heard her deep breath, slowly drawn, slowly expelled, and saw her face looking white and tense; he knew that her teeth were set, that her heart was filled with rebellion.  But she made no answer, knowing the futility of mere words to move her father in his present mood.  Instead, she turned away from him and looked out across the gulch along both banks of which the fires were now raging.  Nor did she turn again while Monte and True were placed in the saddles which were to carry them to the camp.

‘A moment, Mr. Longstreet,’ said Howard, as they were starting.  ’Am I to understand that you absolutely refuse to make a fight for your own rights?’

‘In this particular instance, absolutely!’ said Longstreet emphatically.

‘Then,’ pursued Howard, ’I have a suggestion to make.  We are all friends here:  suppose that each one of us stakes out a claim just adjoining the ones you have lost.  Certainly they might have some value.’

But Longstreet shook his head impatiently.

‘I am through with the whole mess,’ he declared, waving his hands.  ’I won’t have a thing to do with it, and I won’t allow Helen to touch it.  Further, the other claims would have no value in my eyes; the spot that has been stolen from me is the only spot in the gulch that I would give a dollar for.  Come on, Helen.’

‘We’ll follow you,’ said Helen quietly.

The others moved away.  John Carr, who had not spoken since his first words, stood hesitatingly looking at the two figures silhouetted against the fire.  Then he too moved away, going with the others and in silence.

‘Tell me about it,’ said Helen.  She dropped down and sat with her chin in her hands, her eyes moody upon the rushing flames.  ’Just what happened.’