We slowly descended the gorge toward the banks of the American River, until we arrived in a small but sequestered thicket, where we threw ourselves upon the ground.  Neither had spoken a word since we left the scene above described.  Graham was the first to break the silence which to me had become oppressive.

“Let us examine the vial and see if the contents are safe.”

I drew it from my pocket and handed it to him.

“Sealed hermetically, and perfectly secure,” he added.  Saying this, he deliberately wrapped it up in a handkerchief and placed it in his bosom.

“What shall we do with our prize?” I inquired.

“Our prize?” As he said this he laughed derisively, and cast a most scornful and threatening glance toward me.

“Yes,” I rejoined firmly; “our prize!”

“Gillson,” retorted Graham, “you must regard me as a consummate simpleton, or yourself a Goliath.  This bottle is mine, and mine only.  It is a great fortune for one, but of less value than a toadstool for two.  I am willing to divide fairly.  This secret would be of no service to a coward.  He would not dare to use it.  Your share of the robbery of the body shall be these MSS.; you can sell them to some poor devil of a printer, and pay yourself for your day’s work.”

Saying this he threw the bundle of MSS. at my feet; but I disdained to touch them.  Observing this, he gathered them up safely and replaced them in his pocket.  “As you are unarmed,” he said, “it would not be safe for you to be seen in this neighborhood during daylight.  We will both spend the night here, and just before morning return to Auburn.  I will accompany you part of the distance.”

With the sangfroid of a perfect desperado, he then stretched himself out in the shadow of a small tree, drank deeply from a whiskey flagon which he produced, and pulling his hat over his eyes, was soon asleep and snoring.  It was a long time before I could believe the evidence of my own senses.  Finally, I approached the ruffian, and placed my hand on his shoulder.  He did not stir a muscle.  I listened; I heard only the deep, slow breathing of profound slumber.  Resolved not to be balked and defrauded by such a scoundrel, I stealthily withdrew the vial from his pocket and sprang to my feet, just in time to hear the click of a revolver behind me.  I was betrayed!  I remember only a flash and an explosion — a deathly sensation, a whirl of the rocks and trees about me, a hideous imprecation from the lips of my murderer, and I fell senseless to the earth.  When I awoke to consciousness it was past midnight.  I looked up at the stars, and recognized Lyra shining full in my face.  That constellation, I knew, passed the meridian at this season of the year after twelve o’clock, and its slow march told me that many weary hours would intervene before daylight.  My right arm was paralyzed, but I put forth my left, and it rested in a pool of my own blood.