It Is Never Too Late to Mend Part 138

brutus, who was wanted at peep of day for the dark scheme already hinted at, got terribly battered by George Fielding, and placarded, and, what was worse, chained to a post, by Robinson and Ede. It became necessary to sound his body and spirit.

One of the gang was sent by Crawley to inquire whether he felt strong enough to go with Black Will on that difficult and dangerous work to-morrow. The question put in a pa.s.sing whisper was answered in a whisper.

"I am as strong as a lion for revenge. Tell them I would not miss to-morrow's work for all the gold in Australia."

The lowering face spoke loud enough if the mouth whispered.

The message was brought back to Black Will and Crawley.

"What energy!" said Crawley, admiringly.

"Ay!" said Black Will, "that is your sort; give me a pal with his skin smarting and his bones aching for the sort of job that wood shall see to-morrow. Have they marked him?" he inquired, with a strange curiosity.

"I am afraid they have; his nose is smashed frightful."

"I am glad of it; now we are brothers and will have blood for blood."

"Your expressions are dreadfully terse," said Crawley, trying to smile, but looking scared instead; "but I don't understand your remark; you were not in the late unsuccessful attack on Mr. Levi, and you escaped most providentially in the night business--the men have not marked you, my good friend."

"Haven't they?" yelled the man, with a tremendous oath--"haven't they?

LOOK HERE!" A glance was enough. Crawley turned wan and shuddered from head to foot.

CHAPTER LXVI.

WE left Robinson and Jem talking at the entrance to the tent.

"Come in," said Robinson. "You will take care of this tent while we are gone."

Jem promised faithfully.

He then asked Robinson to explain to him the dodge of the gut-lines.

Robinson showed him, and how the bells were rung at his head by the thief's foot.

Jem complimented him highly.

Robinson smiled, but the next moment sighed. "They will be too clever for us some of these dark nights--see how nearly they have nicked us again and again!"

"Don't be down on your luck, captain!"

"Jem, what frightens me is the villains getting off so; there they are to try again, and next time the luck will be theirs--it can't be always ours--why should it? Jem, there was a man in my tent last night."

"There is no denying that, captain."

"Well, Jem, I can't get it off my heart that I was to kill that man, or he me. Everything was on my side. I had my gut-lines, and I had a revolver and a cutla.s.s--and I took up the cutla.s.s like a fool; if I had taken up the revolver the man would be dead. I took up the wrong, and that man will be my death. The cards never forgive! I had the odd trick, and didn't take it--I shall lose the game."

"No, ye shan't," cried Jem, hastily. "What if the man got clear for the moment, we will hunt him out for you. You give me his description."

"I couldn't," said Robinson, despondingly. "It was so dark! Here is his pistol, but that is no use. If I had but a clew, ay, ever so slight, I'd follow it up; but no, there is none. Hallo, what is the matter! What is it? what on earth is the man looking at like that?"

"What was you asking for?" stammered Jem. "Wasn't it a clew?"

"Yes."

Robinson got up and came to Jem, who was standing with dilated eyes looking at the ground in the very corner of the tent. He followed the direction of Jem's eyes, and was instantly transfixed with curiosity and rising horror.

"Take it up, Jem," he gasped.

"No, you take it up! it was you who--"

"No--yes! there is George's voice. I wouldn't let him see such a thing for the world. Oh, G.o.d! here is another."

"Another?"

"Yes, in the long gra.s.s! and there is George's voice."

"Come out, Jem. Not a word to George for the world. I want to talk to you. If it hasn't turned me sick! I should make a poor hangman. But it was in self-defense, thank Heaven for that!"

"Where are you going in such a hurry, Tom?" said George.

"Oh, only a little way with Jem."

"Don't be long, it is getting late."

"No, George!"

"Jem, this is an ugly job!"

"An ugly job, no! ---- him, I wish it was his head. Give them me, captain."

"What, will you take charge of them?"

"That I will, captain, and what is more I'll find your enemy out by them, and--when you come back he shall be in custody--waiting your orders. Give them me."

"Yes, take them. Oh, but I am glad to be rid of them. What a ghastly look they have."

"I don't care for their looks. I am right glad to see them--they are a clew and no mistake. Keep dark to-night. Don't tell this to Ede--he is a good fellow but chatters too much--let me work it out. I'll find the late owner double quick," said Jem, with a somewhat brutal laugh.

"Your orders about the prisoners, captain?" cried Ede, coming up.

Robinson reflected.

"Turn them all loose--but one."

"And what shall I do with him?"

"Hum! Put a post up in your own tent."