d regarded the t

ou mean?"

ou just dug up," rep

man, weighing probably fifty pounds more than himself. Moreover, he looked desperate and

to be robbed. Left penniless, how could he carry out

t to rob me

right to that money a

ou make t

put it there

fool to believe tha

w you talk," said Burns men

ehood. You are the man, I suppose, who entered o

k," said Burns mendaciously. "But I ha

ed in sight. Next he looked at the tramp, to note if he were armed. To his relief Burns did not app

he money to a thie

rned and ran as f

n execration and pr

ot heeding the direction he was taking. The tramp accepted the chal

boy," he growled. "J

ectly in his path was an excavation of considerable size and depth. Ernest paused on the brink to consider whether to descend the

cried, triumphantly. "

r and heavier than himself. The gold pieces were snatched from him, and the tramp, rel

for it was he whose opportune coming had saved Ernest

him to give up the gold he had just snatch

hen, looking up, he saw the stalwart hunt

y money,"

s liar! Don't tell me tha

just as the boy dug it up. I told him to give it to me,

of the matter, E

ad hidden away. He told me on hi

t it was

n my pocket when this man came alo

ay he hid

eter owed him money

emarked Luke, turning to the tramp. "Which

e!" said the t

ell the boy that Pe

think he would bel

. One thing more--were you the man that broke into

know anythi

t. All the same, I have no

e it he would

o with this fellow? Shall I shoot him?" and Luke Robbins p

fe, Mr. Robbins!" cried t

good. Your life is of

nest, "but tell him to clea

ill, I will do as you say. Hark,

Bur

s. If I spare your life will you leave

swered the tra

r catch sight of you again, I'll shoot wi

great a distance as possible between himself and the tall and stalwart hunter,

him a little

whistling by his head, and with a cry of terror increased his speed till he reached a place

e'd as soon take my life as not. I won'

bbins l

said. "Well, Ernest, where do you

avely. "I am not sure that I have a

re and I'll

tle ridge which wou

sat down

uch money h

dred d

Is that all yo

said nothing abo

for your sake, boy, that I had some to give y

I have health and strength.

have no

ve

't make much of a living. I don't recommend you to follow in my

ust get away from here. There is

you want t

or New York, or I might go West to Californi

heard fine stories of California. I think I should li

on't y

nute! Let

e remained silent for five minutes. The

but his eyes were fixed u

Luke l

you want to go by the railroad, or are you i

o go alone or not. If I go alon

th me?" asked Luke, his face gl

nywhere with

eed. We will st