Page:Allan Dunn--Dead Man's Gold.djvu/142

128 between his strong fingers he yanked the divided arrow cleanly through. Healy gave one long, shuddering ya-a-ah-ah! and, as the blood spouted, keeled over.

"I'll fix this up best I kin," said Harvey. "You two keep a lookout an' git them guns loaded up. Can't tell what they'll be up to next." He set to work by the firelight to stanch and bandage the arrow wound as Stone and Larkin got ready for the next hostile move.

The surprise element of the attack had failed and the Indians did not seem disposed to repeat the manœuvre. For the time they appeared content to replenish the fire and keep watch. Once or twice either Stone or Larkin tried to peer out but the movement was noted by watchful eyes and a shot responded promptly.

"Nothing to do but sit tight," said Stone.

"Tight hand light," replied Larkin. "I could 'ave et more larst time. Wot's left as my share is a joke. I'll match yer for it. Looks as hif we'd come to the hend of our rope, don't it?" he asked, presently. "Lyman 'ad sense w'en 'e left the stuff halone. His pals got croaked and now we're hup against it for fair. They allus said I'd die wiv my boots on, but not the w'y I'm goin' to."

"They may miss them on the reservation and send the soldiers to round them up," suggested Stone. "No use giving up all hope, Lefty."

"Gawd lumme, I hain't!" answered the Cockney, cheerfully. "'Ere's the w'y I look hat it. If you're