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In the strength of the new-born resolution thus induced by the Spirit of God, he fell on his knees and tried to pray. Then he rose and sat down to think, strangely forgetful of the urgent need there was for flight. Meanwhile Gashford and his men proceeded to question Paul Bevan and his daughter. The party included, among others, Fred Westly, Paddy Flinders, and Crossby.
"Humph! as if I hadn't contented myself with a cold breakfast at any time. Well, it is a good pie. Now about Paul?" "He has gone away with Mr Westly and Flinders to search for Mr Brixton." "What! without me?" exclaimed Tolly, overturning his chair as he started up and pushed his plate from him. "Yes, without you, Tolly; I advised him not to awake you."
It would be interesting, perhaps appalling, to know how many thousands of criminal careers have been begun in this way! "Now, Mister Westly," said Flinders, entering the tent in haste, "what's to be done?
As you see, I am ready for the field, with rifle and wallet, firebag and blanket." "But you are not yet strong enough," said Betty. "Oh! yes, I am stronger than I look. Besides, that will mend every day. I don't intend to say goodbye to Westly or any one, because I hate to have people try to dissuade me from a thing when my mind is made up.
But with God's blessing, all shall yet be well." Comforting himself with the last reflection, and offering up a heartfelt prayer as he pressed on, Fred Westly was soon separated from his friend by many a mile of wilderness. Meanwhile Tom Brixton traversed the land with strides not only of tremendous length, but unusual rapidity. His "infatuation" was not without its appropriate cause.
Surprised, annoyed, and puzzled, Tom Brixton thrust both hands into his trousers pockets, turned round on his heel, and, without uttering a word, sauntered slowly away. Fred Westly, in a bewildered frame of mind, followed his example, and the two friends were soon lost to view swallowed up, as it were, by the Oregon wilderness.
"It seems to me, Paul," remarked Fred Westly, as they halted to take a brief survey of the scene, "that these Indians have found an admirable spot on which to lead a peaceful life, for the region is too high and difficult of access to tempt many gold-hunters, and the approaches to it could be easily defended by a handful of resolute men."
I wish I did know where you have gone!" said Fred, shaking his head sadly as he gazed on the floor, and taking no notice whatever of the threatening action of his visitor. "Look here now, Westly," said Gashford, in a low suppressed voice, shutting the curtain of the tent and drawing a revolver from his pocket, "you know something about this matter, and you know me.
"But how is it to be managed without a clergyman?" asked Fred Westly one evening over the camp fire when supper was being prepared. "Ay, how indeed?" said Tom, with a perplexed look. "Oh, bother the clergy!" cried the irreverent Flinders. "That's just what I'd do if there was one here," responded Tom; "I'd bother him till he married us."
"I have made up my mind to get back from that big thief Gashford what he has stolen from me, for it is certain that he cheated at play, though I could not prove it at the time. It is impossible to get it back by fair means, and I hold it quite allowable to steal from a thief, especially when that which you take is your own." Fred Westly shook his head, but did not reply.
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