I say, 'Now,' pull quick and all together. I won't be long."

And big chips flew in undiminished quantity, while a commendatory murmur
ran along both lines of men, and Whitey, the chief, knelt with his lips
to one of the chinks of the hut, and assured old Miller that he was
perfectly safe.

"Now!" shrieked the captain, suddenly.

In his excitement, he stepped toward the top instead of the root of the
tree; in an instant the top of the tree was snatched from the hut, but
it tossed the unfortunate captain into the air as easily as a sling
tosses a stone.

Every one rushed to the spot where he had fallen. They found him
senseless, and carried him to the saloon, where the candles were already
lighted. One of the miners, who had been a doctor, promptly examined his
bruises, and exclaimed:

"He's two or three broken ribs, that's all. It's a wonder he didn't
break every bone in his body. He'll be around all right inside of a
month."

"Gentlemen," said Whitey, "I resign. All in favor of the cap'en will
please say 'I.'"

"I," replied every one.

"I don't put the noes," continued Whitey, "because I'm a peaceable man,
and don't want to hev to kick any man mean enough to vote no. Cap'en,