He had set Redburn down as a faint-hearted, dubious-couraged
counter-jumper from the East; he saw now that there was something of
him, after all.

"Come on, young man!" and the young miner stepped forward a pace; "are
you with me?"

"To the ears!" replied Harris, grimly.

The next instant the twain leaped forward and broke the barrier, and
mid the crack of pistol-shots and shouts of rage, they cleared the
saloon. Once outside, Ned Harris led the way.

"Come along!" he said, dodging along the shadowy side of the street;
"we'll have to scratch gravel, for them up-range 'toughs' will follow
us, I reckon. They're a game gang, and 'hain't the most desirable kind
of enemies one could wish for. I'll take you over to my coop, and you
can lay low there until this jamboree blows over. You'll have to
promise me one thing, however, ere I can admit you as a member of my
household."

"Certainly. What is it?" and Harry Redburn redoubled his efforts in
order to keep alongside his swift-footed guide.

"Promise me that you will divulge nothing, no matter what you may see
or hear. Also that, should you fall in love with one who is a member
of my family, you will forbear and not speak of love to her."

"It is a woman, then?"