bravest, and the handsomest lad that had ever lived. Dick's claims to
beauty were perhaps a little dubious, but it must be admitted that local
opinion, as expressed in local gossip a thousand times a day, went far to
justify Mrs. Haddon's judgment on all the above points.

Dick escaped immediately after dinner, and went straight to Shine's
house. Fortunately the troopers, in response to information received,
were searching a worked-out alluvial flat about a mile off, and Downy was
pursuing a delusive clue as far as Cow Flat, so his visit excited no
particular attention.

The appearance Chris presented when she admitted him shocked the boy, and
stirred his heart with tenderest pity. Her eyes were deep-set in dark
shadows, her cheeks sunken, and there was a peculiar drawn expression
about her mouth. She who had always been a miracle of neatness was
negligently dressed, and her beautiful hair hung in pathetic disorder.
She seated herself and drew Dick to her side.

'Dick,' she said, 'I am in great trouble.'

'Yes,' he answered, 'I know--I'm sorry.'

'And you are my only friend.'

'No fear, Harry Hardy'd do anythin' for you.'

'He cannot, Dick; it is impossible. He is generous and noble, but he
cannot help me. Dick,' she drew him closer to her side, and held his hand
in hers, 'tell me why you would not speak about the gold-stealers and
that crime below. Was it because of me--because you wanted to spare me?'